Walking nicely on a lead and coming back when called are two of the most important skills your puppy will learn. A well-trained recall keeps your puppy safe, while loose lead walking makes walks enjoyable for both of you. This week, we’ll cover how to start training these behaviours positively and effectively.
Starting Loose Lead Walking Indoors
Before heading outside, practise lead walking indoors or in a quiet garden to help your puppy focus without distractions.
🎯 How to Teach It:
Choose a Side: Decide whether you want your puppy to walk on your left or right and stick to it.
Introduce the Lead: Let your puppy wear the lead around the house to get used to it.
Reward for Staying Close: Hold a treat near your leg and take a few steps forward. When your puppy follows without pulling, say “yes!” and reward.
Practise Short Sessions: Keep sessions fun and short—just a few minutes at a time.
🚫 Common Mistakes:
Letting them pull and then following—this teaches them that pulling gets them where they want to go.
Holding the lead too tight—keep a slight slack to avoid tension.
📝 Tip: If your puppy pulls, stop moving. Wait until they return to you, reward, and continue walking.
First Steps Outside on the Lead
Once your puppy understands walking nicely indoors, take the skills outside where there are more distractions.
🎯 How to Practise:
Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions.
Keep rewards high-value (chicken, cheese) to keep their focus on you.
Reward frequently when they walk nicely next to you.
If they start pulling, stop walking. Only move forward when the lead is loose.
🐾 Games to Encourage Loose Lead Walking:
🎾 “Find It” Game – Drop treats near your feet to encourage your puppy to stay close.
🐾 Change Direction – Randomly change direction when your puppy pulls to keep them focused on you.
📝 Tip: Walk at your pace, not your puppy’s! If they rush ahead, stop or turn to refocus them.
Introducing Recall with a Long Line
Recall (coming back when called) is one of the most life-saving skills your dog will learn. Start training this on a long line (5-10m) to give them freedom while keeping them safe.
🎯 How to Teach Recall:
Start Close: In a quiet space, call your puppy in an exciting voice (“Puppy, come!”).
Make Yourself Fun: Clap your hands, crouch down, or move away to encourage them.
Reward Big: When they come to you, give a jackpot reward (several treats + praise + play).
Add Distance: Once your puppy reliably comes from short distances, gradually increase the space using a long line.
🚫 What NOT to Do:
Never call your puppy for something negative (e.g., ending playtime, bath time, leaving the park).
Avoid chasing them—this turns recall into a game of "catch me if you can."
Don’t use a harsh tone—recall should always be positive.
📝 Tip: Call your puppy randomly throughout the day, reward them, then let them go back to what they were doing. This stops them associating recall with “the fun ending.”
How to Make Coming Back to You Exciting
If your puppy thinks you’re boring, they won’t want to come back! Here’s how to keep recall fun and rewarding:
🎾 Use Play as a Reward – Throw a toy or have a quick game of tug when they return.
🍖 Jackpot Treats – Always give the best treats for recall (chicken, sausage, cheese).
🚀 Be Unpredictable – Call, reward, then run away playfully so they chase you.
🐕 Practise in Different Places – Gradually introduce busier environments with more distractions.
📝 Tip: If your puppy ignores your recall cue, don’t keep repeating it. Instead, go closer, use an exciting voice, or show a treat to regain their attention.
What’s Next?
This week, you’ve started loose lead walking and recall basics.
In Week 7, we’ll focus on preventing problem behaviours like jumping up, mouthing, and chewing!
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