NEWS
Walking Puppy On Leash: How To Train Your Puppy Effectively
NEWS
Walking Puppy On Leash: How To Train Your Puppy Effectively

Walking Puppy On Leash: How To Train Your Puppy Effectively
Teaching your puppy to walk calmly at your side transforms every outing—from quick trips to the corner shop to weekend strolls through your local park—into a safe, enjoyable experience for both of you. A well‑trained pup is less likely to dart into traffic, chase passers‑by or pick up unwanted habits, and gains confidence as they explore the world on a loose lead.
Here in Queensland, there’s more at stake than good manners. The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 requires every dog to be under “effective control” in public—whether that means holding a lead, tethering securely or relying on voice commands in designated off‑leash areas. Fines start at $806 on the spot, and more serious breaches can attract penalties of up to $112,910 or even imprisonment. Proper leash training helps you meet your legal obligations, keeps your puppy safe and spares you from hefty fines.
This guide will walk you, step by step, through choosing the right collar or harness, introducing gear with positive reinforcement, building solid attention and recall cues, mastering loose‑leash walking indoors before venturing out, and troubleshooting common challenges like pulling, lunging or leash‑biting. You’ll also learn how to weave socialisation and age‑appropriate exercise into your routine so your puppy grows into a well‑mannered companion.
With patience, consistency and the right approach, any puppy can learn to walk politely on a leash. Let’s begin by looking at Queensland’s leash laws and what “effective control” really means.
Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with Local Leash Laws and Effective Control
Before you even clip on a lead, it’s vital to understand why leash training goes beyond good behaviour—Queensland law demands it. The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 sets out clear rules for keeping dogs under “effective control” in public spaces. By mastering these requirements, you’ll protect your puppy, safeguard your community and steer clear of fines.
Understand Queensland’s Leash Regulations
Under the Act, every dog in a public place must be under effective control—this applies to footpaths, parks and shopping precincts. Some local councils designate off‑leash areas where dogs can roam under voice command, but even there you’re expected to keep them within earshot and respond promptly.
- Check your local council’s website for off‑leash park maps and rules—many publish PDF guides or interactive maps.
- In areas without off‑leash zones, your puppy must remain tethered on a hand‑held leash.
- Certain locations—such as children’s playgrounds, outdoor dining areas and public transport hubs—may prohibit dogs entirely.
For the full legislation, see the Queensland Government’s pet laws page: pet laws.
Define Effective Control
The Act outlines three acceptable methods to keep your dog under effective control:
- Holding the dog by its lead, ensuring you can restrain or guide it at all times
- Tethering the dog securely—provided you remain within arm’s reach and can intervene immediately
- Using reliable voice commands in designated off‑leash areas, where dogs must stay within close proximity and respond to recall
Acceptable equipment includes flat collars, martingale collars and front‑clip or back‑clip harnesses. Retractable leads are permitted, but must be fully locked to prevent sudden lunges or entanglement. Above all, never leave a tethered puppy unsupervised in a public space.
Recognise Penalties for Non‑Compliance
Non‑compliance carries real consequences. From 31 July 2024, officers can issue on‑the‑spot fines of $806 under the Act. For incidents involving dog attacks or repeated breaches, penalties escalate to:
- Fines of up to $112,910
- Imprisonment for up to 3 years
As the Queensland Government site notes, “Owners must ensure their dogs do not create a nuisance or endanger public safety.” Proper leash training is the most straightforward way to meet your legal obligations, keep your puppy safe and avoid costly penalties.
Step 2: Select the Right Leash, Collar or Harness
Choosing the right gear is more than just a shop‑front decision—it lays the groundwork for smooth, stress‑free training sessions. Ill‑fitting or inappropriate equipment can slip off, cause discomfort or encourage unwanted behaviours like pulling. Invest time in finding the perfect lead, collar or harness for your puppy’s size, strength and temperament, and you’ll set yourself up for success from day one.
Compare Leash Types and Lengths
A simple, sturdy leash is your best friend when teaching loose‑leash walking. For everyday training, aim for a 1.2–2 metre (4–6 foot) lead made of woven nylon or leather. This length gives your pup enough freedom to sniff and explore, while still keeping them close.
- Longline leash (5–10 metres): Ideal for off‑leash recall practice in a safe, enclosed space. It lets your puppy roam farther while you maintain control from a distance.
- Retractable leads: Best avoided during training. They encourage pulling, can tangle easily and offer little immediate control if your puppy lunges or chases a distraction.
Keep your primary training leash simple, with strong hardware and a comfortable handle—anything beyond that can wait until the basics are solid.
Choose Between Collar and Harness
Deciding whether to use a collar or harness comes down to your puppy’s build and pulling tendency:
- Flat collar: Lightweight and easy to fit. Good for identification tags and very well‑behaved puppies.
- Martingale collar: Offers more security for escape artists, tightening slightly if your puppy slips the collar, without choking.
- Back‑clip harness: Distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders. Gentle on the neck, but can encourage pulling if your pup leans forward.
- Front‑clip harness: Features a clip on the chest, which redirects pulling rather than amplifying it. A great choice for puppies who tend to charge toward distractions.
If your puppy is a puller, a front‑clip harness can save your shoulders and discourage rushing ahead. Flat collars work well once loose‑leash walking is mastered, but avoid choke or prong collars—there’s always a kinder, more effective option.
Ensure Proper Fit and Quality
A properly fitted collar or harness should feel snug yet comfortable. Follow these steps:
- Measure neck circumference (for collars) at the widest point. For harnesses, measure chest girth just behind the front legs.
- Apply the two‑finger rule: you should fit two fingers between the collar or harness and your puppy’s body—any looser and they could slip free, any tighter and it may rub or restrict breathing.
- Check adjustability: Puppies grow fast, so choose gear with multiple adjustment points to extend its usable life.
- Opt for durable materials such as high‑strength nylon or soft, reinforced leather, and solid metal buckles or clips that won’t bend under tension.
Regularly inspect your puppy’s equipment for wear and tear. A frayed leash or weakened clip is more than an inconvenience—it’s a potential escape route. Well‑chosen, well‑fitted gear keeps both you and your puppy safe, comfortable and ready to learn.
Step 3: Introduce the Equipment with Positive Reinforcement
Before you clip on the lead and head outside, it’s crucial that your puppy learns to see collars, harnesses and leashes as the start of something fun—not a punishment. Using positive reinforcement at each stage helps your puppy build confidence, reduces anxiety and sets the tone for smooth training sessions to come.
Let Your Puppy Inspect and Sniff the Gear
Start by placing the new collar, harness and leash on the floor in a quiet corner of your home. Give your puppy time and space to wander over, have a good sniff and work out what these strange new objects are. Scatter a few small treats around the gear to turn inspection time into a treasure hunt—they’ll soon learn that curious noses earn tasty rewards.
- Leave the items out for several short sessions, allowing your puppy to revisit them whenever they like.
- Keep the tone upbeat: praise any interest (“Good sniff!”) and immediately reward calm investigation.
- Don’t rush in to pick up the gear; let your puppy immerse themselves at their own pace.
Condition the Collar or Harness
Once your puppy is comfortable sniffing, it’s time to gently fasten the collar or harness. Aim for very short wear periods at first—just one to two minutes—and then take it straight off and reward them with a handful of treats and enthusiastic praise.
- Fasten the collar or harness loosely so it feels snug but not restrictive.
- Wait 60–120 seconds while you chat to your puppy, offer pats and feed small treats.
- Unclip, remove and reward.
- Repeat this sequence two or three times each day, gradually adding 30–60 seconds to each wear period over the next few days.
If your puppy shows any sign of stress—freezing, whining or scratching at the gear—go back a step. Reduce the wear time or sprinkle extra treats around the still‑unfastened collar until confidence grows.
Introduce the Leash Indoors
With the collar or harness now a friendly face, attach the leash and let your puppy drag it around under close supervision. This “leash whereabouts” drill helps them get used to the feel and slight tug without you providing any direction just yet.
- Clip the leash on and sit quietly while your puppy explores.
- Whenever they pause or shake the leash off their paws, praise them and offer a treat—calm equals good things.
- Gently pick up the leash every so often to prevent snarls, then let them drag it again.
- After a few successful sessions, hold the handle loosely and walk a couple of steps, rewarding your puppy for following without tension on the line.
Each time your puppy remains relaxed with the leash attached, mark the behaviour with calm praise and a treat. These positive experiences lay the groundwork for indoor tethering exercises, where you can soon begin to add basic cues like “let’s go” or a gentle turn to shape controlled walking—all without leaving the comfort of home.
Step 4: Establish a Reliable Attention and Recall Cue
Before you ask your puppy to master loose‑leash walking, you need a rock‑solid way to grab their attention and bring them back to you on command. A clear, consistent recall cue builds trust, keeps your puppy safe when distractions pop up and forms the backbone of off‑leash work down the track. Take the time now to establish a cue they can’t ignore—every training session will flow more smoothly once your puppy is tuned in.
Choose a Consistent Cue
Whether you go verbal or use a marker like a clicker, consistency is key.
- Verbal cues: Short, sharp words such as “Come” or “Here” work best. Pick one and stick with it—never switch between “come,” “let’s go” and “over here.”
- Noise cues: A clicker, tongue click or handheld whistle can serve as your marker for “Yes, that’s right.” Pair it with your chosen verbal cue from the very first session.
Keep tone and volume uniform. A calm, upbeat “Come!” in the living room should sound almost the same at the dog park. If you whisper indoors but holler outside, your puppy will learn to tune you out when it really counts.
Practice Recall in a Distraction‑Free Zone
Start building the association between cue and reward in a quiet, familiar space—your living room or hallway is perfect.
- Call your cue once and wait. As soon as your puppy looks at you or takes a step in your direction, mark the moment with your clicker or a “Yes!”
- Reward instantly with a small treat. The quicker the treat follows the cue, the quicker they’ll connect the two.
- Release your pup to explore again—use “OK!” or “Free” so they know the exercise is over.
Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes), several times a day. Puppies learn best in bite‑sized bursts, so multiple quick drills will outshine one long, drawn‑out session.
Integrate the Cue into Short Indoor Leash Walks
Once your puppy reliably responds off‑lead, start weaving that cue into indoor leash practice:
- Clip on the lead in a low‑stimulus room. Move a few steps away and give your recall cue. When your puppy follows the line of the leash back to you, mark and reward.
- If they pull instead of coming, simply stop and turn your back. Deliver the cue again and reward as soon as the leash goes slack and they redirect.
- Use these mini‑sessions to reinforce that tug means “wrong way,” but the recall cue always leads to treats and praise.
By the end of this step, your puppy should eagerly anticipate the sound of your cue—and that reliable response will be a game‑changer once you take your training outdoors.
Step 5: Practice Indoor Loose‑Leash Walking Basics
Once your puppy is comfortable wearing their collar or harness, and responds reliably to your attention cue on a leash, it’s time to build real‑world walking skills. Practising indoors in a quiet, familiar space removes most distractions and lets you focus on teaching your puppy to move with you—on a slack lead—before you step outside.
Teach Loose‑Leash Walking with the Reward Game
The reward game centres on marking and reinforcing each step your puppy takes without tension on the leash.
- Clip on your puppy’s regular training lead and stand still.
- As soon as your puppy walks forward with a relaxed, loose leash, mark the behaviour with a “Yes!” or clicker.
- Immediately reward with a small, tasty treat—something your puppy really loves.
- Resume walking a step or two; repeat the mark‑and‑treat each time the leash goes slack again.
By rewarding only when the leash is loose, your puppy quickly learns that pulling cuts off the good stuff, and that staying by your side earns praise and snacks. Vary the number of steps before each treat (two steps, four steps, six steps…) to keep your puppy engaged and guessing.
Use the Stop‑and‑Go Technique
When your puppy pulls ahead, pause the walk—literally.
- As soon as you feel tension on the lead, stop moving.
- Wait patiently until the leash relaxes and your puppy looks back or takes a step toward you.
- The moment the line is slack again, mark with your cue and offer a treat, then continue walking.
Stopping on every pull shows your puppy that forward motion only happens when they keep the lead loose. This simple drill—stop, wait, reward—teaches impulse control and transforms a frantic tug‑of‑war into a polite side‑by‑side stroll.
Introduce Direction Changes and Pace Variations
To cement your puppy’s focus, mix up turns and speed while you walk.
- Turns and Circles: After a few steps, pivot 90° or walk a tight circle. Mark and treat the instant your puppy stays close without pulling.
- Speed Play: Walk two steps at a normal pace, then switch to a brisk pace or slow right down. Reward your puppy for adapting their stride to match yours.
- Random Pauses: Throw in an unexpected stop, turn or burst of speed. Each time your puppy follows smoothly on a loose leash, reinforce with a “Yes!” and treat.
Changing direction and pace indoors helps your puppy tune in to subtle cues—your body language, foot placement and rhythm—so they learn to watch you, not the world around them. Once these basics feel natural inside, you’ll have the confidence to repeat the same exercises in your backyard or local park, ready for Step 6.
Step 6: Transition Training to an Outdoor, Controlled Environment
Taking your puppy’s leash‑walking skills outside is an exciting milestone—but it also introduces a host of new sights, smells and sounds. By choosing the right location and sticking to familiar drills, you’ll help your puppy grow in confidence without feeling overwhelmed. Follow these steps to make outdoor training a positive experience for both of you.
Select a Low‑Distraction Outdoor Area
Begin in a spot that resembles your indoor training space in terms of distractions—minimal. Your backyard, a quiet side street or an empty corner of a local park are perfect. These settings let your puppy focus on you rather than every passer‑by or barking dog.
• If space is limited, set up a portable play pen or baby gate to create a compact training zone.
• Choose a firm, even surface—grass or quiet pavement—so your puppy isn’t spooked by uneven ground.
• Schedule sessions at off‑peak times (early morning or late afternoon) when fewer people and dogs are about.
Apply Indoor Techniques Outdoors
With your puppy comfortable in the new space, simply transfer what you’ve practised indoors:
- Reward Game: Walk a step or two. The instant the leash is slack, mark with your cue (“Yes!” or click) and offer a treat.
- Stop‑and‑Go: The moment your puppy pulls, halt. Wait for the leash to relax, then reward and continue.
- Direction Changes: Turn on a dime or weave in a tight circle. Treat each moment your puppy stays close without tugging.
Keep sessions brief—five to ten minutes is ideal—and end on a high note. As your puppy’s confidence grows, you can extend walks in small increments until 10‑minute sessions feel easy.
Manage External Distractions
Even in a low‑key environment, new stimuli will tempt your puppy’s attention. Rather than rushing toward every intriguing noise or scent, teach your puppy to “check in” with you first:
• Maintain a comfortable distance from distractions—another dog, a bicycle, or a noisy bin—and reward calm attention with a high‑value treat (think small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese).
• Gradually decrease the gap as your puppy remains composed, reinforcing that looking to you always brings rewards.
• If your puppy lunges or tenses, increase distance and reset the exercise. Build success in small steps.
By moving at your puppy’s pace, reinforcing the same reward game and stop‑and‑go techniques, and managing distractions through distance and treats, you’ll bridge the gap between indoor drills and real‑world walks. With persistence and positivity, your puppy will learn that the great outdoors is just another classroom—one where they’re happy to walk politely by your side.
Step 7: Implement Age‑Appropriate Exercise and Rest Breaks
Proper exercise helps your puppy grow strong, but too much can strain developing joints and muscles. Integrating your puppy’s training walks with age‑appropriate activity and well‑timed rest breaks ensures they stay healthy, happy and eager to learn.
Puppies vary in energy levels depending on their breed, age and individual temperament. By following recognised guidelines and observing your puppy’s behaviour, you can strike the right balance between building endurance and preventing over‑exertion.
Follow RSPCA’s Puppy Exercise Guidelines
The RSPCA recommends tailoring exercise length to your puppy’s age: roughly five minutes of activity per month of age, two to three times a day. For example, a three‑month‑old puppy might enjoy three 15‑minute walks spread throughout the day. Keep the pace steady—avoid races or forced trot sessions—and finish each session when your puppy naturally pauses, indicating they’ve had enough.
For full details, see the RSPCA’s guidance on How should I exercise my puppy?
Allow Natural Behaviours like Sniffing
Sniffing isn’t dawdling—it’s vital mental enrichment. Allow your puppy to stop and investigate interesting scents at nose‑level. These “sniff breaks” deepen environmental awareness, build confidence and burn mental energy that might otherwise show up as over‑excitement. Choose calm areas—such as a quiet grass verge or a fenced paddock—away from busy roads so your puppy can explore safely.
Monitor for Signs of Fatigue and Avoid Over‑Exercising
Even the most enthusiastic pup can tire quickly. Keep an eye out for:
- Heavy panting or exaggerated breathing
- Slowing down, frequent hesitation or lying down
- Reluctance to continue moving
When you spot these signs, pause in a shaded spot, offer water and allow a rest break. Pushing past fatigue can lead to soreness or joint strain. Instead, plan multiple short outings or split training into shorter bursts, ensuring your puppy gets plenty of recovery time between sessions.
Step 8: Troubleshoot Common Leash‑Training Challenges
Even the best‑laid training plans can hit a few bumps in the road. When your puppy tests the boundaries of leash walking—whether by pulling, chewing the lead or reacting to other dogs—remember that these behaviours are simply communication. Let’s look at three common issues and straightforward techniques to put your training back on track.
Puppy Pulling on the Leash
Pulling is your puppy’s way of travelling faster or reaching a tempting distraction. Instead of tugging back or tug‑of‑warring, use consistency and patience:
- Reinforce the Reward Game
- Each time the leash is slack, immediately mark with your cue (“Yes!” or click) and offer a treat.
- Vary the number of steps before rewarding so your puppy stays alert.
- Apply Stop‑and‑Go
- The instant you feel tension, stop walking.
- Wait until the leash relaxes—your puppy will turn back or glance your way.
- Reward the slack leash, then continue.
- Introduce the “Turn‑Around” Drill
- As soon as your puppy pulls, pivot 180° and walk off in the opposite direction.
- Your sudden change of course shifts their focus back onto you and discourages charging ahead.
Over time, these drills teach your puppy that forward motion depends on a loose leash—and that pulling only pauses the fun.
Puppy Biting or Chewing the Leash
Leash‑biting can be a sign of teething, boredom or frustration. Avoid tugging back on the lead, which simply makes it more interesting to chew. Instead:
- Redirect Immediately
Have a safe chew toy or favourite treat in hand. The moment your puppy clamps onto the lead, offer the alternative item and praise them for choosing it. - Reward Calm Behaviour
When they release the leash and chew the toy or nibble on the treat, mark the behaviour and give lavish encouragement. - Keep Sessions Short and Engaging
Puppies have limited attention spans. If they chomp on the leash out of restlessness, wrap up the walk early or switch to a short game of fetch before trying again.
By replacing the forbidden object with something more rewarding, you’ll guide your puppy toward appropriate chewing outlets.
Puppy Barking, Lunging or Showing Aggression
Sometimes leash reactivity stems from fear or overstimulation. If your puppy stiffens, barks or lunges:
- Recognise the Warning Signs
Look for body language such as rigid posture, intense staring, raised hackles or low growls. These cues tell you they’re feeling vulnerable or defensive. - Increase Distance and Reset
Calmly move away from the trigger—another dog, a stranger, a loud noise—and allow your puppy space to relax. Avoid scolding, which can heighten anxiety. - Desensitise with Positive Reinforcement
At a distance where they remain calm, mark and reward every moment of relaxed body language or glance back at you. Gradually decrease that gap over multiple sessions. - Seek Professional Help if Needed
If aggressive episodes persist or escalate, consult a qualified trainer or veterinary behaviourist. Early intervention can prevent unwanted patterns from becoming ingrained.
Calm leadership, controlled exposure and plenty of tasty rewards will help your puppy swap fear‑based reactions for confidence and curiosity.
Troubleshooting is simply part of the learning journey. With consistent use of reward‑based techniques, clear boundaries and a compassionate approach, you’ll guide your puppy toward polite, confident leash walking in any environment.
Step 9: Boost Socialisation Through Puppy Preschool and Controlled Meet‑Ups
Leash training isn’t just about teaching your puppy to walk—it’s also the springboard for positive social experiences. Early, controlled introductions to other dogs, people and environments help your pup grow into a confident companion who stays calm on the lead. Puppy preschool classes and small, supervised meet‑ups build valuable skills such as polite greeting, focus and adaptability—all of which reinforce the loose‑leash habits you’ve worked so hard to establish.
Benefits of Puppy Preschool Classes
Puppy preschool offers a structured, reward‑based environment where your dog can learn basic manners and socialize safely before they’re fully vaccinated. According to leading veterinary and animal welfare associations, these classes can begin once your puppy has had their initial vaccinations—so long as the facility follows strict hygiene and health protocols.
In preschool, your pup will:
- Meet other vaccinated puppies under the watchful eye of a qualified trainer
- Learn short training drills in a calm, distraction‑controlled arena
- Practice recall, sit, stay and polite leash walking alongside their peers
- Build positive associations with new sights and sounds
Every session reinforces that attention to you yields rewards—treats, praise or play—while unfriendly or over‑excited behaviour is gently redirected. This early foundation makes real‑world leash walks far more enjoyable and predictable.
Conduct Controlled Social Encounters
Beyond formal classes, small‑scale meet‑ups let your puppy practice good manners in a less structured setting. Keep the first few introductions simple:
- Choose neutral ground—a friend’s backyard or a quiet corner of a local park—so neither dog feels territorial.
- Keep both puppies on a loose leash, within easy reach for a quick intervention if needed.
- Allow just a minute or two of sniffing and greeting, then calmly call each pup back to you for a treat or brief game.
- End each encounter on a positive note, before excitement levels rise.
By alternating short social bursts with one‑on‑one attention, your puppy learns that meeting other dogs doesn’t override their training. Over time, you can lengthen the sessions as your pup demonstrates calm greetings and prompt recall.
Combine Socialisation with Leash Practice
Use every walk as an opportunity to weave in socialisation. Even if you can’t stop for a full play session, you can:
- Walk past other dogs at a comfortable distance, rewarding your puppy for checking back and maintaining a loose lead
- Invite passers‑by to offer a treat (with owner permission), so your puppy learns to associate strangers with positive experiences
- Introduce gentle distractions—such as pedestrian crossings or cyclists—while practising the stop‑and‑go and reward game
As your puppy encounters new people, pets and environments on the lead, they learn that calm focus on you leads to rewards—and that the world is full of interesting things to observe calmly, rather than charging toward.
By combining puppy preschool, controlled meet‑ups and everyday socialisation with your leash‑walking drills, you’ll nurture a well‑rounded dog who walks politely, greets others with confidence and thrives in any setting. In the next step, we’ll explore how to reinforce these good habits for life.
Step 10: Reinforce and Maintain Good Leash Habits Over Time
Learning to walk politely on a leash doesn’t end once your puppy masters the basics. Consistent reinforcement ensures those good habits stick, no matter the distraction. By scheduling regular practice, transitioning from treats to varied rewards and weaving leash walking into your daily life, you’ll keep your puppy attentive, calm and confident on every stroll.
Establish a Regular Training Schedule
Short, focused sessions are more effective than occasional marathon walks. Aim for:
• Daily 5–10 minute practice drills. Rotate through reward‑games, stop‑and‑go and recall exercises.
• A weekly review of progress: note which distractions still cause tension and adjust your sessions accordingly.
• Weekend “fun walks” where you combine basic leash skills with gentle socialisation—perhaps a slow lap around a new neighbourhood street or a brief visit to a quiet café terrace.
A predictable routine builds muscle memory and cements the link between good behaviour and positive experiences.
Fade Out Treats and Introduce Variable Rewards
As your puppy becomes reliable on the leash, gradually reduce reliance on food:
- Replace every third treat with praise, petting or a favourite toy.
- Increase intervals between treats—reward after two slack‑leash steps, then three, then five.
- Keep a small treat pouch handy for higher‑value rewards only when tackling new challenges or distractions.
Variable rewards maintain excitement and ensure your puppy looks to you for reinforcement, rather than expecting a biscuit every time.
Incorporate Leash Walking into Everyday Life
To make polite leash walking second nature, blend it with your daily routine:
• Walk before meals: a brief leash session primes your puppy to focus on you in anticipation of dinner.
• Take alternative routes: exploring new streets, trails and environments helps generalise leash skills across different surfaces and stimuli.
• Use short indoor tethering during chores: clip on the leash while you prepare a snack or answer the door, rewarding calm standing or sitting rather than pulling.
If you ever feel you or your puppy need extra guidance, our team at Sirandipoodlesandoodles offers professional puppy training services and quality companion dogs in Mount Tarampa, QLD. With ongoing support, you’ll enjoy stress‑free walks and a well‑mannered best friend for years to come.
Ready for Your Next Adventure
You’ve laid the groundwork, built essential skills and weathered a few bumps along the way—now it’s time to enjoy the freedom of confident, polite walks with your puppy. Remember, every dog learns at its own pace. If you need to revisit any step—whether it’s indoor reward games, outdoor distractions or social meet‑ups—go ahead and adjust the timing to suit your pup’s comfort zone.
Patience, consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement remain your best allies. Celebrate small victories (a slack leash around the block is a win!) and keep training sessions short and fun. As your puppy matures, mix up your routes and challenges to keep their interest high and reinforce those good habits.
If you’d like extra guidance or are looking for a well‑bred companion ready for stress‑free walks, explore our professional puppy training services and quality companion dogs at Sirandipoodlesandoodles.com. Here in Mount Tarampa, we’re committed to helping every puppy—and owner—step out with confidence and joy. Happy walking!