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How to prepare for your puppy's first walk

Before taking your puppy on their first walk, it is important to prepare them so their first experience can be as enjoyable as possible. Walks are important for dogs as it allows them to use their natural instincts, like sniffing and exploring. Even if you have a yard for your dog to walk around, taking them to different places will help them adapt to new environments.
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Cocker Spaniel Puppy On Outdoor Walk With Owner

When can your puppy go outside for the first time?

Young puppies have immature immune systems and are susceptible to serious diseases like parvovirus and distemper. Until your puppy is fully vaccinated, use a secured stroller or carrier to take them outside into the world. The smells, sounds and sights will fascinate and exhaust them even without their paws touching the ground.

Your puppy can venture outside with you (always supervised) into a secured area where no unfamiliar animals go. Taking your puppy out on a leash during toilet training or for short exploration adventures allows your puppy to get used to being on a leash early on.

 

Preparing your puppy for a successful first walk

There are various things you can do to prepare before your puppy’s first walk so that it is successful:

Try baby steps

Puppies can easily become frightened and overwhelmed so it is important to make sure that their first experience is in a quiet location with minimal distractions. That way they will more likely adapt to and enjoy the experience.

Watch out for any distractions

When your puppy is distracted by something, regain your puppy’s attention by calling them and reward them when they listen.

Practice makes perfect!

Your puppy should walk on the lead without fighting it. Practice in your yard or inside the house before the walk so the puppy is comfortable with their collar, harness, or leash. Your puppy most likely won’t master this on their first walk.

Let your puppy set the pace

Don't expect your puppy's walking pace to be consistent. Puppies explore with their eyes, ears, nose and mouth (make sure to supervise what they pick up). Walking can quickly become frustrating if you expect your puppy to walk calmly beside you on their first excursions outside.

Be prepared

During training it is important to take water, treats and poop bags with you on walks, but remember when giving treats to take the calories out of their portions as you don’t want to overfeed.

Try baby steps

Puppies can easily become frightened and overwhelmed so it is important to make sure that their first experience is in a quiet location with minimal distractions. That way they will more likely adapt to and enjoy the experience.

Watch out for any distractions

When your puppy is distracted by something, regain your puppy’s attention by calling them and reward them when they listen.

Practice makes perfect!

Your puppy should walk on the lead without fighting it. Practice in your yard or inside the house before the walk so the puppy is comfortable with their collar, harness, or leash. Your puppy most likely won’t master this on their first walk.

Let your puppy set the pace

Don't expect your puppy's walking pace to be consistent. Puppies explore with their eyes, ears, nose and mouth (make sure to supervise what they pick up). Walking can quickly become frustrating if you expect your puppy to walk calmly beside you on their first excursions outside.

Be prepared

During training it is important to take water, treats and poop bags with you on walks, but remember when giving treats to take the calories out of their portions as you don’t want to overfeed.

 

How to train your puppy to walk on a leash

When walking your dog on a lead there are things you should consider and incorporate so that the process feels like second nature to your puppy.

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Collars and leashes

Introduce a collar and leash early so your puppy can get used to it as a part of their routine. If your puppy has never worn a collar, when inside, make sure to put it loosely on them until they are comfortable for it to be fitted. The same process applies to a leash and harness. To start with, let your puppy wander around the house/yard so they can familiarize themselves with the leash before taking them out. When walking your puppy, it is important to keep practicing so they see leashes, harnesses, and collars as positive.
Puppy on leash licking his lips, big tongue
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Teach them not to pull

The next step in training your puppy to walk on a lead is teaching your puppy to remain with you. Reward them when they are standing or sitting by your side. Use whatever cue you prefer but use it consistently. This teaches your puppy to associate the cue with remaining by your side. Making cues and the desired behaviors clear helps your puppy learn faster. Once they understand they get a reward and praise for remaining near you, take a step back. If they step with you and stay by your side, give big rewards and praise. Do this multiple times until your puppy knows the best place to be is close to you.
Dog training Corgi puppy on a leash
australian shepherd puppy playing in the grass with a toy

How often should you walk your puppy?

How often you should walk your puppy depends as the physical condition and stamina will vary based on breed.

The general rule of thumb for walks is five minutes for every month of your puppy’s age. However, it is important to watch for signs that your puppy is getting tired as you are walking them.

Typical signs of exhaustion include:

• Panting

• Yawning

• Loss of interest

• Refusing to walk further

• Licking lips

When your puppy shows these signs, it typically means you have over-walked them and you may need to carry them home as they are too tired.

 

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