[Tiggadyrue]

Ok.. so I have to be one of those mothers right now and do a little bragging.
I have not raised a puppy before, first timer and I am so into reading everything I can, and am soooo addicted to this forum. So I have picked up some things here and there.
But no one really addresses the issue of when it is appropriate to start leash training. (at least I haven't come around, or missed) I just never thought that the day I got my puppy I could immediately expect him to go out for walks hassle free. Since I have gotten Riley I have slowly introduced the leash, and really have put it to great use in having him near me all the time in the house, for housetraining purposes. I have done a little walking around the house to get him comfortable with walking in a heeled position. And lately have him outside walking along side me in the yard. But yesterday, we went for a four block walk… and he was amazing!!! Never ever stopped and tried to pull away, or try to tug the leash with his mouth. He stayed in healed position, fell back a couple times... But he walked better than a lot of adult dogs! You could see it in his face how proud he looked when I kept praising him along the way.
Might not be a huge thing to some of you all, but I think it is pretty good for a three month puppy!!!

[klip]

That sounds fabulous Tiggadyrue! He's a lucky puppy.

[DogsforMe]

That's great, but be prepared for when he gets used to walking & takes more of an interest in his suroundings.

[TN_LAB]

Originally Posted by DogsforMe

That's great, but be prepared for when he gets used to walking & takes more of an interest in his suroundings.

What's that old saying? Don't test your dog...train your dog.

I'd make sure to not press your luck and don't set your dog up to fail. If it's too distracting...avoid it. Gradually introduce distractions in a manner that you know your dog will be capable of handling.

[klip]

Originally Posted by TN_LAB

What's that old saying? Don't test your dog...train your dog.

Hey that's a good one. Must remember that!

Thing is - it sounds like you are doing a really great job, but dont be surprised if things dont always go so well. Take advantage of his good behaviour at the moment and continue rewarding him when he looks at you and walks next to you. As he gets older he will start noticing that there are other great things out there and you will have to step up the training. So its best to pre-empt that and continue to make it super rewarding for him to be so good.

But well done all the same.

[Talynn]

That's awesome! I do have to echo - take advantage of and reinforce this now! I remember puppies at that age, you'd think they were stuck to my leg without a leash! Once he gets a little older, he will naturally want to wander more. So, yeah, reward the heck out of it

And hello, Wisconsin!