WHAT SHOULD MY WALK WITH MY PUPPY LOOK LIKE?

Home

Blog

It’s one of the first questions I get asked about puppies…”What should I do on a walk when they pull on the leash?”

My answer actually depends on the age of the puppy. Eight to ten weeks my answer is “you don’t do much”. They are babies. Just keep the leash on them and let them explore the world. Sniff, pee and poop is pretty much all that I expect of puppies 8-10 weeks on a walk.

Once they hit 10 to 15 weeks of age I carry treats with me on the walk. Give a gentle tug on the leash, and when they turn to look at you have the treat ready-“yes…good boy/girl” and lots of praise as they come to get the treat. I feed the treat to them next to my side while walking…this “shapes” the heel command.

There are lots of different methods and techniques to help create the “heel” command. However, training for puppies under 15 weeks of age should be very food and praise-oriented.

More Tips

Check out our other posts

The Dog Training Secret Most Owners Overlook

June 3, 2026 No Comments

You walk your dog, play fetch, and make sure they get plenty of exercise—so why are they still barking, pulling on the leash, jumping on guests, or acting restless at home?

The answer may be simpler than you think. Many behavior problems aren’t caused by a lack of physical exercise but by a lack of mental stimulation. In this article, you’ll discover why mental exercise is essential for your dog’s well-being, how just a few minutes of brain work can reduce unwanted behaviors, and simple ways to create a calmer, more focused, and better-behaved dog.

Your Dog Has 5 Bosses—and That’s the Problem

June 3, 2026 No Comments

Think your dog is stubborn? Think again.

Many behavior problems—from ignoring commands and pulling on the leash to jumping on guests and begging at the table—aren’t caused by a lack of training. They’re caused by confusion. When family members use different commands, enforce different rules, or reward different behaviors, dogs are left guessing what’s expected of them.

In this article, you’ll discover how inconsistency creates hesitation, why your dog may listen to some people but not others, and the simple changes that can transform confusion into confidence.

The Hidden Psychology Behind Dog Regression After Travel

May 27, 2026 No Comments

Did your dog suddenly stop listening after boarding or vacation?

You’re not alone. Many dogs regress after travel because changes in routine reset their expectations and create confusion.

In this blog, you’ll learn the real psychological reason dogs test boundaries after vacations, how accidental habits reinforce bad behavior, and the simple “vacation reset” smart dog owners use to get their dogs listening again fast.

Fear Looks Like Obedience… Until It Falls Apart

May 26, 2026 No Comments

Many dog owners mistake silence and compliance for calm behavior, but a dog that appears obedient may actually be emotionally shut down from fear or pressure.

In this blog, we break down the critical difference between true calmness and shutdown behavior, why fear-based obedience often falls apart in public, and the hidden long-term consequences of “quick fix” training methods.

Learn how emotional stability, trust, and confidence create a more reliable dog — and a much easier life for owners.