The Singaporean Guide To Walking Your Dog And Puppy Like A Boss

Walking your new puppy, or new dog, on a leash will be one of the challenges new dog owners face in Singapore. This is due to the fact that your puppy has never been leash trained, and does not understand the concept of leashed walking.

However, training your puppy to walk on a leash is much easier than you may think!

Training Your Puppy To Walk On A Leash

Start At Home

You will first need to introduce your puppy to the collar and the leash. Start out by letting them get used to wearing the collar and a leash at home, and let them wear it for short periods of time whilst playing with them and giving them treats and praise as a reward.

The Best Type Of Leashes For Puppies

There are many leashes on the market but how do you know which leash is the best? Our best tip on a good leash would be to choose one that is durable and comfortable for your pup. Some trainers may also recommend a slip leash, this is a type of leash that tightens slightly when the ends are pulled. This type of leash is generally for professionals to train their dogs, and requires some experience and practice.

Always secure the leash at the very top of your dog’s neck to help you communicate, guide, and correct your dog more easily. We also recommend harnesses as a safe and easy way to walking and guiding your dog. Remember that your dog’s safety is of utmost importance when giving corrections, and positive reinforcements help them to associate with the “right” thing to do.

Ultimately, your guidance and training is what leads to a successful walk in the park with your puppy.

Start On Your Dog’s Recall / Prepare For Distractions

You may be wondering why you will need to train your dog’s recall when they are leashed. Even whilst on leash, your dog will be exposed to many distractions outside. Many of them will be tempted to take in the sights and smells that are in the open, often scurrying from side to side.

Introduce a sound cue, such as clicking your tongue, to get your pup to focus on you. This will benefit your walk when you pass by those nice smelling flowers, unwanted food left on the ground, or even another dog that is barking out of their own home.

Start at home, or at a quiet place with few to no distractions, and use your sound cue with your dog. Once he/she looks at you, give them praise and reward them with a small treat. Do this repeatedly until your puppy is able to come over to you whenever you use your sound cue on them.

Be The Leader When Walking Your Dog/Puppy Outside

You are now ready to walk your puppy outside.

Dogs are social animals by nature and they look to us for care and guidance. Practise staying in front of your dog when you are walking, even when you step out of the house and when you are coming home. Your dog should always be beside you or behind you during the walk. This ensures that you are ahead (literally) of any dangers that may appear during the walk, and helps to build trust between you and your dog.

If you notice that your dog is about to wander off or lunge at something, use your sound cue, or pull lightly at the leash to help your pup concentrate on the walk again.

Give Yourself Time For The Walk

Domesticated dogs tend to be diurnal as they follow the sleeping patterns of their owners. This means that your pup tends to be more active during the day, so taking walks in the morning is generally more ideal. Try to keep the walk between thirty minutes to an hour each time for medium to large breeds, smaller breeds may require a shorter walk. Stay away from hot, direct sunlight for long periods of time as your dog may experience heat stroke or heat injury in the hot and humid Singaporean climate.

Reward Your Dog During And After Walking

After your dog has maintained a focused walking pace for about 10 to 15 minutes, reward him/her by allowing them to relieve themselves and sniff around. Allowing your pup to explore for 5 to 10 minutes in between walking is a great way to build structure into your daily walks with them.

Also, remember to reward your furkid after each walk. By providing a meal, treat, or a drink, you have allowed them to “work” for food and water. If you would like to provide a meal, give it to them about 30 minutes after the walk to prevent bloat.

Protect your puppy’s paws after walking to prevent hyperkeratosis, burns and cuts with some paw care balms and paw care guides.

You Are Ready To Walk Your Puppy Like A Boss

All in all, there are many approaches to walking your new puppy on a leash, but the general theories are similar: (i) introducing your puppy or dog to the leash, (ii) teaching them to ignore distractions whilst on a leash, and (iii) leading your dog on the walk. A good understanding of these three key pillars and you will be walking your new puppy like a boss in no time!

You can now start to explore the exciting dog-friendly hiking trails in Singapore, or even become a professional dog-walker as a side gig!

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xo
Nellie