Methods, ideas for walking a puppy?

Question

My 8 week year old puppy got use to her collar (which is a good thing) and almost got use to her leash (which is almost great). The problem is..the first day we got her we let her rest all day. The second day I took her out for walking...she did good (no hassle). After couple days I noticed every time I take her out for walking on a leash..she would go sniffing and go chew on the leafs and branches (which is normal) and tend to pull the leash and go her own way (which can be frustrating) and also she pulls the leash and tend to kind of get mad when she can't go any further, goes her own, and tries to bite the leash. Is there ANY methods or ideas on how to make the puppy go my way? Wouldn't stopping dead on my track holding the leash tight and calling her name and giving her a treat make her spoiled and worse? I need help. Thanks.

Answer 1

When she pulls, you stop walking. Only praise and treat her when she moves back to you. Don't call to her or tug on her, let her figure it out herself. She'll learn quickly that pulling gets her nowhere - this is how my dog learned. Once she's learned to stop when she reaches the end of the leash you don't have to give treats every single time. Do it randomly, then not at all.

Another method is to walk in the other direction for about five steps, then turn her around and move on. When you turn around (when she is pulling) it should be a quick turn with no guidance from you. The second turn should be accompanied with a soft "let's go" or some sort of sign you want her to turn.

Eventually you are going to want to teach her how to "heel." This is the best way to walk a dog - it give you the most control over the dog and keeps the dog from wandering into yards or picking things up. Loose leash is great for when you aren't in crowded places or when you are in the park - heel is for everywhere else.