Puppy Lead Training Guide: How to Start Good Walking Habits Early - Petdirect
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Puppy Lead Training Guide: How to Start Good Walking Habits Early

Puppy Lead Training Guide: How to Start Good Walking Habits Early

Bringing a new puppy home is all tail wags and sloppy kisses — until it's time for walkies and your pup doesn't quite know the ropes. If your furry bundle of joy insists on turning walk time into a game of tug-of-war or a sit-down protest, know that you're not alone! Lead training your puppy is an essential skill that lays the foundation for safe, happy and enjoyable adventures together. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we’re here to guide you step-by-step through the journey of puppy lead training.

Why Lead Training Starts With You

Before you even clip on the lead, it’s worth understanding that successful puppy lead training starts with patience, consistency, and the right equipment. Puppies don’t instinctively know how to behave on a lead — it’s up to us to show them how to walk gently by our side.

In New Zealand, puppies don’t legally require to be walked on a lead in all public places, but many regional bylaws and public spaces do require it. Plus, a well-trained pup on a lead is safer and less likely to bolt, chase wildlife or run into danger.

Being proactive at this stage also helps prevent poor behaviour such as pulling, lunging, or leash reactivity later on. The best time to train is when your puppy is young, open to learning, and keen to bond with you.

What You Need To Get Started

Good habits start with great gear. To set you and your pup up for success, make sure you’ve ticked off these essentials:

  • A secure, adjustable puppy harness that fits snugly without restricting movement
  • A quality puppy lead that's lightweight and manageable — trialling a shorter lead gives you more control starting off
  • Plenty of treats for training and positive reinforcement
  • Time and a quiet space to practise without distractions

Our favourites? A front-clip harness by EzyDog keeps pulling to a minimum, and a training treat pouch makes reward timing a breeze.

Step-By-Step Puppy Lead Training

Here’s how to help your puppy build confident lead manners in five simple steps:

  1. Start indoors. Introduce the harness and lead in a quiet, familiar space. Let your puppy sniff, explore and wear the harness briefly with plenty of encouragement.
  2. Reward calm behaviour. Clip on the lead and reward your pup for calm sitting or standing near you. Don’t rush — the goal is to build a positive association with the gear.
  3. Practise walking inside. Gently guide your puppy to walk by your side. Reward often and keep sessions short and upbeat.
  4. Move to quiet outdoor spaces. Once confident inside, explore low-distraction environments like your backyard or a quiet footpath.
  5. Set expectations early. If your pup starts pulling, stop walking. Wait for the lead to go slack, then resume. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go.

Every pup learns at their own pace, so stick to short, consistent sessions and celebrate progress — even if it’s tiny tail-wag steps.

Common Puppy Training Challenges (And How To Tackle Them)

Lead training your puppy isn’t always smooth sailing! Here are a few hiccups you might run into and how to navigate them:

  • Pulling: Try switching to a no-pull harness and practise the “stop and stand still” method to discourage forward movement while pulling.
  • Chewing the lead: Redirect with a puppy-safe chew toy or treat. Avoid pulling the lead away — that often starts a game of tug!
  • Fear of the harness or lead: Use positive reinforcement and go at your pup's pace. Sometimes backing up a step helps rebuild confidence.
  • Over-excitement in public: Practise lead training in low-traffic areas before graduating to busier pet-friendly beaches or parks.

Keeping Walks Fun and Functional

Once your pup is strolling happily on their lead, it’s time to keep things fresh and enriching! Mix up locations, routes and walking pace. Heading to dog-friendly bush tracks or beaches (always checking local rules first) keeps things exciting and supports healthy socialisation too.

Consider bringing along high-reward treats for reinforcing recall and walking manners even as they grow. Many puppies also benefit from calming supplements during busy or new environments to help keep emotions balanced.

And for the truly tech-savvy pet parent, a pet camera or smart training gear can give extra insights into your dog’s behaviour while at home.

Start Smart, Walk Proud

Puppy lead training is so much more than just preparing for walks — it’s a chance to build trust, communication and a lifelong bond with your pup. Whether you’ve got a food-motivated Cavoodle or a headstrong Labrador, starting early and staying patient will pay off in tail wags and confident strides.

Ready to gear up for walkies? Explore our full collection of puppy training essentials and training treats — plus don't forget to sign up for Pet Perks for exclusive rewards, and earn Airpoints while you shop online or in-store. At Petdirect, we get pet — and your pup’s best walk yet starts here with us.