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In about one week, your puppy will follow you just about everywhere you go. This is the time to add a light leash. A show lead is a good, reasonable priced starter collar and leash combination for fast growing puppies. Put the leash on him and follow him wherever he goes while keeping the leash loose. If you are taking him outside from day one, begin with the leash on every time you take him outside and play the follow-the-leader game off leash inside the house.
Follow him, let him explore and sniff around, making sure it is safe and within his boundaries. After about one week, he will happily walk and follow or walk and be followed on a leash. Every time you take him outdoors, encourage him to follow you the same way you did at home. Playing tug-of-war will not get him to move if he feels stuck. But if you bend down, extend your arms to the side, and use your sweetest voice, he will gladly unstuck himself and run right to you.
Once your puppy learns to follow you around on a leash, you are now ready for the next step. The next phase to leash training will have a strong positive effect on the way he bonds to you. You may do this exercise inside or outside your home: Tie the leash to your belt and have him follow you wherever you go. He can follow you while you wash your car, water the plants, or while cleaning the house. Your puppy will then become literally as well as figuratively close to you.
At first, you may need to give him a little encouragement to come along. At any rate, he will catch on pretty fast that he is tied to you. He will accept the bond and walk along with you everywhere. You can then tie him on for longer periods and give him your close company while you teach him to stay near you and to watch you. He will be learning to keep his eye on you and to identify with you. This type of exercise will create a meaningful bonding effect between you and your dog.
Remember to stop your puppy whenever he mouths or bites on his leash. Firmly say “No” and take the leash out of his mouth without playing tug-of-war. If he persists, repeat the word “No” followed by a firm but gentle tug upward with the leash to free it from his mouth.
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