Walking your puppy is one of the most important parts of the early stages of training. It’s also a great opportunity to bond with your puppy, so you’ll want to make sure they enjoy the experience as much as you do.
Here are some things for new pawrents to consider when taking their new pup for their first walk.
When is it ok to Take Your New Puppy on a Walk
It’s a good idea to wait until your puppy is at least 1-2 weeks after your pup is fully vaccinated before taking them on their first walk.
You should wait until they are at least 8-10 weeks old before introducing them into new environments (and even longer for crowded spaces such as dog parks). This will give them enough time for their vaccinations against kennel cough and parvovirus. When in doubt, ask your vet.
What Should You Avoid During Your First Walk with Your Puppy?
- Avoid busy roads: It’s tempting to take your new puppy for a walk on the main road, but this is not a good idea. The first time you take your dog out in public, try to stick to quieter areas where there aren’t as many cars and other distractions.
- Avoid people and other dogs: Your puppy may get excited when they see other animals or people–especially if they’re dogs! Try holding off until later in their training when they’ve learned how to behave around strangers.
What You Can Do if Your Puppy Starts Pulling on the Leash During a Walk
If your puppy starts pulling on the leash during a walk, there are a few things you can do:
- Don’t pull back. If your puppy pulls on their leash, don’t yank back on it in an attempt to get them to stop. Instead, stop moving forward and turn around so that you’re facing them.
- Try different treats/foods and see if any of those work better than others in getting your pup’s attention when they’re being stubborn about not listening or doing something wrong, like pulling on the leash.
Other Things you Should Prepare For on Your First Walk with Your Puppy
There are a few other things you should prepare for when taking your puppy for its first walk.
- Take a small bag of treats with you.
- Bring along some poop bags – you never know when a pup will have to go!
- Bring your cell phone to capture this sweet moment on camera!
Getting the Right Gear to Walk Your New Puppy
When you’re ready to take your dog for its first walk, you’ll need the right gear. A harness is a more secure option than a collar because it doesn’t choke them if they pull. Leashes with good grips are easier on both you and your puppy; if possible, get one long enough so that when walking together, there is no tension on it at all. For more information on leashes and collars, check out this blog.
We hope this article has helped you to understand what to expect when taking your new puppy for its first walk. This is a new and exciting part of your life with your puppy, so be sure to cherish every furry minute!
