Dog walking is important for many reasons. First, your dog needs the exercise. Even if you have a huge yard, your dog needs the stimulation that comes with seeing new things, smelling new smells, and meeting new people and animals. This is also a great way to let your dog release excess energy. Second, walking your dog is a time to affirm your leadership over the dog. In addition, this is a valuable time to bond with your pet – you’re doing something that is good for both of you, so go ahead and have fun! If your dog can’t walk correctly on a leash, it is likely that neither of you will be enjoying the experience, so train your dog to walk with a leash as soon as possible.

First things first – correct walking technique requires the right leash. Retractable leashes are not a good idea because they give your dog the opportunity to run ahead of you. You need a leash that gives you complete control over your dog’s freedom. Both leather and nylon are good choices, and it is important to pick one that is strong enough so your dog can’t break it if he tries to get away from you.

When first bringing a new puppy home, spend some time with the leash indoors so that he/she can get used to it. Do enjoyable activities while on the leash, such as feeding him/her treats, or rubbing his/her belly, so that the puppy will associate the leash with pleasant things from the beginning.

For walking, your puppy should wear a sturdy collar. Often, dogs only require a nylon buckle collar, but some dogs, particularly those with thick coats and strong necks, may need something which can get their attention more effectively, such as a pinch collar or a head halter.

During the first walk, you shouldn’t expect to get too far. Make sure that the puppy is on your left side, and that there isn't tension in the leash. If there is tension, or if your dog’s head is farther forward than your leash allows, then give a corrective upward jerk on the leash to get his attention and stop walking. Make sure the puppy is calm before you start walking again. Take a few more steps before stopping again. If your puppy was compliant, reward him with a treat. Continue with this process, and if your puppy continues to improve keep moving forward for longer each time. Remember that patience and consistency are the keys to successful training; you must continue to work with your puppy until he/she becomes great at walking on the leash.