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My puppy ignores me and won't walk on a leash. How do I train him?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 4 months and 20 days old

why does my puppy sometimes not respond to someone calling his name or urging him to play and sometimes he doesn't move when i pull on the leash just because he wants to sit in a particular place

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 21, 2018

That is because he is a puppy. He needs to learn to be walked on a leash and also learn to come when called. You need to teach him. You can do that best by enticing him with a treat such as making him happy or praising him when he does what you want him to do. Give him time and teach him over time.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on July 21, 2017
Young puppies are best trained with positive reinforcement and encouragement whilst you set the guidelines you would like for the rest of their life! Ask your puppy to sit as you pt on the leash then get someone to put down her food bowl and allow her to walk herself over to it praising her as she goes; repeat for sit/wait commands etc and praise and treat her as she goes. Initially only ask her to walk places you know she will want to go - to food/in-out of garden etc and ask her to sit/wait regularly; stop and wait if she starts to pull and distract her with treats or petting if she tries to chew the lead etc. Make walking a positive and rewarding but calm experience and it will be easy for everyone!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on May 21, 2017
This will take time and patience and gentle, positive handling now will create good behavior for the rest of her life. Frequent leash training episodes reinforced with praise and treats will teach her that the leash is a positive thing. Walk her to her food bowl, toilet trips, to her bed etc. Patience now will pay off for the rest of her life. Add sit training and praise , use this to distract from any refusals to walk with you
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 15, 2017
Start with leash training inside. Place a leash on her and let her drag it around so she gets used to the concept. Then try holding the end and directing her with it. When she gets comfortable make short walks around your yard before going around the neighborhood. The distractions get better with age and as she grows
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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