When introducing lead walking foundations, start by walking backwards to encourage your puppy to naturally follow you. Make a ‘hand bowl’ with your treats, this is your starting point, later you will fade the food out of your hand, but the ‘hand bowl’is so you can deliver the treats quick enough that your puppy gets a high rate of reinforcement and they understand following you is a great place to be, because loads of good stuff happens.
The goal at this stage is a loose, relaxed lead and a puppy who is choosing to stay with you as you move in different directions. Keep your pace slow so your puppy remains in a walking gait, rather than trotting or rushing. As your puppy follows you on a loose lead, mark with “yes” (or a click) and reward to reinforce the behaviour. This helps build engagement and teaches your puppy that staying close and connected to you is valuable.
