top of page
Writer's picturePeter Bonney Director

How to Properly Introduce Puppies On-Leash: A Guide to Holding Your Ground by Master Puppy trainer - Peter Bonney

Updated: Jun 19

Introducing your puppy to new friends can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to on-leash interactions so knowing 'How to Properly Introduce Puppies On-Leash' is a very important beginning to your puppies fife long training. As one of Australia’s number one puppy trainers, we understand the significance of these early encounters and the lasting impact they can have on your puppy’s behavior and confidence. In this guide, we’ll explain why it’s crucial to “hold your ground” when your puppy pulls and how to ensure a positive, controlled meeting between on-leash puppies.


The Importance of "Holding Your Ground". When we advise clients to “hold their ground,” we mean that they should stand firm and not allow their puppy to pull them towards another puppy. Young puppies are naturally curious and often have little experience being on a leash. They don’t yet understand leash etiquette and will instinctively pull towards anything that catches their interest, including other puppies. However, allowing your puppy to pull and invade another puppy’s space can lead to unwanted behaviors and stress for both puppies.



Puppies and family puppy school
Bonnies Puppy School


Why do Controlled puppy Introductions Matter?

A controlled introduction helps puppies learn to read and respond to each other’s body language appropriately. (They are relying on YOU you to teach them everything which includes How to Properly Introduce Puppies On-Leash)


"This is a life lesson that can not be undervalued or misunderstood. When puppies meet face-to-face under your guidance, they have the opportunity to observe and interpret each other’s signals, teaches them to communicate and interact in a socially acceptable manner and it prevents overwhelming or intimidating a less confident or smaller puppy, fostering a positive and safe environment for all.


All breeds of dogs benefit by on-leash introductions. Some breeds which are by their very nature, anxious or unsure, benefit greatly from this positive first on-leash interactions. A good or bad introduction may have a long lasting affect on your puppies state of being and state of mind. There can be and are, many different triggers for anxiety in our dogs. Things like the breeds disposition, parental lines, and external tiggers. There are experts in this field who specialise in canine anxiety so perhaps find out more about your particular dogs tendencies for being anxious. It absolutely matters.


Breeds to be conscious of their potential towards becoming Anxious includes the following (Not in any particular order and NOT a comprehensive list):

  • Lagotto Romagnolos

  • Wheaten Terriers

  • Shetland Sheepdogs

  • Mini Schnauzers

  • Spanish Water Dogs

  • Mixed Breed

  • German Shepherds

  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

  • Jack Russels

  • Toy poodle


For the best possible life for your "Best Mate" then try to understand more about your dogs (Breed) psychological makeup. Find out more about what makes them tick? What makes them - them. All dogs were created in some form to do a particular job.

  • Border Collie - Herding sheep

  • German Shepherd - Herding and guarding

  • Cocker Spaniel - Hunting and retrieving game birds

  • Bichon Frise - Companionship

  • King Charles Cavalier Spaniel - Companionship

  • Havanese - Companionship

  • Jack Russell Terrier - Fox hunting

  • Standard Poodle - Water retrieving

  • Italian Greyhound - Hunting small game and companionship

  • Australian Shepherd - Herding livestock


What is the right way for my puppy to say HELLO?

Every time, and particularly the first few times, that you are demonstrating to your puppy the correct way to greet others makes a big difference. Here's how to do it:

Setting the Scene

  • Premise: There are two or more puppies, all on-leash and on the ground, each with their own handler.

  • Stay Relaxed: Stay relaxed with your puppy and have a treat or two ready.

  • Comfort: Allow your puppy to come over to the other puppies when it shows it is comfortable doing so.

  • Respect Fear: If your puppy goes behind you or between your legs, do not force them to come out, as this is generally a sign of fear. Reassure them that they are safe and that you are with them.

  • Encourage Engagement: When your puppy shows signs of wanting to approach another puppy, gently encourage them and normalise the engagement as positive. This is critical to ensuring a positive experience.

  • Manage Excitement: When your puppy becomes overexcited and confident, they may start to pull on the leash and jump excessively. Managing these interactions can be challenging for both the puppy and the owner, but it is essential for a controlled and positive introduction.

How to Do It

Stand Firm:

If your puppy pulls on the leash, do not move forward. Stand still and "hold your ground." This teaches your puppy that pulling will not get them what they want.

Use a Loose Leash:

Keep the leash loose to avoid adding tension, which can increase your puppy’s excitement or anxiety. A loose leash allows for more natural movement and interaction.

Balance Between Holding Ground and Relaxing the Leash:

Stop and Hold: When the puppy is pulling, stop and hold your ground.

Relax the Leash: Once the puppies begin to engage with each other, start to relax the leash. If your puppy stops pulling, then relax the leash so there is absolutely no tension through the leash. Use a positive tone and pitch, saying, "It’s all good, buddy."

Maintain a Loose Leash: Ensure the leash is loose but not so relaxed that the puppy becomes overly excited and starts jumping on the other puppy. Gauge this balance through your hands and by observing the interactions, adjusting as needed.

Monitor and Adjust:

A face-to-face introduction with a relaxed leash helps the puppies smell, watch, and take in the presence of the other calmly. If the puppies become too excited, walk away while calling your puppy (Please don't pull them away - this is only setting up a barrier). This "change of place" helps the puppy relax and forget what was exciting them, reducing their anxiety.

Positive Voice and Tone:

Communicate with your puppy using a positive, encouraging voice. The right pitch and tone can capture your puppy’s attention and reassure them, making them more receptive to your guidance.

Face-to-Face Introduction:

Allow the puppies to approach each other face-to-face. This position helps them read each other’s body language and respond appropriately.

By following these steps, you can ensure a positive and controlled introduction between on-leash puppies, setting the foundation for good social skills and lifelong positive behaviour.


Consistency is Key

Every new experience is an opportunity for learning. Whether introducing your puppy to new dogs, people, or environments, the principles of holding your ground and using a loose leash remain the same. Consistent application of these techniques will help your puppy develop into a well-mannered and confident dog.


In summary, proper on-leash introductions are crucial for your puppy’s social development. By holding your ground, using a loose leash, and employing positive communication, you can guide your puppy through these important early interactions. Remember, how we train our puppies in the first instances makes a significant difference for the rest of their lives. Happy training but always remember puppies should play off leash. Play dates are fun. Introduce by leash and then let them off the lead and allow them to play. This is also a vital part of your puppies interactions. Peter Bonney


Australian master puppy trainer Peter Bonney
Peter Bonney Master Puppy Trainer

79 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page