WEEK 4: Leash Foundations & Tether Training

 WEEK 4: Leash Foundations & Tether Training

This week, we begin real-world structure. Not walks around the block yet—but the invisible leash that teaches presence, calm, and leadership.

Why We Don’t Start with Walks

Leash training outside is chaos if your puppy hasn’t mastered it indoors. You’re not ready to navigate squirrels, leaf piles, and smells when they don’t even know how to walk beside you in the hallway.

We begin with control. Connection. Presence.

Step 1: Tether Time

Grab a hands-free leash or any leash you can tie around your waist. Let the puppy follow you. Everywhere. While you cook, clean, do laundry, or answer emails.

They’re not walking with you yet. They’re simply existing beside you.

Minimum goal: 30 minutes/day tethered.

Benefits:

• Prevents wandering and potty accidents
• Builds attention and trust
• Encourages calm following
• Stops unwanted chewing or zoomies

Analogy: Think of it like baby-wearing a newborn. They’re not “doing” much- but they’re learning everything.

Step 2: Introduce Direction

If your puppy starts to pull away, pause. Use a soft shoelace tug to redirect them to your side. Reward calm following. Do not bribe. Let them earn.

This is where the “leader energy” starts. They feel it. And it shows.

Step 3: Anchor Exercises

Use tools like:

• Suction cup floor tether (for bath time, door greetings, or crate prep)
• Corkscrew grass anchor (for safe outside lounging near you)

These let your puppy watch and learn without running amok.

Step 4: Gear & Guidance

• No harnesses for leash learning – they encourage pulling
• Use a flat collar or martingale (sized correctly)
• Avoid retractables like the plague

Harnesses are for injured dogs, not healthy puppies. You’re not walking a sled team.

Step 5: Start Mini Indoor Walks

Use a 4–6 foot leash in a hallway or yard. Mark and treat when they walk beside you. Change directions often. Stop if they pull.

Walks don’t have to go far. They have to go well.

Optional Add-On: Add your puppy’s name and a “watch me” command to reinforce focus.

Your Daily Goal

• 30 minutes of tether time
• 10 minutes of indoor “walk” with leash
• 1–2 anchor moments (bathroom, crate, front door, etc.)

Repetition builds habits. Calm becomes default.

Tools to Try This Week:

• Hands-free leash
• Suction tether for smooth floors
• Outdoor corkscrew anchor
• Martingale collar (not a harness)
• Treat pouch for rewarding calm

This is where leash manners begin. If you wait until they’re older or stronger, you’re training a tugboat. Start now, indoors, with purpose. Calm = freedom.