Can I trust my Puppy Off Leash?

In short, probably not...however I did find a solution to giving my puppy freedom but also keeping her safe. When I first got my puppy Zhani, I had no idea how important a training leash would be. Looking back, I really wish my dog trainer had told me to get one from the start it would have enhanced my dog training journey. A puppy leash is not just for walks, it is an essential tool for training, bonding, and keeping your pup safe.

When I first got my puppy Zhani, I had no idea how important a training leash would be. Looking back, I really wish my dog trainer had told me to get one from the start it would have enhanced my dog training journey. A puppy leash is not just for walks, it is an essential tool for training, bonding and keeping your pup safe.

One of the biggest challenges I found with a new puppy is keeping them out of trouble. I am sure I am not alone when I say, they want to explore everything. A dog or puppy leash / lead gives you control, preventing them from running into dangerous situations while still allowing them to explore their surroundings safely. I found teaching recall very tough; puppies are naturally curious, and distractions are everywhere. My dog, Zhani is five and still gets too excited by the world around her to reliably come back every time. I believe having a long line lead as a puppy would have made recall training so much better and allowed me to give her freedom while still allowing me to reinforce commands.

Have you heard your dog trainer saying socialising a puppy is crucial however that doesn’t mean a dog park.  A training leash lets you introduce your pup to new environments, people, and other dogs in a controlled way and helping them build confidence. Most dog trainers will tell you that we want puppies to remain neutral in different situations rather than getting overly excited or anxious.

A dog trainer once told me a training leash is not just about control, it is also about communication. When you are attached to your puppy, they start to understand your cues and expectations. This builds trust and strengthens your bond in a way that off-leash interactions just cannot.

Puppy leashes are not just for outdoor adventures! They can also be a great tool for setting boundaries inside the home. Tethering your puppy to you or a safe spot teaches them patience and helps establish a routine. Learning to “do nothing” is an important skill for puppies!

If I could go back, I would get a puppy leash right away. It is not just about training, it is about keeping your puppy safe, building good habits and making life together easier. If you are getting a new pup, do yourself a favour and invest in a good dog training leash. You will not regret it!