Teaching your puppy to follow you is a great way to bond with your puppy and prepare them for more advanced commands such as heel and recall. “Follow” is a helpful activity for dogs that get easily distracted or tend to run off. Starting this training before your dog reaches four months old is ideal, but puppies and dogs of all ages can benefit from learning the “follow” command. Follow the guide below to teach your dog this important skill.
Supply List:
- Harness or Collar (Preferably a no-slip martingale)
- 50ft long line
- Dog treats or kibble
Safety and public places in Kansas City:
As you will be using a 50ft leash, please be extra mindful of potential hazards your puppy could reach, including traffic and streets. We have previously blogged about some great public areas in Kansas City to take your dog to, such as Loose Park. Loose Park features a kids’ water area and tennis courts that can serve as distractions for training and plenty of shaded areas for hot days. Shawnee Mission Park is also a great place to train your puppy, offering over 1,600 acres of open space and 11 different walking trails.
Step 1: Turning “Follow” into a game
- With your puppy on a 50ft long line, place them in your backyard, driveway or inside your home. Begin walking away from your puppy.
- Give your puppy enthusiastic praise when they follow you. When they reach your legs, reward them with a treat. Then, turn and walk in the opposite direction, continuing to praise and treat them as they follow.
- If your puppy is not following you, you can encourage it by offering high-value treats and gentle leash pulling.
Step 2: Practicing in public
Now that your puppy is following you, you can train your puppy in more public areas with greater distractions.
- You will offer the same approach as when outside your home by putting your puppy on a long leash and then walking away from them.
- As they start to follow you, offer enthusiastic praise and treats. Offer treats when your puppy reaches your side or is within arms reach, then walk in the opposite direction and continue practicing “follow.”’
- If your puppy isn’t following you, try encouraging them by calling their name, running away from them and making playful noises, such as kissing sounds.
When a 50-foot leash feels too long in busy or distracting environments, using a 10-15 foot leash will give you more control. Practice the “follow” command three times a week for two to three weeks, and then, as your puppy becomes more consistent, reduce practice to once a week or bi-weekly.
We’re here to help:
Are you finding it difficult to teach your puppy commands and good behavior? You can book a free consultation with our Co-Founder, Sean Savage CDBC, CPDT-KA. Sean will provide professional advice to help achieve your training goals. Our Kansas City Obedience and Manners Puppy Training Programs are all customized to achieve your specific training goals both in your home and in the greater Kansas City area, such as at shops and parks.
For more helpful training blogs you can visit our Kansas City Puppy Training Blogs, including “How to Teach Place” and “How to Stop Your Puppy From Jumping”. We also offer local insights and recommendations on our “Kansas City’s Dog-Friendly Guide” including “Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers” and “Kansas City’s Dog-Friendly Stores”.
