Begin in puppyhood training your new companions and it will lead you to years of enjoyment and help make your puppy into the happy good citizen she deserves to be. Get your puppy a good lightweight adjustable halter. Begin inside your home, let her get used to wearing it around while supervised, attach her leash and let her lead you. Make a game of it and she will associate the leash with the joy of your attention.
When she is comfortable with this so far, you can step outside. Be sure your puppy always has identification when outside your home. Several fifteen minute walks are better than one long one. Let her take you wherever she can safely go. Once again, when she seems comfortable with the change in environment, use your puppies name and gently tug the lead in one direction, and use the word "come." She will do so more readily if you kneel down. Remember she has no idea what you are talking about. Be clear and consistent and work slowly. Go to her and show her what "come" means, gently. Always reward obedience with praise.
If she vehemently fights the tug of the lead, stop and do not scold, the point of these walks is simply to let her feel the attachment of the lead and should be fun. Over time, she will realize what you are asking her to do and comply. She may follow your direction of "come" but may walk or run on both sides of you, in front of you or tangle the lead in your legs etc. Stop, redirect her, again say "come" and gently tug the lead forward. This just takes patience and practice to develop a rhythm.
After these beginning walks she will be thirsty and maybe hungry and will probably need a nap. This is the first step in teaching your companion how to behave in your world. Be consistent, calm and undemanding. She is a baby and has a short memory. Never strike or scream at her, this only teaches fear and hate. Remember, a well trained animal is a happy, safe animal and a good neighbor. She will also be a joy to have as a companion.
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