Our Guide to Walking Your Puppy for the First Time

Taking your puppy out for their first walkies is heartwarming and slightly daunting.

Our canine companions will need many walks over their lifetime, but that first time venturing outside can be nerve-wracking.

However, never fret, we are here to answer all your burning questions and make you extra prepared for your pup's big day.

When Can Puppies Go for Their First Walk?

Typically, puppies will be allowed to explore outside 1-2 weeks after their vaccination. So, most puppies will be around 12 weeks old; however, this can vary depending on the type of vaccine and your vet’s advice.

Remember, their first few walks are going to be a bit scary, so save your epic journeys into the countryside until your pup is more prepared.

Your puppy has the potential to be nervous during their first walk. Here are all the new sensations and experiences that might be overwhelming for your canine companion

1. New and unfamiliar surfaces and textures (concrete, tarmac)
2. New noises (cars, trucks, horns)
3. New scents (animals, other dogs)
4. New things to see
5. Being a little pup, everything will seem huge and scary!

It is also worth considering that their legs are a lot shorter than yours; what might feel like a brief stroll is likely a lot longer for them. So, keep your trip outdoors short and sweet.

Puppy Walking Equipment

Being prepared is key! So here is a list of essential puppy walking equipment:

• Comfortable, well-fitted collar and a light, comfortable lead. Remember, legally, your dog needs to have an up-to-date ID tag. For advice on getting the right size, watch our easy collar guide!
• Tough Poo Bags! Might also be worth bringing a few tissues, sometimes the excitement of their first time on a walk can result in some bowel issues…
• Tasty treats! Recall training is a slow process, but bringing treats with you can help pups understand that returning to you gets them something delicious.
• Travel Water Bowl or Bottle. Your pup must stay hydrated on every walk.

Puppy First Walk Training

The key to all training is positive association!

Your puppy is going to experience a lot of new things on their first few walks. Ensure you reward and praise anytime there is a new noise or sensation, and of course, reward your pooch for showing the behaviour you desire.

• Praise and reward when your pup hears a car horn, a dog barking, a door slamming or a bird flying in and out of a hedge. This will help make these normal noises less scary and eventually just part of their walkies.
• Praise and reward your puppy when they look at and pay attention to you.
• Praise and reward your pup for following you. Start simple with a couple of steps to the left or right.

Remember to stay consistent and positive and keep the walk and training sessions short. Puppies will struggle if they are expected to cope with too much too soon. Simply praise and reward every time your puppy experiences something new.

Keeping Your Puppy Safe

You never know what is going to happen on a walk, so it’s good to be prepared in case the unexpected crops up. Here are some tips to keep your puppy safe:

1. Avoid other dogs on their very first walk. Your puppy needs to learn to listen to your commands first before being distracted by other dogs. If you end up meeting another dog, try and keep the interaction brief; there will be plenty of other opportunities for your pup to socialise.
2. Pick up your pup! If another dog is running towards your puppy, or something they don’t seem ready for, like a cyclist, scoop them up. Alternatively, change direction and distract your puppy.
3. Always pay attention! Keep your eyes focused on your puppy and keep a tight leash.

Relish all the walks you get with your puppy; they grow up so fast!

For more advice, browse our puppy-themed blogs.