The first few weeks with a puppy are exciting—not just for you, but also for your young dog. Soon, the moment will come when you discover the world outside your home together for the first time. There are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your first walk is a pleasant and safe experience for both of you.
A puppy should only go outside after its first basic vaccinations – i.e. from around eight weeks of age. Some vets recommend waiting until the second vaccination has been given before going on longer walks. In the first few weeks of life, a puppy's immune system is not yet fully developed, which is why protection through vaccinations is particularly important.
However, this does not mean that your puppy has to stay indoors until then. On the contrary: you can carefully introduce it to new experiences in the early stages. For example, you can carry it in your arms or let it play in the garden, provided there are no strange, unvaccinated animals around. This allows it to get to know the world in small steps without becoming overwhelmed.
Before venturing out on your first walk, it is helpful if your puppy is already familiar with a few things. This includes, above all, wearing a collar or harness. Practice this first in a quiet environment by putting the harness on your puppy and praising them. Once your puppy has worn it for a few minutes without any problems, you can gradually get them used to being on a leash.
Basic commands such as "sit" or "come" will also help you to get your puppy's attention during walks. Of course, you shouldn't expect perfect leash manners at this stage – patience, consistency, and praise are the best companions on this journey.
For your first walk, you should choose safe equipment that is suitable for your puppy. A well-fitting chest harness is particularly recommended, as it protects the sensitive neck area and offers more control. Make sure that the harness is neither too tight nor too loose – a finger's width of slack is a good guideline.
The leash should be light and not too long. Retractable leashes are less suitable for beginners as they can be dangerous if pulled suddenly and offer little control. A simple leash about two meters long is perfectly adequate. If you are walking at dusk or in the dark, reflective equipment is a good idea. There are leashes, collars, and harnesses with reflective elements that provide greater visibility.
Choosing the right place for your first walk is crucial. Quiet paths, meadows, or parks are particularly suitable. Places with little traffic, few people, and as little noise as possible will help your puppy slowly get used to new impressions.
Avoid busy streets, crowded playgrounds, or busy shopping areas at first. Encounters with other dogs should only take place in a controlled environment at the beginning, such as at puppy school or with familiar, vaccinated dogs from your neighborhood.
Puppies have very limited stamina. A rough rule of thumb is five minutes of walking per month of age – so about 15 minutes for a three-month-old puppy. However, the actual duration also depends on the breed, temperament, and physical condition.
It is important that you adjust the pace of the walk to suit your puppy. Give them time to sniff around, look around and take in their surroundings. The walk is not only for exercise, but above all for socialization and building trust.
Your puppy is discovering the world with all their senses – and especially with their mouth. Make sure they don't eat anything unsuitable outside, such as discarded food scraps, sharp objects, or snails. These can transmit dangerous pathogens.
Praise your puppy when it walks calmly on the leash and avoid pulling or jerking abruptly. Positive reinforcement is the best way to encourage desired behavior, especially in the early stages.
When you encounter other dogs, remain calm and pay attention to your puppy's body language. If he shows signs of insecurity, it is best to retreat and give him time. Not every encounter has to be intense – it is important that your puppy has positive experiences.
Some puppies simply stand still or lie down during their first walk. This is completely normal – it often just means that they are overwhelmed or tired. In such cases, it helps to talk to them calmly or motivate them with a treat. If that doesn't work, carry them part of the way back home or take a break where you are.
However, avoid carrying your puppy all the time, as they need to learn to walk on a leash. Patience is key here – with each walk, your puppy will become more confident.
The first walk is an important milestone in your puppy's life. With the right preparation, the right equipment, and lots of patience, you can ensure that your puppy feels safe outside and explores the world with curiosity.
By slowly getting your puppy used to new experiences, you'll not only strengthen your bond, but also lay the foundation for relaxed walks later in life. Make these first outings a positive experience—they're the beginning of your journey together.
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