Bringing a puppy into your home is more than just adding a pet—it’s welcoming a new member of the family. At Puppy City, a family-owned business since 1964, we’ve seen firsthand how puppies can light up a home with joy, love, and laughter. Their playful energy, loyal companionship, and endless curiosity help create special memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced dog lover, a puppy’s presence adds a positive spark to everyday life.
Make a Difference in a Puppy City’s Life
Owning a puppy encourages a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. From early morning walks to spontaneous play sessions in the backyard, puppies naturally get us moving and engaged with the world around us. They help families build routines, foster responsibility in kids, and create opportunities to connect with others. A simple trip to the park becomes a chance to meet neighbors, bond with fellow dog owners, and enjoy quality time outdoors—something we believe in deeply here at Puppy City.
Puppies also offer unmatched emotional support. Their unconditional love can ease stress, brighten your mood, and help combat loneliness. For many of our Puppy City families, their dogs have become trusted companions during tough times, always there with a wagging tail and a warm nuzzle. Studies even show that having a dog around can lower blood pressure and promote mental well-being—just one of the many ways a puppy can truly make a difference in your life.
Our commitment at Puppy City goes beyond just matching families with puppies—we’re here to help you build a meaningful relationship with your new best friend. Since 1964, our family has worked hard to create a welcoming space where happy, healthy puppies are raised with care and respect. Every puppy that leaves our doors is a reflection of our values: love, responsibility, and the belief that every dog deserves a safe, happy home.
When you choose to welcome a puppy into your life, you’re not just gaining a pet—you’re changing a life, and your own. At Puppy City, we’re proud to be part of that journey. Whether you’re looking for your first puppy or adding a new one to the pack, we’re here to help you make a lasting, positive difference in a puppy’s life—and feel that joy right back in yours.
Prepare Your Puppy For Loose Leash Walking
Learning to walk on a leash is more than a nice training trick—it is about keeping themselves and others safe when out and about. An out-of-control dog, even if friendly, can cause all sorts of problems with other dogs, children, patrons, businesses, and more.
That’s why setting up foundations of loose leash walking can help build success and reinforce positive behaviors that form a bigger picture rather than clipping that leash to the collar and putting one foot in front of the other (until you trip over your puppy)!
Foundations of walking your puppy on a leash
Introducing leash manners for puppies can be a challenging yet rewarding experience that feels like two paws forward and one paw back. Taking time to set yourself and your puppy up for success goes a long way in your precious training time to positively reinforce your daily lessons.
Speaking of foundations, your puppy should also be working on learning basic puppy training commands. You’ll be using “Sit” quite a bit! You’ll also want to work on playing “name games” where you can get your puppy’s attention quickly when saying their name, even with distractions around. Every time you say your puppy’s name and they look at you, give your praise marker word (“Yes!” or “Good Girl!”) and reward with a treat.
Supplies Needed to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash
Before you teach your puppy how to walk on a lead, gather some supplies that you’ll need to think carefully about what is the right equipment for your unique situation with your puppy. Do you have a 60-lb. baby Bernese Mountain Dog or a 3-lb. Chihuahua? While the equipment for a successful dog walking training session may vary, the spirit of consistency and patience will be a common denominator regardless of your dog’s breed and size.
High-value treats
If someone asks you to do something you’re not really into and offers you broccoli as a reward, very few people will choose it (although there is always someone)! However, if they offer you a chocolate lava cake baked by an award-winning pastry chef, you’ll go above and beyond to perform that task! Puppies are the same. Most are food motivated, so you can’t go wrong with offering delicious treats they don’t get all the time, such as cooked chicken, pieces of beggin’ strips, cheese, or a spoonful of peanut butter. Make sure to keep the pieces small so you don’t spoil their dinners or upset their little stomachs.
Your presence
You must be “all in” when training your puppy to walk on a leash without naughty behaviors. If you are on your phone scrolling social media, you will be ignoring your dog, giving them a lack of direction and permission to do what their doggy hearts desire, which definitely does not involve listening to you. If you encounter a friend or neighbor, keep it to a friendly greeting and say you are training your dog and will catch up later. Being in tune with your puppy will increase communication and bonding, making your puppy more willing to please you.
