Leash walking on busy city sidewalks
How to teach loose-leash walking around crowds, bikes, strollers and other dogs, with practical tips for Bethlehem sidewalks and trails.
Read moreCity homes bring special challenges: stairs, no private yard, neighbors and bad weather. Here's how to adapt.
Make a plan
- 1
Choose a potty route
Pick the shortest, safest path to a consistent spot.
- 2
Carry small puppies downstairs
Preventing accidents on the way out matters.
- 3
Stick to the schedule
Out after waking, eating, playing and every 1 to 2 hours.
- 4
Reward on the spot
Treat immediately after your puppy finishes.
- 5
Prepare for weather
Use an umbrella and a short, boring trip when it's cold or wet.
What about pads?
Indoor pads can help in a pinch (very small dogs, high-rise apartments, bad weather), but they can slow outdoor training. If you use them, move them gradually toward the door.
More help
See our puppy training guide.
This article is general information, not veterinary, legal or professional training advice. If your dog has a health or safety concern, contact your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional.
Keep reading
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Protect your dog from cold, ice and de-icing salt: how long to walk, paw care, coats, and keeping dogs busy indoors.
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How to stop barking in an apartment or rowhouse
Why dogs bark, and how to reduce it: exercise, enrichment, blocking triggers and teaching quiet, with tips for shared-wall living.
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