Leash training a 10-week Labradoodle

Your breeder is right — 10 weeks is actually a great time to start leash training, and the leash you choose at this stage matters more than most people realise. Length, material, and how it attaches all shape how walking and early training habits form. A puppy this young needs something lightweight and easy to control, not a standard adult dog lead. Can you tell me a bit more: is your Labradoodle on the smaller or larger side for the breed, what are you mainly hoping to do with the leash right now — short garden sessions, street walks, recall work — and do you have any specific concerns or requirements?

That's a completely reasonable concern, and it tells me exactly what you need. At 3kg and 10 weeks, the priority is keeping things light and low-pressure — you want her to barely notice the leash at first. What harness are you planning to use, or are you attaching to a collar? And is she already comfortable being handled and touched around her neck and chest?

Perfect — a harness is exactly the right call at this age, takes all pressure off the neck and gives you much better control without any risk of injury. With a confident, easy-going pup on a step-in harness, you just need a leash that matches: short, light, and manageable for you too. My recommendation is the Ruffwear Flat Out Lead in its 1.5m length. It's made from lightweight flat webbing, has a comfortable padded handle, and the clip is small and secure without being bulky for a puppy-sized harness ring. It won't drag on her, it won't overwhelm your hand, and it'll easily last her into adulthood. It's the kind of lead that doesn't get in the way of the actual training — which is exactly what you want right now.

For what you're doing right now — garden sessions where the goal is just getting her comfortable — 1.5m is ideal. Short enough that she stays close and learns to walk with you, long enough that she doesn't feel pressured or restricted. You don't want a 5m training line at this stage; that's more for recall practice later when she's a bit older and you're working at distance. Stick with the 1.5m Ruffwear lead for now and you'll have exactly the right tool for the job.

You're in good shape — confident puppy, good harness, and starting early is genuinely the best thing you can do. Keep sessions to two or three minutes at most for now, let her set the pace, and don't worry if she just stands there the first few times. That's normal. She'll get it quickly. Good luck with her.