A Buddy Leash is simply a leash that is hooked to both the puppy, and their Responsible Party.You can convert any leash into a buddy leash by running the leash handle through a belt, or attaching a bolt snap to the handle and then hooking that to your belt loop.   You can also purchase a “hands free” leash and accomplish the same thing.  A Buddy Leash is a form of tethering.   Puppies can be tethered to a person as a form of management.  As with the play pen, do not overuse a buddy leash or use a short buddy leash under 6 feet (with 8 feet being ideal).  While being hooked to a person does provide lots of opportunities for both socialization and learning, it also prevents a puppy from running and engaging in self directed play so we want to use the buddy leash kindly and responsibly.

A buddy leash is a useful tool for managing your puppy’s behavior while house training (and beyond) because it prevents puppy from doing undesired behaviors (such as going off to potty behind the sofa) and gives you opportunities to ensure desirable behaviors occur (such as going for regularly scheduled potty breaks) and unlike crating or playpens, your puppy is experiencing social interactions, exercise, and learning.   However, the puppy is not free to engage in self directed play and movement of their body, so consider a buddy leash or tether as confinement, just like a crate, and don't overuse it.