Walking your dog or taking him to the vet are much easier when you have trained your dog to use a leash properly. Leash training helps you handle you dog in any situation because you will be in control.
It is best to begin leash training as soon as you bring your new puppy home. Dogs vary in the length of time it will take to train them to use a leash. Some dogs will learn within a couple of days, others may take one to two weeks. Remember that consistency is the key.
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Becoming Familiar with the Dog Collar
Putting a collar on your puppy, so he can become accustomed to how it feels, is your first step. The collar should fit loosely enough that it will not choke him but it should not be so loose that it can be pulled over his head. You can tell that the collar fits correctly if there is enough room between the collar and your dog’s coat to allow your thumb to fit comfortably.
As soon as you get home place a collar on your puppy. Distracting your puppy by feeding him or playing with him may make it easier to put the collar on. Your puppy will initially work at removing the collar. He may try to remove it by rolling around or scratching at the collar. You should not remove the collar when he is trying to get it off. If you do remove the collar wait until your dog is not paying attention to it. Your puppy should feel comfortable with his collar after a day or two.
The Dog Leash – Step Two
When your dog is feeling comfortable with his collar you can introduce him to the leash. This can be done by attaching a leash to the collar and letting your dog move around with the leash attached. It is best to start out with a thin lightweight leash. You could use a larger leather leash once your puppy feels comfortable with a leash.
It would be dangerous to leave your dog unsupervised with the leash attached since it could get tangled up and cause serious problems for your puppy. If your puppy gets tangled up you will be able to release your dog and allow him to continue playing. In a day or two your dog should be used to the leash. You are ready to move to the next stage of leash training when you puppy feels comfortable with the leash.
The Next Step of Dog Leash Training – Walking
Now you are ready to teach your dog to walk beside you on the leash. A good place to start this step is at home where there are not so many distractions.
When walking your dog the leash should be kept loose. Don’t pull on your dog. Your puppy must be able to walk freely.
When your puppy pulls on the leash you should stop immediately. If you do not stop instantly you will encourage his behavior of pulling on the leash. Do not yank on the leash but call your dog to come to you. As soon as your dog returns to your side praise him and then begin walking again. As soon as your dog pulls on the leash again repeat this process. Your puppy will soon learn it is not to his advantage to pull on the leash. Repeat this process over and over again. Being consistent is important.
After a number of walks you will begin to realize your dog is not longer pulling on the leash. Always reward your dog when he performs tasks properly. Your puppy should be praised and given a treat when he walks three or four steps without pulling the leash.
Your dog wants to please you. Your praises should be enthusiastic. Dog treats often add to your dog’s motivation in successfully completing a task.
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How to Leash Train an Adult Dog
Leash training a puppy is easier than training an adult dog. A puppy is smaller and easier to control physically. An adult dog has greater strength and established habits that must be overcome.
Leash training an adult dog is the same process as training a puppy. Training an adult dog is more demanding physically but you must maintain full control throughout the training process.
A harness or gentle leader can be helpful when training an older dog to use a lease. The harness will give you control over a dog’s body instead of putting strain on his neck. When a dog is wearing a gentle leader his head will go up when he pulls on the leash. This can be uncomfortable but it is not painful.
It is not a complicated process to leash train your dog. It does take time and patience, as with all dog training, but the reward is a well-behaved dog you can take almost everywhere.
I hope these ideas are helpful. For a complete guide that will assist you in training your dog in all situations visit Dog Training Secrets.
