Training Your Dog To Use A Leash
If you would like to have an easier time walking your dog or taking him to the vet your must leash train your dog. Leash training helps you manage 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. Training your dog to use a lease may take a couple of days or 1-2 weeks. It all depends on the dog. Remember that consistency is the key.
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Becoming Familiar with the Dog Collar
Your puppy must first learn how a collar feels around his neck. The collar should fit tight enough that your puppy cannot pull it over his head, but it should not be so tight that it will choke him. Generally speaking, the correct collar tension should allow your thumb to fit adequately between the collar and your dog’s coat.
Put the collar on your puppy as soon as you get home. It may be easier to put the collar on when your puppy is eating or when you are playing with him since these activities would provide a distraction. Your puppy’s initial response will be to remove the collar. He may scratch at the collar or roll around while trying to get it off. Never remove the collar when he is doing this. Wait until your dog is not paying attention to the collar before you remove it. Your puppy may not feel comfortable with his new collar for a day or two.
The Next Step – The Dog Leash
Wait until your dog is feeling comfortable with his collar before introducing him to the leash. To accomplish this attach a leash to the collar and let your dog move around freely. It would probably be best to use a thin lightweight leash. You could use a larger leather leash once your puppy feels comfortable with a leash.
Don’t leave your dog unsupervised with the leash attached in case it gets caught on something and endangers your puppy. If your puppy does become entangled simply release him and allow him to continue playing. This step may take a day or two. The next stage of leash training can begin as soon as your puppy feels comfortable with his leash.
The Next Step of Dog Leash Training – Walking
Teaching your dog to walk beside you on a leash is the next step in your dog leash training. The best place to start this step is at home where there are less 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 keep walking you are reinforcing his behavior of pulling on the leash. After stopping call your dog to come to you. Don’t yank on the leash. When he returns to your side praise him for coming and then start walking again. As soon as your dog pulls on the leash again repeat this process. In this way your puppy will learn that he will not get very far if he pulls on the leash. Continue to repeat this process as needed. Consistency is the key.
Suddenly, after a number of walks, you will realize that your dog is not pulling on the leash. Always reward your dog when he performs tasks correctly. When your puppy walks three or four steps without pulling take time to praise him and give him a treat.
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How to Leash Train an Adult Dog
Adult dogs are not as easy to leash train as a puppy. This is because a puppy is easier to control physically because it is smaller. Adult dogs, on the other hand, have greater strength as well as established habits to overcome.
The process in training an adult dog to walk beside you on a leash is the same as with a puppy. You must maintain full control when training an adult dog even though it is more demanding physically.
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. If a dog pulls on a leash when wearing a gentle leader his head is pulled up. This can be uncomfortable but it is not painful.
Leash training your dog is easy. 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.
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