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The Basic Steps Of Dog Leash Training

Activies such as taking your dog for a walk or going to the vet are all made easier if you train your dog to use a leash properly. In this way you will be assured that excursions with your dog will be pleasent for both of you.

Leash training should begin as soon as you bring a new puppy home. Some dogs will be trained to use the leash within a few days while others may take 1-2 weeks. Consistency is what is crucial.

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Becoming Familiar with the Dog Collar

The first step is to put a dog collar on your puppy so he can become familiar with how it feels. 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. If there is enough room for your thumb to fit adequately between the collar and your dog's coat then you know it fits comfortably.

Put the collar on your puppy as soon as you get home. You may find it easier to put the collar on your puppy when he is playing or eating since he will be distracted. Your puppy's initial response will be to remove the collar. He will attempt to remove it by scratching at it or by rolling around. You should not remove the collar when he is trying to get it off. Do not remove the collar until your dog is not paying attention to it. After a day or two you puppy should feel comfortable with his collar.

The Dog Leash

You can introduce your puppy to the leash when you are sure he is feeling comfortable with his collar. 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.

Don't leave your dog unsupervised with the leash attached in case it gets caught on something and endangers your puppy. If your puppy gets tangled up you will be able to release your dog and allow him to continue playing. It may take a day or two before your dog is used to the leash. Once your puppy feels comfortable with the leash you are ready to move on to the next stage of leash training.

The Next Step of Dog Leash Training - Walking

Walking beside you on a leash is the next step in your leash training program. This step can be started at home where there are fewer distractions.

The leash tension should be slack with enough length that you are not physically pulling your dog. Your puppy should be free to walk.

You must stop immediately if your puppy pulls on the leash. 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. As soon as your dog returns to your side praise him and then begin walking again. If your dog pulls on the leash again stop and repeat the 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.

It may take a few walks before you realize your dog is not pulling on the leash. Remember to reward your dog for tasks performed 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

It is easier to leash train a puppy than it is an adult dog. Because puppies are smaller they are easier to control physically. Not only are adult dogs stronger but they may have bad habits that must be overcome.

Training an adult dog to use a leash is the same procedure as with 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 used when leash training an older and larger dog. The harness will give you control over a dog's entire body instead of just his neck. The gentle leader causes a dog's head to go up if he pulls on a leash. This is not painful but is uncomfortable.

It is not a complicated process to leash train your dog. As with all dog training it takes time and patience but the result is a well-behaved dog you can take almost anywhere.

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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