Leash training your puppy or dog can be a challenge, especially if you are trying to do it on your own without the help of a trainer. One of the best options is to consider attending a puppy kindergarten or a dog obedience class to help learn all the tricks of having your dog heeling along beside you on the leash. There are several things that dog owners do that actually make leash training much more difficult than it needs to be. One of the biggest mistakes that owners make is to simply go where their dog wants to go when the dog is on the leash. It is important right from the start that you firmly and consistently be the leader, which means that Fido needs to understand that he is going to have to go with you if he wants to go anywhere at all.
Pulling and jerking on the dog's collar or harness with the lead is another mistake that you will see all the time. Not only does pulling and jerking run the risk of injury to the dog but it also causes irritation to the skin as the collar pinches and rubs. This irritation will eventually lead to the dog not enjoying the whole process as it is painful for him or her. Over time your dog will start avoiding the whole collar and leash, making it less likely that your dog will look forward to walks and outings in the future.
There are some simple and easy techniques that owners of dogs or puppies of any age and size can use. These techniques are most effective when used consistently from the first training day forward, however they can be incorporated into your training routine at any point in time.
1. Never Leash Training When You First Arrive Home
Dogs are incredibly happy and excited to see the family arrive home and they often are simply much too interested in getting attention than walking calmly by your side. A better option is to allow the dog time to roam in the yard or just adjust to you being home before attempting a training session. Once the dog is calm and will sit while you attach the leash and collar they are prepared to stay calmer and more focused on your outing.
It is also a good idea to mix up the times that you are walking your dog. Following a strict routine with regards to time and schedule may cause your dog to get overly excited at the time that you normally take them outside. By staggering the training times and walks throughout the day and evening your dog will stay calmer and less expectant of the upcoming trip outside.
2. Keep The Leash Loose, Not Tight
A tight leash puts pressure on the dog's collar, headstall or harness and is a signal to the dog that he or she is not doing something right. Owners that constantly keep their dog on a tight leash are signaling the exact opposite message to what they want to. In addition the tighter the leash the more the dog is going to pull to get away. Always hold the leash so that it is loose on the collar and hangs down in a curve giving a reasonable amount of movement for the dog. When the dog moves incorrectly the leash will naturally tighten and the dog will move faster or closer to you to relieve the natural and gentle tension.
3. Stop And Reverse Directions Rather Then Jerking Or Pulling
If you have a small dog you may be able to pull them along, however if you have a large or giant breed you are more likely to be the pullee rather than the puller. Many owners of dogs of all sizes are guilty of jerking on the leash in an attempt to get the dog's attention or redirect their movement. Jerking on the collar is not only harmful to the dog but it will cause the dog to pull away further, actually compounding the problem.
A better option is to work with the loose leash, but keep changing directions and allowing the leash to naturally tighten and loosen as the dog learns to say within the allowable distance from your leg. Moving briskly and setting a clear course is also important as dogs that pull are less likely to be a problem when they are moving. As they become better at walking along gradually incorporate a slower pace and even an complete stop.
4. You Decide When To Move, Not The Pooch
If your dog is constantly pulling and trying to set the pace you have the option to simply stop and refuse to move. Don't jerk on the leash or pull the dog, just simply stop and hold the leash in your hand at the regular walking length. As soon as the dog stops pulling move forward at a good pace, then stop again if he or she tries to set the direction or begins to lunge ahead. With consistent application of this process the dog will soon learn that to get moving he has to follow your lead. Trying to set the pace only results in a dead stop.
5. Use A Standard Leash For Training
Retractable leashes are terrific for dogs that know the heel command and are proficient in walking on a leash. They are not good for training as the length of the leash is too variable for the dog to get a good understanding of where they are to be located in relation to your body when the leash is on.
A standard four, six or eight foot leash is more than enough leash for any breed of dog. Most trainers recommend the six foot leash as a general purpose leash however some breeds and owners may prefer the slightly longer or slightly shorter options.
It is always a great idea to take your puppy or dog to an obedience class to help with leash work. Since obedience classes also provide socialization and working with distractions they can be a wonderful training and learning opportunity for both dogs and their owners. You may even find that you want to continue on to advance obedience classes or even compete with your dog once he or she has completed the training program.
|
