Thursday, July 21, 2011

Puppy Leash Training - Making It Work

By Chris Station


The key to having a well behaved dog, is to start training when he's a puppy. the first step is to train him in accepting his collar and leash. You can begin this puppy leash training almost as soon as you bring him home.

Training your dog to accept a collar and leash is crucial because it sets you up as being in control. When your dog accepts you being in charge, training has a lot better chance of being a success.

As soon as you can get your puppy to stop fighting it and accept his collar and lead, you'll be able to begin to focus in other areas. Here's what to do to train him to accept collar and lead.

Be sure to buy a collar that is the right size. Don't buy a collar that you think he'll grow into. If a collar is too loose it won't stay on. But it should be big enough that you are able to make some adjustments. The rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers easily between collar and neck.

When you first begin to use a collar with your puppy, it will feel strange to him. By giving him lots of attention and reassurance you'll help take his mind off it. Be aware that he may not get used to the feel of the collar in a day or two, so give him lots of time. Once he does become used to having it on, you can start to move forward with real training for your puppy. Leash training will be easier if you've given your new pup plenty of time to just get used to having to wear a collar.

Next, you'll attach a short but light leash to the collar. Be sure that this leash isn't any more than three feet long. Let your dog drag the leash all over for short periods of time. You're trying to let him see how it feels when there is something attached to his collar.

Keep a close eye on your pup when he is walking around with the lead connected. If he does get stuck when you're not around, he might get agitated and frightened. You do want him to see what it feels like to be restricted for a short time, but you do not want him to get upset when it occurs. So quickly free the lead when it's stuck.

Within only a few days he will probably have become accustomed to the feel of his leash. When this time comes, go one step further by attaching the other end of his leash to you instead of letting him drag it around loosely. Now as your puppy is exploring, he'll get stuck just like before. The difference this way is that, you won't go to him to free-up his leash.

Instead crouch down and call him by name. Extend your hand and offer him a treat or toy to get him to come to you. Praise him excessively when he does come. Do this for a short time daily. You can detach the leash once he has successfully done what you requested a few times, but don't take his collar off.

When he routinely comes to you when he is called, your puppy leash training will have been a success. You can then move onto the rest of the training program knowing that it will be a lot easier.




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