Puppy Leash Training
Performing puppy leash training is actually a very simple and quickly learned lesson to teach.
The reason that so many dog owners find leash training difficult is because they go about it using all the wrong methods.
Yelling "Heel" and tugging hard on a leash or choke collar is a classic example of what not to do.
Yet it is probably the most common method used.
So what is the best technique for leash training your dog? Well, first, let's figure out just what your dog likes about walking on a leash with you.
Dogs enjoy being on a leash with you to walk and explore.
They do not enjoy staying stationary.
Using these two simple facts, you can quickly and easily train your dog to walk alongside you like a gentleman.
Start by reinforcing the desired behavior before the walk even starts.
After connecting the leash to your dog's collar, do not leave the house until he is calm and sitting down.
If he is bouncing all over the place in anticipation of the upcoming walk, simply stand in place and calmly insist that he sit.
As with all dog training the first few times will take the longest to get the desired result.
As soon as your dog sits, praise him gently and immediately start outside for the walk.
The second you get outside, your puppy will almost certainly start to pull and bounce around.
Just apply the same technique as before.
Stand in place and calmly insist that he settle down before the walk will commence.
As soon as he settles down, calmly praise him and start to walk.
Once he starts to pull again (and he will) come to a stop and insist he settle down before continuing.
Repeat this stop and go technique for the duration of the walk.
And, as with any training session, make sure that you end on a good note.
For the first several days of leash training I would recommend going for at least four walks a day.
More if your schedule permits.
This will provide the best and speediest results.
Following this procedure at very regular intervals should get you the desired results in less than a week.
Then you can settle in to a regular routine that fits your schedule.
The reason that so many dog owners find leash training difficult is because they go about it using all the wrong methods.
Yelling "Heel" and tugging hard on a leash or choke collar is a classic example of what not to do.
Yet it is probably the most common method used.
So what is the best technique for leash training your dog? Well, first, let's figure out just what your dog likes about walking on a leash with you.
Dogs enjoy being on a leash with you to walk and explore.
They do not enjoy staying stationary.
Using these two simple facts, you can quickly and easily train your dog to walk alongside you like a gentleman.
Start by reinforcing the desired behavior before the walk even starts.
After connecting the leash to your dog's collar, do not leave the house until he is calm and sitting down.
If he is bouncing all over the place in anticipation of the upcoming walk, simply stand in place and calmly insist that he sit.
As with all dog training the first few times will take the longest to get the desired result.
As soon as your dog sits, praise him gently and immediately start outside for the walk.
The second you get outside, your puppy will almost certainly start to pull and bounce around.
Just apply the same technique as before.
Stand in place and calmly insist that he settle down before the walk will commence.
As soon as he settles down, calmly praise him and start to walk.
Once he starts to pull again (and he will) come to a stop and insist he settle down before continuing.
Repeat this stop and go technique for the duration of the walk.
And, as with any training session, make sure that you end on a good note.
For the first several days of leash training I would recommend going for at least four walks a day.
More if your schedule permits.
This will provide the best and speediest results.
Following this procedure at very regular intervals should get you the desired results in less than a week.
Then you can settle in to a regular routine that fits your schedule.
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