Puppy Leash Training – The Kind Gentle Way To Train Your Puppy
March 18th, 2010 by Chris Station
Training a puppy to accept a collar and leash is probably the single most important thing that you can work on when you start his training. Puppy leash training can begin almost as soon as you get him settled in his new home.
When you train your puppy to become used to a collar and leash, you are establishing the idea that you are in control. This is a really important point for your dog to understand if your training is going to be successful.
As soon as you can get your puppy to live with his collar and lead, you will be able to start focusing on other areas. Here’s how to train him to accept his collar and lead.
It’s important that the collar fits properly. Too loose and he’ll back his way out of it. Too tight and he won’t be comfortable. Try adjusting it so you can slip two fingers easily between his neck and the collar.
When you initially begin to use the collar, it will feel strange to your puppy. Give him lots of reassurance and attention to take his mind off it. It will take time before he gets used to the feel of the collar. Once he becomes used to simply having the collar on, you can move forward in training your puppy. Leash training, without a doubt, is easier if you have given your new puppy lots of time just getting used to wearing the collar.
Next, attach a short but very light leash to the collar. Make sure the leash is not any more then about three feet. Let your puppy drag the leash around for short periods of time. You want him to get used to how it feels to have something attached to his collar.
Be sure to keep a close eye on him while he is dragging the lead around. He may become frightened and agitated if he gets stuck for any length of time. Your job is to ensure that this doesn’t happen. For right now, simply making him aware that the leash restricts him briefly is enough. Remember, you want this to be a positive experience for your puppy.
Within several days, he will become accustomed to the feel of the lead. When he gets to this point, attach one end to his collar and the other end to your belt instead of letting it drag freely. Let him explore freely like before and let him get stuck. This time though, you won’t go and free up his leash.
Instead crouch down and call his name. Reach out your hand and offer him a toy or treat to try to get him to come to you. Praise him lavishly when he comes to you. Do this for a short time each day. Undo the leash after he has successfully come to you a few times, but always leave on his collar.
Once he routinely comes when he reaches the end of the lead and is called back, your puppy leash training will be successful. This success will make the rest of your training so much easier.
After a training session reward your dog with a cozy heated dog bed to keep him warm in the cooler weather or a coolaroo dog bed to keep him cool in warmer weather.
- No Comments »
- Posted in Pet Articles
