Puppy Leash Training

Puppy leash training is vital if you want to experience years of manageable, safer, happier walking with your dog. Walking your dog on a leash should be a pleasurable experience for both of you, and starting your puppy as early as possible will ensure this.

By getting it 'right' from the start, puppy leash training now will be much easier than trying to retrain your dog later on. This process should take no more than a couple of weeks, however, not all puppies are the same, and some could take a little longer. Be patient!

Always remember when puppy leash training, that good communication is the key. You are the leader, so it is up to you to lead your dog. If things are not going right, take a look at your techniques, chances are, you are not conveying your message clearly enough.

Be consistent, and make sure the rest of the family are consistent as well. It is as much a learning curve for them as well as your dog. You all need to follow the same techniques or your puppy will become confused over his leash training.

When leash training a puppy, the first thing you will need is a collar. Anything you put on your dog will seem alien to him, so find a nice lightweight collar that will not be too intrusive for him.

When you first put the collar on your puppy, you will need to distract him. Playing at the same time is a good distraction. He will feel relaxed and happy at this stage. This is the first stage of puppy training on a leash.

You will find that he will immediately try to remove his dog collar by pawing or rolling around. DON'T take the collar off at this stage.

Keep up the distraction techniques until he has forgotten that the collar is on. When he has settled down and is relaxed, then you can take the dog collar off.

This process should be repeated throughout the day and your puppy will soon take no notice of it altogether.

The next thing is to attach a leash. Again, you will need just a lightweight lead that is quite thin. Once the leash is attached to the collar, let your puppy get used to it. He will be curious about this thing dragging around.

Let him wander the house and play with it (just keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't become entangled in it).


PUPPY LEASH TRAINING

As soon as he has settled down with his leash, it is time to start puppy leash training around the house.

Pick up the leash and escort your puppy around the house. He is comfortable with the collar and leash and with his environment. Make sure you are holding the leash loosely.

If your puppy is walking nicely beside you, praise him regularly and give him a little treat.

Never let your puppy pull on the leash whilst puppy leash training. If he is doing this just stop dead. Don't be tempted to snap the leash back. He will soon learn that he is going nowhere if he pulls.

If your puppy tends to sit whilst on the leash, again, don't snap the leash. Just call his name and when he comes, give him a reward. Carry on with the walking routine.

One important thing that I must point out is to remove your dogs collar if you are using a crate.
There is always a possibility of your puppy catching his collar and strangulation occurring.


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