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Puppies are
athletic and are drawn to the outdoors where they can run about and
expend their energy. Leash training a puppy is crucial because your pet
will bound away from you the moment you take it out for a walk.
Your
puppy desires its freedom and gets excited when it meets other canines
in the park. By leash training your dog, you don’t have to keep tugging
it back as it strains against its confining strap in an effort to
explore the world outside your home.
Using the Right Leash
The
first step in puppy leash training is to use the right leash. It should
be attached to a dog collar and be a minimum of six feet in length. As
far as possible, stick to leather leashes that have a fixed length.
Retractable
leashes will extend as your puppy tugs at its collar. You won’t be able
to quickly control your pet’s movements especially if it chases after
birds and other small animals in the park.
You’ll only be able
to halt your puppy’s running after the slack runs out. Dog leash
training excludes the use of a dog harness which is intended to
restrict your puppy’s movements. A harness is therefore unsuitable for
leash training a dog.
Utilizing Commands
The
next crucial step in training a dog on a leash is to make it understand
the command ‘HEEL’. Your puppy will constantly yank on its leash so you
have to repeat the ‘HEEL’ command audibly and firmly during your
training sessions with your pet.
As you repeat the command several times, your pet will come to associate the word with the action of heeling.
Instructing Correctly
When
you first begin leash training a puppy, start by securing the leash to
your pet’s collar. The leash should have a loop at the opposite end.
Slip your left hand through the loop and hold the leash firmly. Resist
the temptation to twirl the leash around your wrist as you’ll get
injured when your puppy suddenly bolts.
Training your dog on a
leash requires you to find an open space where you have enough room to
move about. Your backyard should be sufficient. Make sure there are no
distractions such as other canines in the vicinity when you commence
your training sessions.
Stand to the right of your dog so that
your pet’s right front leg is next to your left foot. Step ahead with
your left foot first as if you were about to walk ahead purposefully.
You’ll notice your pet mimicking your movements.
Say the
command ‘HEEL’ as you walk forward. Tug at the leash to halt your puppy
the instant it feels compelled to run away. Never pull the leash back
until your puppy is dragged towards you as this type of action will
injure its small and fragile neck.
Leash training for a dog
should always be reinforced with praises and doggie treat. Use terms
like ‘GOOD DOG’ when your puppy stops running. Then feed him a doggie
treat and cuddle your pooch. Repeat the ‘HEEL’ command as you continue
walking.
I was leash training my dog for about fifteen minutes
every three or four hours a day. I went on with the training techniques
for about a week before my puppy fully obeyed my instructions and
walked calmly with the leash on.
Walking Your Puppy
Take
your puppy for a walk in the park to try out its new leash and
obedience training. Your pet will probably want to wander off to
investigate every new sight and smell in its surroundings.
As
it tugs on the leash, stop walking immediately. When your puppy has
ceased pulling on the leash, praise it with words like ‘GOOD DOG’. Show
your puppy lots of affection to reinforce the good behavior.
Continue
walking but stop when your dog tries to run after something. Then
praise your pet and give it a treat. Eventually your pooch will walk
steadily with the leash.
Leash training a puppy takes a lot of
patience and persistence. Train your pet to abide by your instructions
and obey the ‘HEEL’ command.
Use a fixed leather leash and be
firm when you handle your boisterous puppy. Before long, you’ll be able
to walk outdoors with a well-behaved puppy on a leash.
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