Basic
Leash Training
Managing your dog on a leash (or lead) is the best way to protect
him from harm. You can control him from running into a busy street
- and to prevent others from feeling frightened or annoyed by
unwanted attention from him. Keeping your dog on a lead in public
spaces is also a legal requirement, so it's vitally important
to teach your puppy or dog to wear a collar and walk with a leash
attached to it. While all training experts agree on this basic
point, there are as wide a range of collar and lead styles available
as there are methods for teaching your pet to use them.
Make
sure you find the right fit.
No matter what style collar you choose, it must fit properly.
Make sure that it's not so tight that it might restrict your pet's
swallowing or breathing, and not so loose that it might slip over
his head. In a proper fit, you should only be able to insert two
fingers snugly under the collar. Check the fit frequently on a
growing puppy and periodically check the collar of adult dogs,
as gradual weight gain or loss may go unnoticed.
Make
sure that the collar and lead suit both the size and strength
of your dog. There are nylon, leather, or chain collars and leads,
as well as muzzles and harnesses. A standard lead length is six
feet, though some are longer and some are retractable. While nylon
and leather collars tend to be most popular, a wide assortment
of styles and colors can be found through any pet store.
ID
TAGS: Make sure to securely attach an identification tag to your
pet's new collar. It should give your name, address and phone
number.
BASIC LEASH TRAINING TECHNIQUES
Lead
training requires patience and persistence. You're establishing
a bond of trust and a new way of communicating with your pet -
things that don't happen overnight. While there are many specialized
training techniques for lead training, the basic points are: diligent
practice and consistent reinforcement of desired behaviors. Dogs
are eager to please and enjoy attention from their owners. With
a bit of disciplined effort, you'll quickly have your pet wagging
his tail at the sight of his leash because he knows it means a
trip outdoors with you.
Get
him used to the feel of a collar and leash
•
Begin by putting his collar on at feeding time, or playing with
your pet as soon as the collar goes on - you got it, distract
him until he stops noticing it.
• Once the pet is used to the collar, attach his leash.
Allow it to hang loose and again employ food/play distractions.
Teach him to follow your lead
•
After a couple/few days of allowing your pet to become used to
wearing his collar and feeling the leash dangling, pick the leash
up. Hold it LOOSELY and encourage him to follow you around.
• Make it a game: the goal is to keep your pet from becoming
fearful and freezing up, so offer treats or praise as incentives
and rewards to keep him relaxed and moving. (Once he's learned
that wearing a leash means a fun walk outdoors, he won't need
treats anymore.)
• Don't allow him to pull ahead or drag behind. Keep the
leash LOOSE. When your pet pulls it tight, stop, or guide him
to change direction. You are teaching him that puling will slow,
rather than increase, his progress. With consistent practice you
will establish clear signals between you and your pet, and he
will understand that a tight leash is not a normal condition,
it is a signal to stop or turn.
• When you feel your pet is ready to try walking outdoors
on his leash, choose a time and place with as few distractions
as possible. Use the same techniques as in the home. Your reward
for this patient effort will be a well-behaved canine companion
who is welcomed everywhere.
For more detailed tips on collar and leash selection,
and leash training basics, browse through these links:
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