Puppy Leash Training – How To Train Your Puppy The Right Way
The best way to have a well behaved dog, is to start when he’s just a puppy. Step one is to teach him to accept his collar and leash. You can start this puppy leash training pretty much as soon as you bring him home.
By training your pup to become used to a collar and leash, you are establishing yourself as the one in charge. You’ll quickly find out that dogs thrive when they know what is expected of them.
When your puppy learns that he has no choice but to accept his collar and lead, you can then move onto many other aspects of dog training. Here’s how to teach him to accept a collar and lead.
Be sure to buy a collar that is the right size. Don’t buy a collar that you think he’ll grow into. If a collar is too loose it won’t stay on. But it should be big enough that you are able to make some adjustments. The rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers easily between collar and neck.
When you first begin to use a collar with your puppy, it will feel strange to him. By giving him lots of attention and reassurance you’ll help take his mind off it. Be aware that he may not get used to the feel of the collar in a day or two, so give him lots of time. Once he does become used to having it on, you can start to move forward with real training for your puppy. Leash training will be easier if you’ve given your new pup plenty of time to just get used to having to wear a collar.
Next, you’ll attach a short but light leash to the collar. Be sure that this leash isn’t any more than three feet long. Let your dog drag the leash all over for short periods of time. You’re trying to let him see how it feels when there is something attached to his collar.
Keep a close eye on your pup when he is walking around with the lead connected. If he does get stuck when you’re not around, he might get agitated and frightened. You do want him to see what it feels like to be restricted for a short time, but you do not want him to get upset when it occurs. So quickly free the lead when it’s stuck.
It won’t take too long until he is used to the feel of the leash. But now, instead of letting him drag the leash freely, connect one end of his lead to you. Continue to let him explore and get himself stuck just like he did before. But instead, this time, don’t go to him to untangle the leash.
Instead try to help him rid of that stuck feeling. Do that by crouching down and calling his name. Encourage him to come to you maybe by offering a treat or favorite toy. When he does come, praise him lavishly and reward him. Keep doing this for short periods of time every day. Be sure to release him from the leash after he’s done what you asked a few times, but always leave his collar on.
When he routinely comes to you when he is called, your puppy leash training will have been a success. You can then move onto the rest of the training program knowing that it will be a lot easier.
After working with your new puppy teaching him to accept a collar and leash, he will be ready for a snooze. Why not provide him with a cozy heated dog bed for inside. Even in summer, he’ll find his bed a warm spot in an air conditioned home. For outside, help him keep cool with a coolaroo dog bed. Coolaroo dog beds sit off the ground allowing for air flow underneath.
