In most cases, dogs are adorable animals yet often they can be a handful especially when they are puppies.
As a dog owner, you have to have enough energy to keep up with your pet. One of their favourite things is, of course, walks. During these walks, they have the opportunity to run, to be active and socialize with other animals. It is always a great experience for them which they enjoy.
As a dog owner, you have to have enough energy to keep up with your pet. One of their favourite things is, of course, walks. During these walks, they have the opportunity to run, to be active and socialize with other animals. It is always a great experience for them which they enjoy.
However, these walks can also be problematic for young pups. They are full of energy, always restless and willing to explore. Unfortunately, you cannot simply allow your dog to roam around. It needs certain social boundaries and the ability to adapt to its human environment.
This is why leash was invented.
A leash will limit the dog’s movement allowing you to control it better. Unfortunately, it is also a very unnatural item for puppies and they don’t know how to behave while on it. They will start pulling and pulling even if it chokes them.
As an owner, you need to teach your puppy how to walk on a leash. Here are some tips that will help you do it the right way.
Leash training basics
This is why leash was invented.
A leash will limit the dog’s movement allowing you to control it better. Unfortunately, it is also a very unnatural item for puppies and they don’t know how to behave while on it. They will start pulling and pulling even if it chokes them.
As an owner, you need to teach your puppy how to walk on a leash. Here are some tips that will help you do it the right way.
Leash training basics
Leash training basics are very similar to other forms of training.
The first thing you need to do is create a hierarchy. Although puppies naturally listen to people around them, you need to make sure they will listen to you in particular and know that you are the boss. This can be a problem if you have a bigger family and everyone performs a different task.
You have to be authoritative and the puppy has to understand there will be repercussions if it doesn’t listen to you. When talking about repercussions, make sure to avoid any type of physical punishment. Everything you do with your dog needs to be done with lots of patience and love; physical punishment will only distance the doge from you.
Then, you need to make sure that the message is always the same. Consistency is very important for any training as mixed messages are something you don’t need during puppy training. Try to use the same gestures and voice commands all the time and react as soon as something bad happens.
Now, let’s get to the practical side of things.
How should you train your dog?
Leash training starts as soon as the puppy is ready to go outside, but before you introduce it to the outside world, take a week or two to teach it some basics.
Walk around your house or backyard before going to a local park. At home, there are fewer things to distract your dog so it’s much better if it gets accustomed to a leash in a controlled environment.
Walk around with a leash on for at least 15 minutes each day. This will also get the puppy accustomed to the leash as an item. Bear in mind that dogs hate clothes of any kind; they feel most relaxed when naked and unobstructed in any way.
Once you’re ready, it’s time to go outside.
Most puppies will start pulling as soon as you step outside of the house. This can be very dangerous as the dog can even start choking. The best way to address pulling is by constantly changing directions. If a dog starts pulling in one direction, you simply turn around and go in another. Repeat this until puppy gets tired of pulling.
Sometimes, you can also stand still. This will tell a dog that you’re going according to your pace and that, no matter how hard it pulls, you will arrive at the destination when you want.
Lunging is another thing that can pose a problem. If a dog sees a bicycle, a passerby or some other dog, there is a chance it will lunge forward. Not only will this scare other person but can also lead to choking. Because of this, you have to find a way to distract your puppy. As soon as you notice it will lunge forward, call it by its name or do something else that will occupy its attention.
Conclusion
Leash training may seem scary but it is rather basic; you will learn it no time.
Just be patient, take your time and try to send messages that your puppy will pick up.
*guest post
As a dog owner I think all dogs should be able to walk on a loose lead. I don't think changing directions and standing are the best solutions though.
ReplyDeleteThese are really great tips. We used to have a dog when I was younger and he just wouldn't stop pulling on the lead! We could have really done with these tips then! x
ReplyDelete