Leash training is considered to be one of the first things your puppy needs to learn. Teaching your young pup how to behave on a leash may seem a difficult task, but you have to remember that after training a puppy to walk on a leash they are much safer and more manageable. This also means for hassle-free dog walking sessions you can look forward to and enjoy.
Step 1: As soon as your puppy arrives at his new home try getting your young pup familiar with a collar and making him comfortable wearing it. You can use a simple light weight collar for this task. To distract your puppy from being irritated with the collar, try placing it on him when you are feeding him or as you are playing. Remember not to take it off when he tries to remove it or scratch it off. When your pup seems to settle down and forgotten about the collar, it would be the perfect time to take it off.
Step 2: Once your puppy is adjusted of wearing his new collar, you can now introduce the leash. Like what you did when putting the collar, make him comfortable with the leash first, show him the leash is not to be something to be feared. Again, you can use a light weight, thin leash for this step. Wait for your pup to be properly leash trained before buying him a fancy leash, this may save you a lot if your leash training is not that successful.
Clip the leash onto his collar, let your puppy check it out and drag it around the house. Your pup will forget about his new leash after a while. Put the leash on your pup each day for a few minutes and let him wander around on a “loose leash” at first. Do not forget to encourage and praise your dog on his “leash achievements”. Practice this 2 to 3 times a day.
Step 3: After your puppy is already comfortable in his new collar and leash, it is time for you to lead and pick up the other end of the leash. Be sure to make this first leash training session short, sharp and fun. If you observed that your puppy loves to follow you around while wearing his new leash – use this to your advantage. Start walking around the house with the leash in hand and your puppy walking along side you.
When he is trotting along on a loose leash, give praises to encourage him; you can also pet him and reward him with some treats. If your pup starts straining on the leash, immediately stop the walking session. Avoid yanking your pet back over to you with the leash for it may leave a bad impression on your dog. Just try calling him back over to you and praise him when he comes.
Teach your puppy the idea that when he pulls on his leash, he gets nowhere. Provide him with the impression that if he wants to continue walking, it has to be by your side on a loose leash. Apply the same rule to your puppy when he sits down while you are walking.
Remember that not all things are learned instantly. Leash training your young puppy may take time and a lot of effort. Always be patient and persistent in training your pup, for in the end it will give you a much more rewarding experience as a pet owner.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.