{"id":4280,"date":"2022-03-28T16:51:55","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T20:51:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/?p=4280"},"modified":"2022-03-28T16:52:56","modified_gmt":"2022-03-28T20:52:56","slug":"how-to-leash-train-your-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smokymountaindoodles.com\/?p=4280","title":{"rendered":"How To Leash Train Your Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By: BeChewy.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a pet for a nice, long walk is an experience unique to those who share their lives with a dog. It may even be part of the reason you became a pup parent to begin with\u2014your love of fresh air and appreciation for the advantages of building a little exercise into your day. The walking routine is important for your pet as well, not only for the primary purpose of doing his business, but to get exercise himself. What may come as a surprise is that your dog may not naturally take to behaving well on a leash. In fact, it may be difficult enough that you\u2019re soon wondering how to leash train a dog (or, how to leash train a puppy, as the case may be).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you begin leash training, though, keep in mind that leashes are management tools. \u201cThey should be used to protect dogs from danger or running off somewhere they shouldn\u2019t be, and not to be yanked or manipulated,\u201d says Joan Hunter Mayer, certified professional dog trainer and owner of the Inquisitive Canine in Santa Barbara, CA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to use a dog leash that\u2019s durable and properly sized. The Frisco solid nylon dog leash<\/a> is one option where functionality meets style. This leash is available in four different color options and uses an Ulta-Weld\u2122 seal designed for strength and comfort for your pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are simple tips that will help make leash training easier, so both of you can enjoy many walks together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, determine what you\u2019re trying to teach.<\/strong> If you\u2019re not focused on what you want your dog to learn, you won\u2019t be an effective teacher. Assess your dog\u2019s baseline of behaviors\u2014what he already knows how to do\u2014then go from there. According to Mayer, dogs should know: \u201cWatch me\u201d (making eye contact with you); sit and\/or stay; leaving things alone when asked; greeting people and other dogs; and adjusting their pace (running, walking and standing still).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start with a few dry runs.<\/strong> Have a couple of \u201cdress rehearsals\u201d at a time of day when distractions (cars, other dog walkers, school buses and kids) are at a minimum. Dress your dog in his walking gear, and set out, keeping him next to you. You\u2019ll want to teach him to walk on both sides\u2014but only one per session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few words on how to leash train a puppy.<\/strong> If you\u2019re working on puppy leash training, practice in a backyard, on a deck or even inside. The big wide world, even at relatively quiet times, can be overwhelming to the wee ones. And go into the process knowing that puppy leash training is often a slower process than it is with an adult dog. If you find yourself frustrated, that may be your cue that it\u2019s just too soon. Wait a few weeks and try again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reward the right way. <\/strong>Reward him with lots of praise and petting (and maybe even a treat!) for walking next to you, suggests Mayer. Just remember to do it when your dog is in the specific position you want him to be in. \u201cIf you stop, and he swings out in front and sits down, coax him to your side and reward him there\u2014unless you\u2019ve asked him to sit, of course,\u201d advises Mayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also try using \u201cbreaks\u201d as rewards. For instance, if (or, more likely, when!) he wants to sniff around, \u201cAsk for a sit or eye contact first, then let him sniff and \u2018be free\u2019 for a bit, before walking nicely again,\u201d advises Mayer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ease up on the leash pressure.<\/strong> \u201cIdeally, there should always be a nice bend in a dog leash<\/a>,\u201d notes Annie Grossman, CPDT-KA and owner of School For The Dogs, a dog training center in New York City\u2019s East Village. \u201cRelaxing leash pressure will also take some strain from your arm and shoulders, and help relieve the pressure on your dog\u2019s neck.\u201d Grossman also points out that  being yanked back every time your dog approaches a person or another dog can ultimately lead to fear of other dogs, or even being outside in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step lively. <\/strong>Walking at a fast pace can put you at an advantage. If your dog is focusing on keeping up with you, he is going to have a harder time pulling ahead, explains Grossman. Periodic changes in direction can also help make sure he always has at least some of his focus on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice, practice, practice.<\/strong> Even after you\u2019re sure you\u2019ve totally figured out how to leash train a dog, your pet can forget what you\u2019ve taught him. At those times, the importance of reinforcing positive behavior can hardly be overstated, says Mayer. Mayer suggests playing the red-light, green-light game. \u201cIf he pulls, stop walking,\u201d says Mayer. \u201cThe pulling of the leash turns the light red. Once there is slack again, the light turns green, and you continue walking.\u201d With consistency, your dog will understand what the better choice is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look at the harness. <\/strong>If pulling continues to be an issue throughout your leash training, you might consider a chest-clip harness. When a leash is attached at a dog\u2019s neck or back, they have more weight with which to pull than they do if it is connected at the chest. The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness<\/a> is designed to redirect forward motion. The belly strap is a complementary color, so it\u2019s easy to see which strap goes over the shoulders and which goes under the belly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, recognize the difference between greeting and playing. <\/strong>Sure, you want your fur baby to make friends, but \u201cdogs on leashes shouldn\u2019t be playing with each other in the street. Leash time isn\u2019t social time,\u201d reminds Grossman. Keep greetings short and sweet\u20143 seconds or so. Of course, you should ask the other dog\u2019s mom or dad if it\u2019s okay to say hello first. If the two see each other on walks fairly regularly and seem to hit it off, you can always arrange a puppy playdate<\/a>, when the pals can romp off their leashes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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