One of the most enjoyable things you can do for your dog is leash training. He may not think very highly of it at first, but once he has the hang of it, your outside time with him will be much more enjoyable for you both.
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Leash Training – Stop Dog From Pulling
Understanding how to stop your dog from pulling is something that every dog owner needs to overcome in order to be able to walk their dog in an enjoyable manner.
Many dog behavioral problems also stem from the fact that the dog is dragging you along the street. To put it simply your dog thinks it is in charge of the walk or in dog terms it sees itself as the pack leader!
There are so many gadgets, leads, and collars out there but none of them can solve the problem if your dog thinks it is in charge, all these devices will do is attempt to divert your dogs energy elsewhere or cause pain in an attempt to stop your from pulling.
If you find yourself having to correct your dog every 30 seconds then there is something fundamentally wrong. You need to learn how to leash train a dog.
The funny thing is this, your dog knows how to walk nicely on the lead it is far more than simply training it, you have to at first convince it you are the pack leader.
Think of it like this. Your dog understands that on the walk, somebody has to be the leader, and your dog is simply taking the lead! It is more of a psychological battle than a physical one, at least it should be.
This first stage of the walk is actually ensuring that you are the pack leader inside the house before you look to venture out as no dog will let you simply take control over the walk, (the most dangerous place compared to the den) if you are not in control inside.
This article about how to leash train a dog is courtesy of
Here are some key tips to try before you venture out:
After bringing out your dogs wait until your dog calmsdown even if this takes a while and only attach it when your dog is calm. Never rush this stage.
You need to first learn how to stop your dog from pulling inside your house or property before going outside – there are some fantastic videos that show all of this.
Walk first around the house going around the tables and furniture in your house with your dog following you.
If your dog pulls out in front of you then simply change direction, leaving your dog behind you.
If your dog drags backwards then gently hold the lead firm for 10 seconds then call your dog to follow. They have no other options and so will follow you if you are patient.
Control the doorways – you should always walk through the doorways first when your dog is on the lead
Practice walking in and out of the front doorway with you going first – keep doing this until your dog relaxes and gives up waiting for you to make the next move
Check your posture – make sure that you are relaxed and calm and that your shoulder is down and arm is straight at the elbow
Learn Leash Training a Dog on a Video!
Of course, there is a big difference between actually watching how to stop your dog from pulling and reading about it! Whilst I can give you all the advice in written form there is nothing quite like actually being shown it on a video.
One such site is run by professional dog trainer Doggy Dan who uses a gentle but very practical approach to dog training. On the site, you will learn exactly what steps to take to establish yourself as the pack leader.
Leash Training: Teaching Your Dog To Use A Leash And Collar
There are many different techniques you can use to train your dog, and it is important to find one that works for you and your family in order to have the most loyal and well-behaved pet possible.
All successful styles of dog training emphasize the bond between dog and owner, and the basis of a successful training program is earning the dog’s respect.
It is fortunate that dogs are innately programmed to submit to a leader, it allows them to follow commands and make training easier.
This article will discuss one of the more common types of dog training –leash/collar training.
Other articles will examine other common dog-training techniques, known as reward training or positive reinforcement.
Both the leash/collar styles of dog training and reward-based dog training have been proven to be effective methods of dog training over time.
The method of training that is most effective is dependent on the dog’s breed and his temperament. Each dog has its own personality, which is emphasized even further by many years of selective breeding.
The personalities of individual dogs can be very different, even within the same breed. It is up to you, as the owner, to determine which method of training will work best for your dog, so it is important to work with the trainer in order to attain your goal of an eager, well-trained and friendly dog.
Leash/collar training is the best way to fulfill many factions of dog training, especially in circumstances where the dog must be very dependable. For example, certain working dogs, such as police dogs, rescue dogs or guard dogs, tend to gain from leash and collar training.
In collar/leash training, different levels of force can be used, varying from light modifications with the lead to firmer corrections. The level of correction used should be relative to the situation, as too much correction, or not enough, can prove unproductive.
In a leash/collar emphasized dog-training program, the dog is first taught a desired behavior on the leash. Once the dog seems to understand the command, the leash is then used to modify incorrect behaviors. The leash is used as the main form of control and communication with the dog in this form of training.
With leash/collar training, the dog must learn to trust the handler and follow commands without any hesitation.
The dog is considered fully trained when the handler is able to show that the dog will follow a command even if he does not want to. While this does not mean using brute force, it will likely necessitate some physical handling. This type of handling is most effectively completed by use of the leash.
Anyone attempting to train his or her dog should understand that the leash is merely a device. While the leash is necessary for this style of dog training, it is important for the dog trainer to strive for the same results using whatever gear are nearby.
No matter what device the owner uses for training, such as the owner’s body and voice, the dog should be eager to comply.
Building a trusting relationship between owner and dog is vital, and it is important that the leash is used as a tool rather than a crutch. A properly trained dog should be eager to obey with or without a leash.
How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling On The Leash During Walks
Pulling on the leash is one of the most common misbehaviors seen on all kinds of dogs. Puppies and adult dogs alike can often be seen taking their owners for walks, instead of the other way around. Pulling on the leash can be much more than an annoying habit.
Leash pulling can lead to escape in the case of a break in the collar or leash, and an out-of-control, off-leash dog, can be both destructive and dangerous to itself and to others. Leash pulling can result from a variety of different things.
In some cases, the dog may simply be so excited to go for a walk that he or she is unable to control themselves. In other cases, the dog sees itself as the leader of the pack, and he or she simply takes the “leadership position” at the front of the pack.
If excitement is the motivation for leash pulling, simply giving the dog a few minutes to calm down can often be a big help.
Simply stand with the dog on the leash for a couple of minutes and let the initial excitement of the upcoming walk pass. After the initial excitement has worn off, many dogs are willing to walk calmly on their leash.
If the problem is one of control, however, some retraining may be in order. All dog training starts with the owner establishing him or herself as the alpha dog, or pack leader, and without this basic respect and understanding, no effective training can occur.
For dogs exhibiting these types of control issues, a step back to basic obedience commands is in order. These dogs can often be helped through a formal obedience school structure. The dog trainer will of course be sure to train the handler as well as the dog, and any good dog trainer will insist on working with the dog owner as well as the dog.
The basis of teaching the dog to walk calmly on the lead is teaching it to calmly accept the collar and lead. A dog that is bouncing up and down while the collar is being put on will not walk properly.
Begin by asking your dog to sit down, and insisting that he sit still while the collar is put on. If the dog begins to get up, or gets up on his own after the collar is on, be sure to sit him back down immediately.
Only begin the walk after the dog has sat calmly to have the collar put on, and continued to sit calmly as the leash is attached. Once the leash is attached, it is important to make the dog walk calmly toward the door.
If the dog jumps or surges ahead, gently correct him with a tug of the leash and return him to a sitting position.
Make the dog stay, then move on again. Repeat this process until the dog is walking calmly by your side. Repeat the above process when you reach the door.
The dog should not be allowed to surge out of the door, or to pull you through the open door. If the dog begins this behavior, return the dog to the house and make him sit quietly until he can be trusted to walk through the door properly.
Starting the walk-in control is vital to creating a well-mannered dog. As you begin your walk, it is vital to keep the attention of the dog focused on you at all times.
Remember, the dog should look to you for guidance, not take the lead himself. When walking, it is important to stop often.
Every time you stop, your dog should stop. Getting into the habit of asking your dog to sit down every time you stop is a good way to keep your dog’s attention focused on you.
Make sure your dog is looking at you, then move off again. If the dog begins to surge ahead, immediately stop and ask the dog to sit. Repeat this process until the dog is reliable staying at your side. Each time the dog does what you ask him to, be sure to reward him with a treat, a toy, or just your praise.
Remember that if your dog pulls on the leash and you continue to walk him anyway, you are inadvertently rewarding that unwanted behavior.
Dogs learn whether you are teaching them or not, and learning the wrong things now will make learning the right things later that much harder. It is important to be consistent in your expectations. Every time the dog begins to pull ahead, immediately stop and make the dog sit.
Continue to have the dog sit quietly until his focus is solely on you. Then start out again, making sure to immediately stop moving if the dog surges ahead.
Walking on a collar and leash is an important skill that every dog must learn. Even the best-trained dog should never be taken outside the home or yard without a sturdy collar and leash. Even if your dog is trained perfectly to go off lead, accidents and distractions do happen, and a collar, with proper identification attached, is the best way to be sure you will get your beloved companion back.
Of course, before you can teach your new puppy to accept a leash, he or she must first learn to accept wearing a collar. The first step is to choose a collar that fits the dog properly.
It is important to measure the puppy’s neck and to choose a collar size accordingly.
After the collar has been put on the puppy, simply let him or her get used to it. It is not unusual for a puppy to try to pull on the collar, whine, roll or squirm when first introduced to a collar. The best strategy is to simply ignore the puppy and let him or her get used to the collar. It is a mistake to either punish the dog for playing with the collar or to encourage the behavior.
Distracting the puppy often helps, and playing with a favorite toy, or eating some favorite treats, can help the puppy quickly forget that he or she is wearing this strange piece of equipment. After the dog has learned to accept the collar, try adding the leash.
Hook the leash to the collar and simply sit and watch the puppy. Obviously, this should only be done either in the house or in a confined outdoor area.
The puppy should be allowed to drag the leash around on its own, but of course, the owner should keep a close eye on the puppy to ensure that the leash does not become snagged or hung up on anything. At first, the leash should only be left on for a few minutes at a time. It is a good idea to attach the leash at mealtimes, playtime, and other positive times in the life of the puppy.
That way the puppy will begin to associate the leash with good things and look forward to it. If the puppy shows a high degree of fear of the leash, it is a good idea to place it next to the food bowl for a while to let him get used to it slowly.
Eventually, he will come to understand that the leash is nothing to be afraid of. After the puppy is comfortable with walking around the house wearing the leash, it is time for you to pick up the end of the leash for a few minutes.
You should not try to walk the puppy on the leash; simply hold the end of the leash and follow the puppy around as he or she walks around. You should try to avoid situations where the leash becomes taut, and any pulling or straining on the leash should be avoided.
It is fine for the puppy to sit down. Try a few games with the collar and lead. For instance, back up and encourage the puppy to walk toward you. Don’t drag the puppy forward, simply encourage him to come to you.
If he does, praise him profusely and reward him with a food treat or toy. You should always strive to make all the time spent on the leash as pleasant as possible. It is important to give the puppy plenty of practice in getting used to walking on the leash in the home.
It is best to do plenty of work in the home since it is a safe environment with few distractions. After the puppy is comfortable walking indoors on a leash, it is time to start going outside, beginning of course in a small, enclosed area like a fenced yard.
After the puppy has mastered walking calmly outdoors on a leash, it is time to visit some places where there are more distractions. You may want to start with a place like a neighbor’s yard.
Walking your new puppy around the neighborhood is a good way to introduce your neighbors to the new puppy while giving the puppy valuable experience in avoiding distractions and focusing on his leash training.
Puppies sometimes develop bad habits with their leashes, such as biting or chewing on the leash. To discourage this type of behavior, try applying a little bit of bitter apple, Tabasco sauce, or a similar substance(just make sure the substance you use is not toxic to dogs).
This strategy usually convinces puppies that chewing the leash is a bad idea.
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