Dog training using your dog leash
One of the most popular dog training methods is the leash/collar style of training. This type of training has proven its effectiveness over many years. It is always used when the dog must have a high level of reliability, such as rescue dogs, police dogs, guard dogs and dogs for people with disabilities. But it will also keep you and your dog safe when you’re out for a walk by preventing the tugging and tugging that invariably happens with a dog that hasn’t been properly trained to walk on a leash.
Positive reinforcement is the best tool for training your dog. This is better than punishment when establishing your dog’s behavior on a leash. Positive reinforcement leads to lasting behavioral change. Punishment only changes the behavior temporarily, causing it to reappear later, bringing with it more problem behavior. By using positive reinforcement, you will build a relationship of trust and cooperation between your pet and yourself.
First you need to slowly put the leash on your dog and also the collar if he was not wearing one. A plain collar with a flat buckle is all you need. No choke collar required. Let your pet sniff them as you gently place them in front of him. Reward him with praise for his interest. Give a treat if you plan to use treats with your training. Slowly place the collar around his neck and once he’s comfortable with it, attach the leash and let him drag it around the house. Praise him for his interest in using the leash and collar.
Keep your workouts short. You can exercise several times during the day, but remember that it should be fun for your dog. You don’t want to push it beyond its limit. Puppies generally have an attention span of about 5 minutes, so don’t insist on training beyond that or you may teach your puppy to fear training. A few exercises will help your dog learn quickly.
Since these short sessions do not provide adequate exercise for your pet, you should find other ways to exercise to tire your dog out before starting your training. Dogs usually pull on the leash because they are full of excess energy. Tire out your canine friend before practice by playing fetch in the hallway or backyard. Or maybe take your dog to the dog park to run with his friends.
Start your training indoors where there are fewer distractions for your pet. The initial goal here is not to teach your dog to “lean” right next to you. You want to leave room for your pet to sniff and explore, as long as they always leave some slack on the leash. He must always follow your lead to be allowed freedom. Simply pick up the end of the leash and walk around your home while your dog trots alongside you. While he is walking on a slack leash, give him lots of praise, pet and treats. When it decides to tighten the leash (which it will), just stop immediately. Do not pull it back towards you with the leash. Call him back to you and praise him when he comes. NEVER continue walking when your pet is pulling on the leash. This will reward his behavior and reinforce his bad habit. Your dog learns that the only way to go forward is by always leaving a little slack on the leash. He will learn that pulling on the leash will get him nowhere. After your pet returns to you, start walking again. And repeat, repeat, and repeat some more. It will take patience and persistence, but armed with these qualities and practice, you will succeed.
When you’re ready to go outside, you’ll have plenty of competition for your dog’s attention. Just continue the above steps, working even harder of course. You may need to use a lot of treats in the beginning stages, but as your pet learns what you expect from them, you can slowly remove the treats by waiting for longer intervals before giving them out.
Training your dog will strengthen the bond between you and earn the respect of your canine friend. Dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders and follow those leaders’ directions, so your pet will find that leader in you. This will help your friend become a calmer, loyal and happier dog and a better family companion for others in your family.
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