Dog Leash Training

Leash Training is necessary to ensure that your puppy, or new dog walks safely and comfortably on a leash. To make things easier on you the Team at Petamore has compiled the tips below on how to Leash Train your dog.

Step One:  Get your puppy or dog acquainted with a collar, or harness (recommended for smaller dogs). The best way to get your puppy used to the collar/harness is to introduce it at a time when the animal is focused on something else, i.e. eating, or playing with his favorite chew toy. In a very non-chalant manner slip the collar around your dog's neck. Don't act differently, don't pay attention to the collar - simply go on as though nothing at all has happened.  Gauge your dog's reaction, some puppies instantly try to take the collar off by scratching at it, or rubbing their necks against something. Do not react no matter how much he/she whines. Leave the collar on until the dog stops trying to remove it - then, and only then, you may remove the collar and offer your pet treats and praise for good behavior. Please note: Taking the collar off while the dog is trying to remove it only reinforces this natural resistance. Repeat this exercise for several days, or until your dog accepts having a collar or harness on.

Step Two: Put the collar or harness on, and attach the leash to the metal safety loop. Do not pick up the leash. Let your dog roam around freely with the leash trailing behind. Repeat this for several days. Please Note: Be sensible and observe your dog during this process as the leash may inadvertently get caught on something and this could injure your dog if he/she tries to pull free, particularly if the dog is wearing a collar.

Step Three:  After your dog has become accustomed to both the collar/harness and leash pick up the leash and walk your dog around the house. Do not let your dog walk in front of you. The puppy should be at your side, or behind you - never in front of you. If your dog walks ahead, simply stop and wait for your puppy to join you by your side. You may need to repeat this process many times before your dog makes the connection that if he walks ahead progress will come to a halt. Don't worry, if you are consistent and patient, your dog will eventually get it.

Step Four:Progress to the great outdoors! If you have a backyard introduce your puppy to it by leading him to the door, if he/she lunges when you open it, stop and wait until the dog calms down before stepping foot outside. The great outdoors can be very exciting especially to puppies that may have never smelled all those wonderful smells! You may need to go back and re-inforce the stop-start training from Step Three. If you do not have a backyard you may introduce your dog in the same way to the front door. However, be cautious about taking your puppy too far away from your home the first few times, and be extra careful about the things your dog may come into contact with on the floor - especially in urban areas and big cities.

It is important to remember to walk your dog for at least 15-30 minutes everyday. Be patient, let your dog explore and smell things, don't just make the walk all about him doing his business. This is an opportunity for you to bond as well as giving him/her an opportunity to exercise, and receive mental stimulation from the outside world. Trust me - not taking the time to do this everyday can lead to other problems down the line like Dog Barking, Dog Chewing or worse Separation Anxiety.