It's common to see new pet parents whirled around with their legs wrapped up in 6 feet of leash; however, puppy or adult, a dog is highly adaptable and aware of what their parents want. Like many other aspects of dog training, teaching a dog to walk nicely on a leash is fundamental. It takes time and effort, but the payoff is a dog that is a pleasure to walk.
Before beginning leash-training, it is essential for pet parents to check whether the dog is wearing the appropriate collar. Two fingers should comfortably fit between a dog's neck and collar. Make sure to check the fit of the collar before each walk to ensure that the dog will be safe and comfortable.
Most leash pulling begins as soon as the dog is leashed and knows he is about to go for a walk. If the walk begins out of control, the precedent is set for the entire walk. It is recommended to take the initial energy out of the dog before introducing the concept. Dogs are more receptive to learning once they get rid of some of their energy. So, play a round of fetch or have him run around in the yard.
Begin leash training in an environment the dog is familiar with. New environments are less ideal for pet parents to fully teach basic leash skills due to distractions. Start indoors or outside in the yard and slowly work your way around the neighborhood or the park.
Pet parents should use positive reinforcement when leash training. Reward and praise the dog when he walks nicely on the leash. However, as soon as the dog creates any tension on the leash, stop and wait until he stops pulling. If the dog continues to pull on the leash, stop, turn around and walk in the opposite direction. This forces the dog to realize two things: 1) pulling will not hasten his arrival to his goal and 2) walking nicely by his parent's side will lead to treats and a pat on the back. It is also important for the dog to stay on one side. Keep the leash short enough so that he can't easily leave one side. Give a treat every few steps at first and slowly increase the distance between each treat. This will slowly build into a natural habit.
Dogs are not born knowing that they shouldn't pull ahead or lag behind but every dog is capable of learning leash manners. If you're interested in additional pointers, visit Adopt & Shop (4235 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City, CA, 90230) on Monday, November 17th at 7:30pm for an informative leash training seminar. Hope to see you there!
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