Leash training is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership, ensuring the safety and well-being of both your furry companion and the people around you. This comprehensive guide delves into the importance of leash etiquette, providing practical tips and techniques to help you and your puppy navigate the world with confidence and grace.
The Importance of Leash TrainingLeash laws may require your puppy to walk nicely on a leash and know how to heel when off your property, but even if they don't, it's simply polite puppy behavior to know leash etiquette. With proper leash manners, your dog has more freedom to safely explore the world beyond your front or backyard. Large breed puppies can grow into powerful, tugging tanks that can pull the leash from your hands or drag you all over, which can be dangerous for both you and your furry friend. Even friendly puppies can get scared, and a leash provides security and a comfort level when a trusted owner offers guidance through a crowd of strangers or scary situations.
Laying the Foundation: Starting with a CollarPuppies do not instinctively know how to walk on a leash. When you pull, dogs instinctively pull back, and if you allow the pup to win, that can make it even more difficult for them to overcome the urge to do it. It is much easier to teach a small puppy than a powerful adolescent or adult, so it's crucial to start the training process immediately when you bring the pup home. Many purebred puppies wear temporary collars (or color-coded ribbons) from birth to help identify them from littermates, but if a collar is new to your puppy, give the dog some time to get used to it. A flat, nylon collar with a metal buckle and space so you can fit two fingers beneath is ideal, and you'll likely need to get larger ones as the pup grows, so inexpensive ones work fine at first.
Harnessing the Power: Using a No-Pull HarnessFor powerful pups that might be tempted to pull you down the street, use a no-pull harness. These training tools work especially well for older, hard-headed pups because it trains them not to pull. The leash hooks to a clip on the front of the dog's chest, so when the dog pulls, the harness turns the dog back toward the person holding the leash. This effectively trains the dog not to pull, making it a valuable tool for responsible pet owners.
Engaging the Senses: Harnessing the Power of SmellBefore attaching a leash or putting on the harness for the first time, encourage your pup to sniff them. Smell is an important way for puppies to communicate, and a good sniffing is important. However, a leash is not a toy, so don't allow the dog to chew or play tug with the leash.
Choosing the Right LeashWhen it comes to leashes, it's important to choose an appropriate style for the size of your puppy. Light-weight nylon leashes work well for small pets, while heavier leather leashes may be more appropriate for larger pups. It's a good idea to pass on the urge to get a retractable leash, as these leashes can teach pups to pull as they reward jumping up, although they may be fine for toy-sized dogs. A 6-foot length typically gives puppies sufficient freedom without owners losing control.
Mastering the Loose Leash WalkAt this point, your goal should be for your pup to not surge ahead, drag, or pull, but simply to walk nicely on either side on a loose (not tight) leash. If you keep the leash tight, the dog will naturally pull against it, so avoid tugging or trying to drag. Hold the leash in your right hand, doubling up the extra slack so it doesn't drag, and hold that right hand at your belt buckle level. Reward good behavior with treats, favorite toys, or other rewards, and consider using clicker training to communicate with your puppy.
Proofing Behavior: Overcoming Challenges"Proofing" a behavior means ensuring that your dog will stick with the behavior even in challenging situations. To proof your dog's ability to walk well on a leash, move the practice times to areas that have more distractions. After all, leaving your backyard or living room will be necessary when you go to the park, or take a car ride to visit friends and family, and you want loose leash walking to be a default behavior wherever you go. For instance, you should practice in the front yard during morning rush hour or when your spouse tosses a ball on the other side of the room.As your dog develops more skills, you can start to teach it to "heel." The "heel" position is walking alongside you on your left side at knee-level while stopping and starting when you do, and sitting when you stop. Once your pup pays attention to the "let's go" command and anticipates the "sit" command when you stop, you might want to try getting your dog to heel around the entire perimeter of the yard or do laps outside the house.Even the smartest dogs can have trouble sticking with a behavior, and you will probably need to reinforce some of the training you've done, helping your pet to learn behaviors and overcome common challenges without immediate rewards. This includes addressing issues like jumping up for a reward, rushing ahead or tugging at the leash, and behaving properly only when a reward is given.
