Dog Training Advice: Leash Training

You can't expect to throw on a collar and leash and have your puppy heel instantly at your command. Dog leash training is a step by step progression, with the end result being your dog walking happily by your side. The heel command should be considered a more advanced command and should be left for another day.

The first step in leash training is to simply get your pup used to his new collar. Just like a new piece of jewelry might feel awkward against your skin at first, the same goes for your dog. He may take to it just fine the first time or he may need some further guidance. Allow him to scratch at it and mess around with it. Let him take a look at it before and after it has been on. While it is his job to be curious about this new object around his neck, it is your job to distract him from the object after the first session or two with it. Try to put the collar on when he is eating or playing so he will forget that it is there. Do not remove the collar when he is fussing with it. Although you know that you took it off, he might think that he fought it off himself and it will only encourage him to wrestle with the collar anytime it comes near. You will also want to remove the collar whenever he is unsupervised (while he is still young) and whenever he is in his crate (no matter what his age is). Collars can easily get caught and choke or traumatize your pet. Some breeds do better with specific collar choices so ask your vet what collars are best for your dog.

After your dog is good and used to his collar, start adding the leash into the equation. Some puppies take to the leash well while others are beside themselves with the leash, as if they don't know whether they've sprouted a new tail or found a funny toy! If your dog seems too flustered, start small with a string or old shoelace and add on from there. If he chews through his first leash, fantastic! Save it and use it for these training sessions. You can add a full length one when you are good and ready to hop on the other side. As with the collar, try to distract the puppy from the leash. Put it on when he is eating or playing but always make sure you are present so he does not get tangled. Remove the leash when you feel that the puppy has forgotten that it is there and put it away until the next training session.

Think you are ready for a walk to the park? Well, not quite. You will want your puppy to learn some basic "follow me" commands before you begin journeying around the neighborhood. Grab a handful of treats and get your puppy to follow you. He should naturally follow you, especially with the goodies. Make sure to call his name each time too so he gets the gist of coming when called. Move around and make it fun. Once he's got a good handle on it, add the collar and leash back into the mix. The point is that you want your dog to learn to move with you, not against you.

Now you are ready to pick up the other end. Many owners forget that there are two ends to the leash and that both ends must cooperate and work together for success. You want your dog to feel relaxed so keep the leash loose. Pulling on either end will not work nor is it a good cooperative effort. Follow the dog at times and then introduce some of the "follow me" skills you have worked on at home to have him follow you. Keep it fun and light; make it a game. Soon your puppy will enjoy moving with you and walking alongside you with ease to the park and back again.