Leash Training Puppies
Thursday, January 14th, 2010Tips and tools to help with leash training puppies
When leash training puppies, there are a number of tools – special harnesses, head harnesses, and dog training collars – designed to help people train their dogs to walk nicely on leash. Each tool has its advocates. Before you choose a leash walking tool or dog training collar, however, it’s important to ask yourself how the tool works. As with all training techniques, when leash training a puppy, choose a leash training tool that reinforces your dog’s best qualities – such as confidence, calmness, and self-control.
It’s also important to use these puppy leash training tools and training collars for dogs correctly. Proper fit is very important. Stop using the tool if you suspect it is hurting your dog, or making her feel intimidated or anxious – because setting up your dog to have those kinds of responses could lead to more serious problems later.
Plan special treats
One of the challenges of leash training a puppy and working outside is that we’re competing with such wonderful things – other dogs, wildlife, strange humans, untold interesting sights and smells.
One way we can compete with all this is to use extra special treats. Trainers refer to this as the value of a reward. For instance, I use plain old kibble to train my dog when we’re indoors. But outside, if anything exciting is going on, she may not even notice a piece of kibble if I hold it in front of her nose!
So find treats that will grab your dog’s attention. Small amounts of commercial training treats, particularly strong-smelling formulas like those containing liver, are one idea. Cheese, bits of hot dog, or bits of hamburger are also possibilities. Note that although many trainers use people food for treats, you have to use good judgment! Don’t overdo a new type of treat right away, until you’re sure it won’t upset your dog’s digestion. Take care that your treats aren’t throwing your dog’s diet out of balance. Check with a trusted veterinarian if you’re unsure what treats to use.
The best tips that have worked for me with leash training puppies is to find a comfortable dog collar or harness, and stock up with some tasty but healthy treats for rewarding and encouraging your puppy.
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