Leash Training - Four Keys To Effective Leash Training
In this article, I will discuss the four important keys to success in leash training your dog and also, the typical mistakes people make when trying to train their dog to stop pulling on the leash when out for a leisurely walk.
Taking your dog out for a daily walk can be a challenging adventure more than an enjoyable journey.
For thousands of people, it's more like the dog is walking them! Pulling and tugging on the leash, jerking their owners around and taking off in any direction the dog chooses-when they choose so! Well, it doesn't have to be this way.
You CAN train your dog to walk by your side without pulling once on the leash; making every walk with your four-legged friend a much more enjoyable experience.
But first, I have to mention the most common mistake people make when walking their dog-leaving the home with a much too excited dog! Therefore, the first key is...
1.
Make sure your dog is calm Your dog being in a calm state is probably the most critical factor in leash training your dog.
If your dog is in a high state of excitement as you're heading out, it will be almost impossible to control your dog during the walk.
Here's the typical scenario: As soon as your dog sees the leash, she becomes a super-excited ball of energy and becomes even more excited when you attach the leash.
This is a mistake and must not be allowed to happen! You're actually reinforcing the behavior by giving your dog what she wants-the leash.
The next time this happens, take your time.
Show your dog the leash and wait for your dog to calm down.
Wait as long as it takes.
You must ignore your dog's hyperactive activity, even if you have to put the leash down, do not give in to your dog's excitement! After a period of time (be prepared for this to take a considerable amount of time), your dog WILL eventually calm down.
Repeat this process of waiting until you can attach the leash to your perfectly composed, contented dog.
You must go through this process.
The problem will not fix itself! 2.
Simply change direction Pay attention to which way your dog is trying to lead at the beginning of your next walk.
If they head left, take a step to the right and keep doing this until your dog picks up on what you're doing.
You must implement this change of direction tactic early, before your dog gets too far out in front of you.
This is best learned inside the home first.
Place your dog on a leash and start by walking around tables, couches, and chairs with you in front and your dog following behind, and never let your dog go first through any doorways.
Also, practice walking in and out of the front doorway, making sure, of course, to always go first.
It's important that your dog ends up behind you each time to enforce the idea that YOU are the one in control.
Though this may take some time, your dog will catch on.
3.
Choose the appropriate harness There is a special harness you can purchase that fits under your dog's chin.
This harness is much preferred over the traditional type that attaches on the back and causes the dog to pull like a cart horse.
4.
Show your dog that YOU are the pack leader Before any success can be achieved with training your dog, you must establish yourself as the pack leader.
This simply means that it is you who is in charge, calls the shots, and leads the way.
Dogs have around 99% of the DNA of their ancestors, wolves, and therefore by nature will attempt to take the role of the pack leader.
If allowed to do so, your chances of successful leash training along with the correction of other unwanted behaviors from your dog will be next to impossible to achieve.
You must remember, the pack leader leads! Be sure it's you! The tips provided in this article will work to create the end result you want once you have established yourself as the pack leader-an enjoyable, pleasant experience when out walking with your dog.
Taking your dog out for a daily walk can be a challenging adventure more than an enjoyable journey.
For thousands of people, it's more like the dog is walking them! Pulling and tugging on the leash, jerking their owners around and taking off in any direction the dog chooses-when they choose so! Well, it doesn't have to be this way.
You CAN train your dog to walk by your side without pulling once on the leash; making every walk with your four-legged friend a much more enjoyable experience.
But first, I have to mention the most common mistake people make when walking their dog-leaving the home with a much too excited dog! Therefore, the first key is...
1.
Make sure your dog is calm Your dog being in a calm state is probably the most critical factor in leash training your dog.
If your dog is in a high state of excitement as you're heading out, it will be almost impossible to control your dog during the walk.
Here's the typical scenario: As soon as your dog sees the leash, she becomes a super-excited ball of energy and becomes even more excited when you attach the leash.
This is a mistake and must not be allowed to happen! You're actually reinforcing the behavior by giving your dog what she wants-the leash.
The next time this happens, take your time.
Show your dog the leash and wait for your dog to calm down.
Wait as long as it takes.
You must ignore your dog's hyperactive activity, even if you have to put the leash down, do not give in to your dog's excitement! After a period of time (be prepared for this to take a considerable amount of time), your dog WILL eventually calm down.
Repeat this process of waiting until you can attach the leash to your perfectly composed, contented dog.
You must go through this process.
The problem will not fix itself! 2.
Simply change direction Pay attention to which way your dog is trying to lead at the beginning of your next walk.
If they head left, take a step to the right and keep doing this until your dog picks up on what you're doing.
You must implement this change of direction tactic early, before your dog gets too far out in front of you.
This is best learned inside the home first.
Place your dog on a leash and start by walking around tables, couches, and chairs with you in front and your dog following behind, and never let your dog go first through any doorways.
Also, practice walking in and out of the front doorway, making sure, of course, to always go first.
It's important that your dog ends up behind you each time to enforce the idea that YOU are the one in control.
Though this may take some time, your dog will catch on.
3.
Choose the appropriate harness There is a special harness you can purchase that fits under your dog's chin.
This harness is much preferred over the traditional type that attaches on the back and causes the dog to pull like a cart horse.
4.
Show your dog that YOU are the pack leader Before any success can be achieved with training your dog, you must establish yourself as the pack leader.
This simply means that it is you who is in charge, calls the shots, and leads the way.
Dogs have around 99% of the DNA of their ancestors, wolves, and therefore by nature will attempt to take the role of the pack leader.
If allowed to do so, your chances of successful leash training along with the correction of other unwanted behaviors from your dog will be next to impossible to achieve.
You must remember, the pack leader leads! Be sure it's you! The tips provided in this article will work to create the end result you want once you have established yourself as the pack leader-an enjoyable, pleasant experience when out walking with your dog.