Activities, such as taking your dog for a walk or going to the vet, are all made easier if you train your dog to use a leash properly.
With proper leash training you will be in control and you will be able to handle your dog in any situation.
Leash training should start as soon as you bring a new puppy home.
Dogs vary in the length of time it will take to train them to use a leash.
Some dogs will learn within a couple of days, others may take one to two weeks.
Remember that consistency is the key.
Becoming Familiar with the Dog Collar The first step is to put a dog collar on your puppy so he can become familiar with how it feels.
The collar should fit loosely enough that it will not choke him but it not so loose that it can be pulled over his head.
The collar should be the correct size if your thumb can fit comfortably between your dog's coat and the collar.
Put a collar on your puppy as soon as you bring him home.
You may find this easier to do when your puppy is playing or eating since he will be distracted.
Your puppy's initial response will be to remove the collar.
He will attempt to do this by scratching at it or by rolling around.
You should not remove the collar when he is trying to take it off.
Wait until your dog is no longer paying attention to the collar before removing it.
Within a day or two your puppy will begin to feel comfortable with his new collar.
The Dog Leash When you puppy feels comfortable with the collar you can then acquaint him with the leash.
This is done by letting your dog move around freely with a leash attached to his collar.
You should use a lightweight leash at first.
Do not leave your dog unsupervised with the leash attached because the leash may catch on something entrapping your puppy.
If your puppy gets tangled up, and you are close by, you will be able to release him so he can continue playing.
It may take a day or two before your puppy becomes accustomed to the leash.
The next stage of training can begin as soon as your puppy feels comfortable with his leash.
Dog Leash Training - Walking Walking beside you on a leash is the next step in your leash training program.
This step can be started at home where there are fewer distractions.
Your leash should be long enough that you can keep it slack so it will not pull on your dog.
Your puppy should be free to walk.
Immediately stop walking if your puppy pulls on the leash.
His behavior of pulling on the leash will be encouraged if you do not stop.
Call your dog to come to you but do not yank on the leash.
Praise him when he comes and then start walking again.
If your dog pulls on the leash again stop and repeat the process.
Your puppy must learn that he will not get very far if he pulls on his leash.
Repeat this process until your dog understands what is expected.
Consistency is what is important.
It may take multiple walks before you realize your dog is no longer pulling on the dog leash.
It is important that you praise your dog when he performs a task properly.
Be sure to praise him and give him a treat every time he has walked three or four steps without pulling.
How to Leash Train an Adult Dog It is true that it is easier to leash train a puppy than an adult dog.
Because puppies are smaller they are easier to control physically.
Adult dogs are not only stronger physically but they also have some bad habits to overcome.
The process in training an adult dog to walk beside you on a leash is the same as with a puppy.
It may be physically more difficult because of the dog's weight and strength but you must maintain full control throughout the training process.
A harness or gentle leader can be helpful when training an older dog to use a lease.
The harness will give you control over a dog's entire body instead of just his neck.
If a dog pulls on a leash when wearing a gentle leader his head is pulled up.
This is uncomfortable but not painful.
It is not a complicated process to leash train your dog.
It does require time and patience but you will be rewarded with a well-behaved dog you can take just about anywhere.