Leash - A Great Training Tool

Leash practice should be fun. If the puppy is timid, walk him up and down indoors, pulling gently and coaxing to keep him in motion and in line with you. Then try it in the yard or up and down a quiet street. Never jerk violently, or choke him if he refuses to move. Let him wander off at will; if he sits down, pat and laugh at him a bit, and wait a moment before beginning to get him going. He will soon realize that the leash is a tie between him and you.

The leash is a great tool for distance training. It allows freedom to explore while still leaving you in complete control. As a training tool, you can use it informally during walks to reinforce the following commands:

Name: Call out your puppy's name enthusiastically: If he looks at you, praise him. If he ignores you, gently snap the leash, say "No," and then praise him once you have his attention.

Wait: Begin to command your puppy to stop 3 feet in front of you with this command. If your dog continues forward, gently snap the leash and say "No, Wait." Increase your distance to 6 feet, 8 feet, 12 feet, 16 feet, and 26 feet in front of you.

Sit-Stay: Use the Flexi-Lead to increase your distance control. Increase your distance incrementally.

Heel: Use this command to call your puppy back to your side. Call out his name and then command "Heel" as you slap your leg. Praise your puppy as he responds; then walk a short distance before you stop to release him.

No: Whenever he is focusing on something he should not be, gently snap the leash and say "No!" Immediately refocus his attention with a toy, stick, or command.

Puppies learn more quickly from other dogs than from us. If you have a friend with an older, leash-trained dog, walking together will soon put the idea over to your puppy. When he finds that the leash means "We are going out!" it becomes a friend, not a foe.

Like the collar, it is a signal he soon learns, and will bring to your attention when he wants action! You are teaching him this when you pick it up and say "Here is your leash, we are going for a walk!" At first, start him on a long leash. Go as far away from him as the leash permits, then call "Come (dog's name)!" As you do this, give the leash a little jerk toward you. If he resists, pull gently, and the moment he is within reaching distance, pet and praise him.

There are more information articles on all aspects of basics dog training, dog health issues, dog behavior,dog grooming and dog nutrition  in John Mailer's article directory

 

Practice with this free online basics dog training lesson