A Dog Leash Is Necessary For Leash Training
by Michael
Filed under Leash Training
Puppy training is easier if you get yourself a dog leash and you definitely need one when you start leash training. When you get a puppy, it can seem as if you don’t have much to do at first, but before you know it, your puppy begins to grow and you’re suddenly being met with a slew of new situations where you are going to be forced to deal with. One of these situations is the act of leash training. While you may think it’s easy to walk your dog on a leash, you are about to find out that it is not nearly as easy as it looks, which means you have to choose the right dog leash to meet your needs.
As you are working to train your puppy, you will find that not only are dog leashes a great way to teach your dog, but there are different types for every need. You will feel comfortable and safe when using a leash, as well, because whether you’re preventing your pooch from getting into trouble while you’re at the park or stopping him from jumping out your car window, you can feel safer when your dog is attached to you by way of a leash.
Before you rush out and buy just any old leash for your dog, however, you should know that there are different types for you needs. For instance, if you’re just planning on outdoor walks and basic training, you may want to choose a more flexible type of leash, which will offer your dog or puppy the room he wants to roam when he wants it, but also will offer you control when you need it.
One brand of this type of leash is called the Flexi-Lead, which will uncoil at whatever distances you feel safe allowing your pooch to travel away from you. So, if you’re in an area with lots of room to run, then the leash will come out to give that space between you and your dog, but if a car comes by and you want to know that your dog won’t dart into it’s path, with the flip of a lever, you can lock this lead so it won’t extend. This feature helps you to keep your dog safe and out of harm’s way, but will also ensure that if you’re in a crowded space, your pooch won’t disrupt other people’s day, either.
While this is a great type of multi purpose leash, you should always make sure that you know your surroundings before you let your dog have “roaming” privileges. If your dog can become entangled or bother others in any way, it’s a good idea to keep the lead short and locked. When you get to a more open space, you can safely control your dog, his interaction with others, and what he will get into. Once you’re in a more open space again, you can comfortably offer him some freedom again.
Loose Leash Training Tips
by Michael
Filed under Leash Training
As with any training technique, you may find that there are different tricks that will make it easier to train your dog or puppy. Loose leash training is no different and, while you’re training your dog to walk politely with you, it can be a long, tough process. That’s why it’s always important to gain little shortcuts, or tricks that can help to make training your dog an easier, more pleasurable experience.
One of these “tricks” for having an easier time with your loose leash training is to teach your dog to walk at a certain position by your side. When you are able to establish a routine of where your dog walks, it will make training them with the loose leash method that much easier. For instance, if you want your dog to walk within two feet of you, then you will need to teach him that this is where you want him to be and if this is where he stays throughout the walk, then he will be rewarded.
This is the part of loose leash training that is so essential to your pet, because you are setting guidelines for him to follow and letting him know exactly what you expect of him. When you give him positive reinforcement in addition to the occasional treat, your dog will know that this is where he belongs and where you expect him to be.
Once you have taught your dog where he needs to be in order to be a “good boy”, then it will be easier for you to loose leash train him because when he begins to tug at the leash and you stand still and wait, your dog will know that he needs to come back to within two feet of you again without being told what to do. Gentle encouragement always works well, but since you have already taught your dog to pay attention to you, this part should be relatively easy to accomplish.
Imagine how nice it will be to know that your dog pays attention to what you want and you won’t have to be dragged all around the town by your overeager dog. How fun would it be to be able to go on a walk with your pooch and not have to worry that he will injure himself or you just to get to the next mailbox and sniff? Loose leash training is a humane way to teach your pet that by paying attention to you, you can both have a fun long walk.
When you are working to loose leash train your dog, you should try a different method for a couple of weeks to see if it works for you and your pet. Sometimes, a good method for some dogs isn’t so good for other dogs and you may need to give other tricks or shortcuts a try to see if they work. The bottom line in loose leash training is to set your expectations and help your dog to find a way to meet those expectations. Don’t get frustrated or lose your cool with your dog. Remember that he is learning too and all he wants is to make you happy. Reward his efforts with verbal praise and lots of petting and don’t be afraid to add the occasional treat to that reward.