How to train your dog to behave properly when on a leash.
I believe you can train any type of animal with positive reinforcement. For this reason, I recommend you avoid choke collars, prong or pinch collars and electronic or static correction collars. If you feel that you cannot train your dog without using one of the aforementioned collars, then it’s time to call in a professional trainer for assistance.
One of the most important skills you can teach a dog is training her to walk on a leash. Proper leash etiquette helps ensure that should anything happen to you; your pet will more easily be adopted and treated well in a new home. Beyond that “worst case” scenario, it’s important for your own sanity to have a well-behaved dog on leash.
First, it’s important to find your dog’s most valued incentive for performing. You can try a variety of things from treats to toys. Every dog has an item she can’t do without. For some dogs, that’s a ball or favorite toy. For others, it’s a “high-value” treat. Once you find your dog’s greatest source of motivation, you can begin training.
If you have a high-energy, easily-excitable dog, it’s important to get her good and tired prior to beginning training. You might want to play a game of fetch or just let her run in the yard for an hour. Once your dog is tired, she will be much more receptive to training.
There are many different schools of thought on training, but This is the way I prefer:
As you build up confidence, you can increase the walking times. As you practice, your dog will become more focused and less distracted.
Work in short bursts in order to keep your dog’s attention. For instance, you might put the leash and collar on your dog, condition her to wait quietly at door with you, then walk outside to end of driveway and return. Keep in mind that dogs have short attention spans and it’s better to do something right than practice something that is wrong.
Many people run into specific problem when training. Here are the solutions I use to solve a few of them.
This type of training will likely require the intervention of a professional dog trainer. Consider using a Gentle Leader, which fits on muzzle of dog similar to a horse harness. Not only does the dog become distracted with the “thing” on her nose, it allows you to control her head. In addition, it can appear to many as a “muzzle” (although it does not serve any ability to be a muzzle). However, just the appearance will often remind owners that the dog might not be friendly and serve enough warning for them to move away.
I believe you can train any type of animal with positive reinforcement. For this reason, I recommend you avoid choke collars, prong or pinch collars and electronic or static correction collars. If you feel that you cannot train your dog without using one of the aforementioned collars, then it’s time to call in a professional trainer for assistance.
About the Author: Stacy Mantle is the founder of PetsWeekly.com and the bestselling author of “Shepherd’s Moon.” Learn more great tips for living with animals by visiting PetsWeekly.com or get to know a little more about the author at www.StacyMantle.com
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