One of the most important behaviors you'll want to teach your dog is to “heel,” or walk on a leash. Walking your dog will be a daily activity for the whole of your time together. Make an effort in the beginning and it will be an enjoyable experience to look forward to rather than an ordeal to be endured. The following method works well with puppies as well as older dogs.
The first step is teaching you dog that it's not OK to pull on the leash. Remember that you're in charge.
To begin, put the training collar on the dog and stand at his right side with him on your left and both of you facing forward.
Step forward with your left foot first. (Kind of like dancing) This cues the dog that you're moving forward.
When the dog moves ahead and begins to pull on the leash, stop and pull the leash snug. You don't want to drag the dog back but only to stop him going on.
When he's stopped and is attentive praise him and go forward again. This is an exercise to instill good manners. Don't employ commands at this point as you're only trying to lay the ground work for the “heel,” command which will be the following step.
Do this exercise three or four times a day for a few days until the dog has stopped trying to drag you around. Don't overdue but make sure your dog has assimilated the concept. It may take a little longer with an older dog who has developed long term bad habits, but even they will soon catch on.
If you have an especially determined student, maybe an older dog with long held bad habits, you may need to employ some modifications to this approach. Some suggestions include:
Use a low growling sound rather than a word command when the dog tries to tug. Stop and give the leash a few sharp pulls to bring him back to a position beside you to begin again.
Hold a treat by your side and make sure your dog is aware of it when you begin walking again. Ignore him if he tries to get the treat as you walk.
When he has settled down and begun to walk beside you, give the command, “Heel,” and give him the treat.
Do this repeatedly until the dog's positive behavior is consistent.
Note: Don't praise the dog as he's coming back to your side as that will lead him to think that the behavior of running ahead was the right thing to do so as to be able to come back. The only reward he should get is for walking freely beside you. Be consistent and practice daily. With this approach you'll soon have a companion who can go anywhere with you in comfort and confidence. I hope that this puppy leash training will help you with your loved ones.
Walking your dog will be a daily activity for the whole of your time together. Make an effort in the beginning and it will be an enjoyable experience to look forward to rather than an ordeal to be endured. The following method works well with puppies as well as older dogs.
