How do I leash train my dog?
Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at
5:05 pm
We live in a rural area and in a small town. Oliver is usually the only dog in public unless we go to a dog park. Oliver is good at stopping and going, being around people and cars, but when there is another animal on a leash, he makes a ruckus until they get to sniff butts and do the doggie dance.
I want to take Oliver on a trip with me to Seattle, but I need him to behave on a leash. Either that to he is riding in my purse, but I think he would be happier walking.
Filed under: Dog Leash Training
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
First thing to keep in mind-this is YOUR walk…he just gets to go. What that means to him is you make the decisions regarding where, when, how…what it means to you is you decide when to stop, when to go, which direction you will travel, when he gets to sniff, etc.
Start walking when he is focused on you-if he is distracted it will be much harder for him to learn the correct position. Move forward ONLY when he is beside or behind, and the lease has some slack (hold the leash at a place where the is just a few extra inches between your hand and his collar). If he starts to move ahead or is taking up the slack-STOP!! Immediately…do not walk while he is doing this-every step is like a treat…think of how many he could get in just 5 feet. Replace him in the proper position and give him some slack in the leash-if he takes it, put him back in the proper position and give him some slack in the leash-if he takes it, put him back in the proper position and give him some slack in the leash-you get the point! Until he is staying in place, do not walk. When he finally gets the idea, reward him with forward motion. As he gets better, reward with praise and/or treats for longer distances with him in the correct position.
This is an extremely tedious and patience testing technique with most dogs. Think of it this way, would you rather spend 1-2 weeks not getting anywhere, or the next 10+ years getting dragged by your dog? It seems your is small-so not as much dragging, however the lack of respect pulling you shows is setting a precedent for all other behaviors.
BTW-thank you for asking this. I have been meaning to write up an article for my website, and you just motivated me to do it! LOL
this is not a simmple answer but if your dog misbehaves while on the leash turn around and go the other way soit learns to walk with you also hold the leash in the left hand but make the dog walk to your right lead him/her along w/treat in hand so it gets the idea of what is good doggie leash behavior hope this helps
here’s a decent beginners site:
http://www.doggroups.com/dog-training/item/13
Go to your local pet store and get a training leash with the pongs on it. It looks like it would be painful but it is not, put your wrist through it and slightley jerk on it, it will get your attention but does not hurt. Put it on your dog with the leash and when he sees the other dogs slightley jerk on so the pressure is on the bottom of the chain. Only do this when he is not at your side and he will soon learn his actions are not allowed. You must stick with it as with a child and he will get the message.