Dogs are an excellent addition to any family. They’re always eager to go for walks, play fetch with you, and snuggle on the couch. They also offer protection and security. However, before you bring home that adorable pup, it’s important to think about all the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. One of these is leash training. Fortunately, there are some amazingly helpful tips for leash training your dog! You can also check about Off Leash K9 Phoenix here.
Get the Right Equipment
Believe it or not, you can’t properly leash train your dog without the right equipment. First, you need to select a collar, leash, and harness. For leashes and collars, a 4-6 foot nylon one is best. Also, choose a flat buckle collar with holes for adjustment and comfort. When it comes to harnesses, it’s important you get one that is comfortable for your dog so that they aren’t afraid to wear it. Remember that plastic ones are much better than nylon or muslin ones because they won’t rub on their skin as much. You can get these at most pet stores or online. You just need to make sure they are comfortable and adjustable.
Keep Training Sessions Short, Frequent, And Don’t Exhaust Your Dog.
While training, it’s important to keep sessions short and frequent. Also, if your dog seems tired or worn out from training, take them out of the training session and try again later. This will help your dog remain optimistic about the training experience. It’s also essential to make sure you don’t overdo it when you train your dog leash walking. If you have a long walk planned, take your dog on a shorter one first, so they are ready for the long one.
And remember, every dog is different and will take to leash training differently. For example, you might only be able to walk your Labrador Retriever for five minutes, but your Beagle might be able to walk around for 30 minutes. Therefore, you must pay attention to how your dog looks and walks to know whether or not they are overworked enough from walking.
Be Consistent And Reward Your Dog With Treats.
When you leash train your dog, consistency is key. Being consistent means repeating the same action in your dog’s daily routine so they remember what you want them to do. Also, reward training is one of the most effective methods of training. For example, buy a treat dispenser to keep handy when you walk with your dog and carry some treats as well. This will make it more likely for him to follow your commands, and he’ll also learn quickly that being on the leash is a good thing.
Methods To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash
When you are ready to start training your dog to walk on a leash, here are some simple but effective methods:
- Pull And Release – When you first begin to train your dog to walk on a leash, the best way is to simply tug on the leash and then release it. You can also give a treat as soon as your dog releases their grip on the collar. However, it’s important that you do not yank or jerk the leash hard while your dog is holding it. The gentle pull and release method is also known as gradual tension. You can also use simple commands like “easy ” or ” slow ” as a way to control your dog’s pace.
- U-Turns (Do Not Use On Dogs With Choke Or Pinch/Prong Collars) – U-turns are another good way to help train your dog to walk on a leash. The idea is simply to make a U-turn by turning the dog around in a circle without letting go of the leash. One way to do this is to begin walking forward, and when your dog is about 2 or 3 feet ahead of you, make a sharp U-turn. Then, let them stay in the original position before making another U-turn. Although it seems difficult at first, your dog will soon learn how to follow your movements and not pull. This method is also very good for dogs with prong or choke collars.
Leash training your dog is pretty easy if you follow the guidelines and tips listed in this article. You can also consider enrolling your dog in a basic dog training course. Of course, dogs are never completely trained and will always be learning, so don’t be alarmed if they give you trouble once in a while. But remember that patience and consistency are the keys to leash training your dog.