Having a gorgeous walk with your lovely puppy is a great way to nurture your relationship. However, walking on a leash is nowhere an instinct for your best furry friend. Therefore, as pet parents, you should know how to teach your puppy to walk on a leash by your side nicely. This article of Noble Pawtrait will show you the best puppy leash training tips.
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The Importance Of Leash Training
Safety is one reason for dog parents to be in total control of their dog while it is on a leash. If your puppy is out of leash control, it is more likely to hurt itself or other dogs. A dog untrained to walk on a leash may be more vulnerable to frustration, leading to negative leash reactivity. This is potentially harmful to its body that suffers great pressure when the puppy pulls forcefully.
Besides, you can take your dog that is trained to walk nicely on a leash in public spaces or dog-friendly stores. Leash walking is a safe, consistent kind of exercise beneficial to both you and your dogs and humans. Imagine how pleasant it will be when you spend time going for walks with your furry friend in the park!
Types Of Collars For Leash Walking
Which kind of collar and leash should pet parents select for their puppies? It all depends on the type of leash walker your dog is. At the onset of your puppy leash training, it is rational to pick a standard flat collar and a 1-to-4 foot leash. To keep the dog closer to your side, you can shorten the leash by wrapping it around your hand.
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Below are some common kinds of collars that you can select based on different leash manners:
Standard Flat Collar: This kind of collar is the most commonly used one, and it seems to be fitting for most dog breeds. However, if your furry friends often slip out of the leash, then a Martingale collar would be a better choice.
Martingale Collar: This collar has two loops, the larger one fits over your puppy’s head, and the smaller one is to attach to the leash. The larger loop can tighten slightly when your dog pulls, saving it from slipping out of the collar without getting choked.
Front clip harness: It is appropriate for breeds that prefer loose leash walking. You can better steer the dog since its chest area is clipped over with the harness.
Back Clip Harness: This harness works right with small breeds and short-nosed ones such as Boston terriers and pugs. However, it does not restrict your dog from pulling.
Head Collar: It is a nylon piece resembling a horse’s bridle that loops around your pet’s muzzle. Your puppy can still eat, drink and bark when wearing the head collar. However, it may be subject to injury if it jerks on the leash or pulls too hard.
Steps For Puppy Leash Training
Step 1: Get Your Puppy Familiarize With The Leash
At the onset of walk training on a leash, you should start by getting your puppy familiar with a small, lightweight collar and a standard light leash. Let your dog drag the leash around while gives it praise or treats. Sometimes treats can motivate your puppy, and at other times, compliments and kisses work better.
Keep in mind that you needn’t be impatient. It takes time for your puppy to get used to the leash. Therefore, train your puppy slowly and ensure that it feels comfortable. When detecting the sign of your dog’s bother, stop and continue in another day.
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Step 2: Implement The “Follow Game” Tactic
At this step, you need to choose a training location and adopt the “follow game” tactic. Move a few steps away and persuade your dog to follow you by giving it with treat and praise. If it gets distracted, you can make some noises or clap your hands to draw its attention to you.
You need to maneuver yourself and your location in such a way that when it catches up to you, it’s by your side and facing the same direction. Then, move around in different directions and entice your puppy to catch up to you to get another treat. You can do that a few times, but be sensible when to stop before your puppy gets worn out.
Step 3: It’s Time To Put All Things Together
When your furry pet becomes used to a leash and collar and walking alongside you, it’s time to put everything together. First, you need to wear your dog a collar and leash, then walk around your house or somewhere with few distractions. Gently guide your dog on the leash and ensure that it follows and stays by your side.
For outdoor walks, you may need to use some verbal cues such as “Let’s go!” or “This way!” to guide your pet to walk nicely alongside you. Remember to stop walking when you see your dog pulling hard on the leash.
Troubleshooting Leash Training
Pulling: Virtually every puppy pulls on its leash at first, but you can efficiently deal with this problem. Just stop walking as soon as your dog pulls. You mustn’t keep on the walk until it stops pulling. To further reduce your pet pulling, you can select a head halter or a front harness.
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Lunging: There are situations in which your puppy is attracted to things in the surroundings. However, you can bring its attention to you with some treats. Gradually, you can get a sense of what makes your dog lunge and how to intervene quicker.
Barking: It’s pretty normal for your dog to bark, especially when it wants to protect you. However, it can be such a challenge to deal with when it barks at other dogs. Excessive barking may be the sign of your puppy not getting sufficient physical and mental stimulation. If it is the case, you can do what you use when your dog lunges. Specifically, you can create distance and give your dog some treats before it starts to bark. Hence, your puppy will be used to turning its attention to you each time seeing a dog.
Noble Pawtrait hopes you can deal with your puppy that misbehaves on leash with all the training tips above. Gradually, you will find getting your puppy to walk on a leash is not challenging as you may assume. More importantly, you can enjoy a gorgeous stroll with your lovely puppy!