Leash Training a New Puppy
Leash training a new puppy is an essential part of dog ownership. Most areas require dogs to be on a leash so train the puppy to the leash is beneficial to its social behavior.
Not all puppies have issues with the collar when they first feel it around their neck while others act as if the collar is choking them.
To leash train the puppy it is important to allow the puppy to get used the collar to realize it is a nonthreatening part of its new life. Put the collar on the puppy and allow it to get used to the new feeling.
The puppy will scratch at the collar but eventually will ignore the new accessory. When you first put the collar on the puppy allow it to scratch but after a few minutes distract the puppy so it will take its mind off the collar.
Buy a lightweight plain collar that will not feel too heavy on the puppys neck. Just like you may not feel comfortable with a heavy necklace the puppy will feel the same way about the collar.
Make sure the collar is not too tight or too loose. Two fingers should be able to slip between the collar and the puppys neck. Also monitor the collar as the puppy grow since the collar could eventually choke the puppy or become embedded in the neck.
Once the puppy is used to collar attach the leash to the collar. Do not drag the puppy… The best method in leash training a new puppy is to take the puppy into the back yard while it is playing and allow it to get used to the new leash and the restrictions it proposes.
Walk freely with the puppy as it walks the yard. This technique is the easiest for both of you to learn the basics of leash work.
As the puppy gets used to the leash and you want it to stop give a short quick jerk on the leash to gain the puppys attention. Praise the puppy when it stops.
Repeat this over several weeks as the puppy grows accustomed to the leashs control. Eventually start walking the puppy for longer periods of time and jerk the leash when the puppy starts to pull on the leash.
It will get the message how you want it to remain close to you when it is on the leash. This will make it easier for leash training a new puppy
