Leash Training A Puppy

Leash Training A Puppy In it's simplest terms a leash is a rope that connects you to your puppy. You don't need fancy equipment. A simple nylon collar and nylon leash. Puppies grow very quickly. Expect to replace or adjust the collar every 2 weeks. I have a long 20 meter lead on Joey (pictured on the right - above). When puppies get to be 5 months or older a long lead allows them freedom to play while still being on lead.

Why does leash training a puppy seem so complicated? Because the minute you attach your puppy to that leash you both react. It's the reaction that causes all the issues.

Here's an example You put a leash on your puppy and they FREAK OUT! Twist and turn and run and jump like you have never seen. Some puppies will even run into tables or doors trying to get away from that leash. You drop your end because you don't want to cause any more grief than has already happened.

So how DO you leash train a puppy?

I want you to try something. I want you to grab a 1 meter (3 foot) piece of rope and a friend. I want you to tie the rope around your right leg and your friend's left leg. I want you and your friend to spend THIRTY minutes tied together but you aren't allowed to sit on the couch and watch a movie. You must go outside and do something. Go grocery shopping. Take a walk or do dishes together.

Here's the deal. Your friend thinks you aren't paying attention to her and you think your friend is not listening to you. That's exactly what it's like for you and your puppy except your puppy doesn't have a choice in when the leash comes on or off.

Introducing the leash. When you are leash training a puppy the first thing you have to do is teach your puppy about the leash. They way you do that is by grabbing a handful of puppy treats and just offering the treats to your puppy when he comes up to you. Pretty soon he will come up to you looking for treats.

The second step in leash training a puppy is to attach the leash when the puppy walks up to you looking for one of those treats. Don't do anything with the other end of the leash. Let it drag on the floor, but continue to offer your puppy treats.

Now take the leash off the puppy. Repeat this treat and leash on/off exercise several time throughout the day.

Two things are happening here. One is that you are showing your puppy that when he comes up to you and you do this weird thing to his collar (attaching the leash) it's no big deal. The second thing you are training is to have your puppy come around when you pull that weird rope (leash) out. And once the rope is attached the puppy sticks around waiting for more of those tasty treats.

Take it outside When you introduce the leash, do it inside the house so your puppy isn't distracted by all the noises and excitement of the great outdoors. Once you are ready to go outside make sure your puppy is very interested in the treats you have. Get some special treats for outdoors

Keep the treats tiny You don't have to feed a whole Milkbone every time you treat your dog. One piece of puppy kibble is plenty to qualify as a treat.

What about all those commands You'll notice I never ask you to say Wanna go for a walk?! when introducing the leash. Puppies are smart. They can learn about a leash as early as 8 weeks of age. They can learn many things that young - actually dogs can learn new behaviors their entire life. You'll be surprised. Your puppy will associate the leash with kibble that happens to fall out of your pocket and your puppy will want to be around you when you bring the leash out.

Staying Ahead of Hormones When your puppy is less than 6 months old they are still insecure. As they mature and hormones kick in they will find new things as distractions. As they become more secure in their environment they begin test the waters of security. This is a difficult time for owners.

Maturing into Adulthood It's much easier to leash train a puppy than a teenager. Teenage years start around 6 months of age. Your puppy is growing into an adult body, but still has a very puppy mind. Think human teenager. Some days your puppy will amaze you, and other days you wonder if it will ever come together.

Coping With Distractions All dog owners have to deal with distractions. Distractions take your puppy's attention AND THAT IS ALL THEY DO. If you don't empower distractions your puppy will learn to ignore them too. When you are leash training a puppy look at distractions as a positive challenge. Use toys, treats, your gentle voice, petting, and running as ways to keep your puppy's interest during distractions.

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