Leash Training a Dog
A leash is a great dog training tool that can be used in multiple training scenarios. This is a must have in the dog training world, without it you won’t be able to teach your dog properly. Let’s see why.
Training your dog to sit
To train your dog to sit, you should use one of two variations of the same technique or even a mix. You either use the leash to guide your dog to the sit position, a treat, or both. You should mix methods from time to time, to avoid having the dog learn only one way of sitting.
For example, a dog might only sit when you have a treat in your hand if you’ve always trained him that way. To make sure you use positive training only, on this basic task you should use a harness and not a collar.
I start by saying the command word “sit” in a serious manner (not to serious though), and pull the leash gently backwards, at the same time I lift his chin slightly towards me. If pulling on the leash makes the dog move backwards you can make this exercise near a wall, where the dog can’t move backwards, or use your hand to gently press his back down. When the dog sits completely I strongly praise him saying “Good job” or give him a treat to reward him. It’s important to use always the same praise phrase. Like clicker training, the praising has to be consistent for good results.
SO LET’S SEE A RESUME OF THE STEPS YOU MUST FOLLOW:
Repeat this process 5-10 times a day, always praise him when the task is done successfully, and be gentle, this process must be fun for the dog.
Training your dog to lie down
To have your dog lie down on command, you should first teach your dog how to sit.
AND THEN FOLLOW THE TECHNIQUE EXPLAINED BELLOW:
This exercise, in the same way as the sit exercise, must vary a bit, with treat and no treat (just the leash).
Repeat this exercise for 5-7 minutes, don’t overdo-it because you don’t want to tire your dog of the training. Training must be fun.
Training your dog to come
Training your dog to come can be really a life saver. This is a very important command, and also a very difficult one to accomplish. When you have your dog on a leash, this is not so important because you can always drag your dog to you if really necessary, but in an off leash situation, this is extremely important and can save your dog from potentially fatal accidents. So, let’s see how to do this, and remember don’t expect your dog to learn this fast, because he won’t.
If on the other hand, you start calling him, but don’t have a leash to pull him in case he runs away, then you’re actually rewarding him for not coming, because running, smell new stuff, and do whatever he wants, it’s always more rewarding to him.
Off leash training
When your dog comes to you flawlessly while indoors, you can start his training outdoors (please use a fenced yard). The training method is exactly the same, but you must use a bigger rope, 10-15 meters, depending on the size of your yard. You must never let him run away, and must be very consistent and positive. Training your dog to come must always be very positive for the dog. That way he knows that when he comes to you, he will be praised.
In the beginning avoid wireless dog fences like the PIF 300 or something similar to avoid your dog from running away. It's important to train the basics before going to something more elaborate.
Training with a loose leash
Taking your dog for a walk should be a pleasure and not hell like so many owners start to think when they cannot teach their dogs to walk on a leash properly. When you start taking your dog for walks around the neighborhood, you should start in more quiet areas, if you cannot find a quiet area, please try to go out in a less noisy time. Puppies get scared easily with loud noises.
As we've seen in this post, Leash Training a Dog can be quite easy as long as you follow the rules and techniques explained here.
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