Doberman Puppy Leash Training
Leash training is essential to a happy and healthy dog. The leash training of a Doberman puppy will ensure a more pleasurable walking experience for both the dog and the owner, which will mean more walks. A properly leash trained Doberman puppy will also receive a positive reception by those around the dog.
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Importance of Leash Training
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The Doberman puppy will eventually grow up to be a large Doberman dog. These dogs are very powerful and have a very high play-prey drive. This can make an untrained Doberman puppy on a leash into a Doberman dog that does not receive regular and frequent walks. This can lead to the dog being bored and with a lot of pent up energy. This boredom and high level of energy can mean a destructive dog for the Doberman owners.
In addition to the Doberman puppy having to learn not to pull on a leash, the puppy must learn how to react to others while on the leash. A young Doberman is often eager to meet new people and animals, and will attempt to jump on those he meets. This can be cute while the Doberman is a puppy, but as he grows he will see this as acceptable and will continue the behavior, which is no longer considered cute.
Acclimation
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Before any leash training with the Doberman puppy can begin, the puppy must be shown and allowed to get used to the tools of the walk. These include a leash and a collar. The leash should be a lightweight training leash of either leather or nylon material. Metal leashes are difficult to grip and are too heavy for the puppy to handle. The collar should also be a lightweight leather or nylon. Do not use choke collars on the puppy as it can cause damage to his throat and will cause him pain.
Attach the collar to the puppy so that it is snug but not tight. You will be able to fit three fingers between the dog and the collar without much gap for a snug but not tight collar. Distract the puppy from trying to remove the collar by playing with him. You can also attach the collar when you are feeding the puppy. Make sure every experience with the new collar is a positive experience. Once he has forgotten about the collar, it can be left on him.
Once the Doberman puppy is comfortable with the collar, attach the leash to the the collar and allow the puppy to play with it. Keep the puppy in your sight at all times as he can get caught on the leash and become frightened by it. If he begins to chew on the leash, distract him from it by playing with him or feeding him.
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Start in the House
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Begin your Doberman puppy's leash training in the home. Dog-Obedience-Training-Review.com suggests having him follow you around the house while on the leash. He will do this naturally. If he begins to stray away from you, do not pull him back. Instead, call to him and wait for him to come back to you before continuing your walk around the house. Do not walk while the puppy is pulling on the leash as this will reinforce the idea that pulling is acceptable. Do not pull the puppy by the leash if he sits down or lies down while you are stopped. Instead of pulling on the puppy, call out to him in a high-pitched and happy voice to get him to follow you again.
Outside Training
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Once the puppy is proficient at walking beside you in the home, begin training outside. Do not be surprised if the Doberman puppy appears to have forgotten everything learned in the home. Begin by calling your Doberman puppy to your side and then beginning the walk once he has come and the leash is loose. Every time that he wanders away and begins to pull on the leash, stop walking and call out to him. He will be very distracted and eager to smell every blade of grass in a lawn. Do not expect to have a long walk for a little while and do not lose your patience.
Additional Help
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Many pet stores offer puppy training classes. These classes cover various training exercises such as walking on a leash, sit, stay and come commands. In addition, these classes provide puppy socialization time that helps to prevent animal aggression in dogs. All breeds of puppies are accepted into some of the training classes, including the Doberman puppy.
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References
- Photo Credit doberman dog image by petar Ishmeriev from Fotolia.com
