How to Train Your Puppy Using a Two-Handed Leash

From the moment you first get that cuddly and adorable puppy you want to begin their training. Many people will put this off and end up with an older and stronger animal that pulls them down the street. Dog training is actually a rather simple process if you begin the training when your dog is a pup. Here are steps that will enable you to easily train your puppy to walk by your side.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• $25 budget
• Two-handed dog leash
• Durable locking collar

1. Buy the proper leash and collar at your local pet supplies store. You are going to want to purchase a durable locking collar; typically these have plastic clips and large metal rings on them. When choosing your leash to buy a short (three to four feet long) two-handed leash. These types of leashes are great for training and have the regular handle as well as an additional handle in the middle of the leash.

2. Get your puppy used to the lead. Before you begin any leash training you must first accustom your puppy to the lead. Simply place the new collar on the pup and attach the lead. Lead the pup around the backyard for a few minutes, just so he can get used to the leash and the weight of the collar.

3. Enforce leash etiquette. The appropriate way to teach your dog to walk is to always have him on your left side. When you walk, you always want to be on the right side of the side walk; this way the puppy has far less distractions to sniff and can focus more on the leash training.

4. Teaching your puppy to heel. With your puppy on the left side of you and the handle of the leash in your right hand, you are almost ready to train your puppy. The second handle should come right down near your left hand. Holding both handles firmly you can begin to walk your pup. Never let the puppy pull away from or ahead of you.

5. Using “heel” commands. Anytime that the puppy tries to pull away from you or ahead pull sharply on the lead with both hands yanking the pup back toward you. At the same time, in a stern tone scold the puppy, “No, you heel!” This process will take some time, patience and repetition before your puppy gets the hang of it.

6. Make the pup sit when you stop. The other key to training your puppy to heel is teaching them to sit when you stop, or using what is called a hold command. You always want to be able to tell your dog to stop. So in the beginning stop randomly at points during the walk and say, “Hold!” Pull sharply back on the lead when you do this and apply pressure to the pup’s rear section forcing them to sit. Over time the pup will naturally stop and sit when you command them to hold.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a puppy that keeps cutting to the right of you to sniff the bushes, a simple nudge with your knee and a correction will suffice. The puppy will quickly realize that cutting to the right is not an option.
• Always keep some extra plastic bags with you while walking your pup so you can properly clean up and dispose of any puppy waste.
• Never use extreme physical force to discipline your puppy while in training. This will cause your puppy to become scared, confused and even fearful of the training process.
• Choke collars really don’t work; they just make it harder for your puppy to breath. Patience and domination are what will train your puppy to follow and heed to your commands.