How to Leash Train a Dog

It is important to have a dog that is properly leash trained. A dog that isn't leash trained can run into many risks including dog fights and getting hit in traffic. As soon as you get a new dog, leash training should be a priority. Consider the following tips to properly leash train your dog.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Collar

Get a Leash

1. Place the leash on your pet while he eats and just let it lie at his side. This provides your dog with the chance to associate the leash with something pleasant and gets him used to having a leash.

2. Hold the leash in your hand, after giving the dog a few days to acclimate to the leash, and follow your dog around the house. Do this in increasingly longer periods of time until your dog becomes used to it.

3. Go outside in a supervised area such as your backyard. Allow the dog to roam with the leash dragging behind him. Pick up the leash occasionally and show it to the dog while offering a treat.

4. Start to coax the dog along by offering treats and praising your dog when he follows you.

5. Teach him to stay with you. Once your dog has started to walk with a leash you can begin this process. To do this pull in a clockwise turn if the dog moves in another direction. This will teach him to stay at your side in order to gain your praise.

Tips & Warnings

• All dogs will learn at different speeds so you will need to be patient Outdoor training should be done in areas that have little in the way of distractions If your dog is easily excitable, then you should play with him and tire him out before taking him out for a leash walk. When training, use positive reinforcement and never yell or hit the dog.

[Alisiane]

on 11/7/2008 Since Santa is bringing a puppy to our house this Christmas, this is going to be some valuable info in a couple of weeks! Thanks for sharing :-)