Dog Training

Training a puppy to accept a collar and leash is likely the most important thing you can work on when you start training. Puppy leash training can and should start soon after you get him settled in his new home.

Training your dog to accept a collar and leash is crucial because it sets you up as being in control. When your dog accepts you being in charge, training has a lot better chance of being a success.

Once your pet learns to accept that collar and lead it’s easier to move into other areas of training with a much greater likelihood of success. Here’s what you should do.

Be sure to buy a collar that is the right size. Don’t buy a collar that you think he’ll grow into. If a collar is too loose it won’t stay on. But it should be big enough that you are able to make some adjustments. The rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers easily between collar and neck.

When you first put the collar around your puppy’s neck be sure to give him lots of attention. That will help to take his mind off it. Whatever you do, do not rush this step because as soon as gets used to wearing a collar, you can start right into training your puppy. Lease training is a lot easier if you’ve given your pooch enough time to really get used to wearing a collar.

Next, you’ll attach a short but light leash to the collar. Be sure that this leash isn’t any more than three feet long. Let your dog drag the leash all over for short periods of time. You’re trying to let him see how it feels when there is something attached to his collar.

Keep a close eye on your pup when he is walking around with the lead connected. If he does get stuck when you’re not around, he might get agitated and frightened. You do want him to see what it feels like to be restricted for a short time, but you do not want him to get upset when it occurs. So quickly free the lead when it’s stuck.

Within several days or so, he’ll have probably become accustomed to the feel of the lead. At this point, attach one end to the collar and then the other end to your belt rather than letting him drag it freely. He should still be able to explore freely just like before and still get stuck. But, this time though, you won’t be going to free up his leash.

Instead try to help him rid of that stuck feeling. Do that by crouching down and calling his name. Encourage him to come to you maybe by offering a treat or favorite toy. When he does come, praise him lavishly and reward him. Keep doing this for short periods of time every day. Be sure to release him from the leash after he’s done what you asked a few times, but always leave his collar on.

You’ll know that your puppy leash training has been successful when he routinely comes when he is called after he reaches the end of the leash. With this success, you’ll find that the rest of your puppy’s training will go so much more smoothly.

After an outdoor training session, reward your dog with a cozy heated dog bed to keep him warm in the cooler weather or a coolaroo dog bed to keep him cool in warmer weather.