Dog Training Leash Skills

Using a dog training leash would seem like it should be a simple matter. You just put on the leash and take the dog for a walk, right? That is what most people think who have never owned a dog. The reality is that walking a dog on a leash requires a little discipline for both the dog and the owner.
But it is well worth doing. Even if you have a big yard where your dog will be able to get as much exercise as she wants, you will sometimes want to be able to walk her on the street. Vacations, visits to the vet’s office and other excursions all mean taking the dog into situations where a leash is very useful.

Dogs and puppies who have never worn a collar before need a little time to become accustomed to that before you start thinking of attaching a leash to the collar. It is important to get something that is the right size, with some flexibility so that it will still fit the dog as she grows.
At first you may need to watch the dog while she is wearing the collar. If it is uncomfortable she will try to get it off. This can be dangerous if she catches it on something and her neck is stuck.
When you first attach the dog training leash to the collar, you can let the puppy play with the leash. You don’t have to use it for walking right away. Put it onto the collar inside the house and just leave it loose. This gives the puppy a chance to enjoy playing and wearing the leash. Again you will need to watch the puppy to check that the leash does not get caught up in anything.
Always talk with your puppy a lot while you are introducing new dog training leash or other skills. Start by walking her around the house on the leash, or taking her into the yard.
As soon as you take her anywhere with interesting sights and smells, she will start pulling on the leash. You need to achieve a balance between letting the dog enjoy her walk and investigate some interesting objects, and keeping control yourself. Do not use the leash to pull your dog around, but do not let your dog use the leash to pull you around either!
So how do you keep control of the walk? The answer is to use your voice along with gentle movements or flicks of the leash to recall the dog to you. Say her name a lot when you want her to move in a certain direction.
Taking the same walk every day is often the best way to go. You do not have to do this forever, but just while the dog is becoming accustomed to the leash. When she knows what to expect, she is more likely to trot along happily at your side for most of the walk. Of course, teaching your dog to come when called will help in keeping her close to you when she is on a dog training leash.