Training Your Dog to Walk on a Leash Correctly
It’s probably your puppy’s favorite part of the day. All dogs love going outside for a walk. There is something magical for them about the sights and the smells of the outdoors. However, often that excitement can get out of control and can actually end up sabotaging the whole experience of the walk. Is there anything that you can do to stop that?
Chances are that you will start to see problems as soon as your puppy sees the leash. That is usually the indicator to them that they are headed out for a walk, and sometimes they get so excited that they cannot help themselves from jumping and tugging on the leash. Although this enthusiasm may be cute if you let it continue it will continue through your entire walk. It is somewhat similar to what happens when you and your puppy play whit their dog toys. Once they get started playing they do not know when to stop.
What you need to do to fix this is to begin training your puppy on how to get ready for their walk. First thing that you need to do is get your dog to calm down. Have them sit and stay while you are getting and putting on their leash. If they cannot follow that command you must delay your walk until they can. This is key to teaching your puppy to get ready for a walk properly.
Once your dogs leash is on you will have to take care that they do not rocket off of the carpet out of control with excitement toward the door. This type of behavior is still an indicator that your dog is not in a calm submissive state. Instead, stand while holding the leash and let your dog work out some of that nervous energy. They may run around, grab dog toys, or bounce around on the end of the leash. You should simply remain still and calm. Although it may take a few minutes, within a little time your dog will begin to calm down. Once that happens be sure to give your puppy some positive reinforcement.
Wait one more minute and then begin moving with your dog, but do not go outside yet. Instead move your way through your home so that you can practice proper walking behavior. If your dog is tugging on the leash simply stop moving for a minute. This will train your dog that they cannot behave that way on the leash. When you feel like your dog is ready and walking properly then it is time to head outside.
Once you are outside you need to maintain the same type of behavior. If your dog starts to display bad behavior or gets out of control you must stop the walk immediately. Another option is that if your dog is getting out of control you can have them sit and stay for about 5 seconds anytime their behavior veers off course. You may not be able to go on a very long walk when you are first training, but that is okay because you are setting up behavior that will last for a lifetime.
Author Bio: Article by Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies, your top spot to buy dog sweaters & sweatshirts online.
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