Behavior Tips : Leash Breaking Your Dog

One critical lesson every dog should learn is to correctly walk on a leash. This is critical for keeping a dog safe from running away, entering the road, or being vulnerable to other dogs or humans.

Many cities and counties have leash laws that come with hefty fines if your dog is found off his leash. For this reason, ensure your dog is properly taught to walk on a leash so that you and your pup are responsible, law abiding citizens. Remember, walking on a leash is not punishment for your dog and in most cases will keep your dog safe from any potential harm or danger.

The first way to teach your dog to walk on a leash is to introduce the leash to him. Your dog should first be able to wear a collar before being introduced to a leash, so take this opportunity to purchase a proper collar if you do not currently own one that fits your dog now.

Depending on your dog's size, you may want to choose training collar, also known as a choke collar, for walking your dog. This collar will not allow your dog to wriggle his head out like adjustable collars or buckle collars, thus providing more protection. Furthermore, your dog will be better able to sense your commands since the collar provides an immediate tug that your dog can feel and respond.

Once your dog is accustomed to wearing his collar, allow him to become used to wearing a leash. When choosing a leash, avoid retractable leashes. These leashes can lead to potential problems, especially for dogs that are large in size or particularly strong. The retractable leash can become unlocked, thus allowing your dog to quickly run out of your control. If you decide to use a retractable leash later on to walk your dog, at least have a training leash for the leash breaking purpose.

Also, choose a leash that is easy on your hands. Avoid purchasing chain leashes that can injure you or your dog and especially cause great pains to your hand. Furthermore, nylon leashes can create friction burns on your hands, so choose leashes made of leather or have level handles. Once you have purchased your leash, allow your dog to walk around your home with the leash attached to his collar. After he is used to the sensation of wearing the collar, advance your training process.

Begin the leash breaking process by walking him around your home while the dog is on the leash. Experiment with changing direction and stopping and starting while in the comforting atmosphere of your home. Once your dog is able to walk successfully on a leash, take him outside and walk around familiar areas.

Again, practice changing direction as well as starting and stopping while on your leash breaking practice. Break your training into small chunks so as not to bore your dog of the process. Again, practice repetition and be sure to lavishly praise your dog with both verbal praise and treats. Make walking on a leash an exciting and fun experience for your dog and he will respond in a positive manner.

Be sure not to drag, hit, push, or pull your dog if he is not responding to the leash breaking process. This behavior is unacceptable and can cause your dog to completely shut down and refuse to talk another step on the leash. Use treats and kind words to coax a dog into walking along while on a leash. Each day, walk your dog a further distance in order to advance the leash breaking process.