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Leash Training Dogs
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Being walked by your
dog instead of the other way around? Leash training your dog will
solve the problem. Leash training not only ensures your walks
comfortably on their leash, it keeps them safe from traffic, people,
and other dogs.
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Many people try leash training on their own only
to end up frustrated, yelling and screaming at their dog and
pulling on the leash. Choke collars aren’t the answer. Negative
reinforcement and punishment techniques may work in the short
run, however the training doesn’t last and often breeds other
bad behaviors.
The absence of a choke collar and punishment techniques leave
many dog owners scratching their head. How do you leash train a
dog without those tools?
The answer is actually quite simple - positive reinforcement and
clicker training. Let’s take a look at both of these concepts
independently and then we’ll put them together. |
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Positive Reinforcement Training
Positive reinforcement training techniques have been used by experts
around the world for every type of animal training from dolphins to
dogs and every animal in between. Positive reinforcement works by
simply rewarding the good or desirable behavior. It works much more
effectively than negative reinforcement training techniques because
it helps build a bond of trust. Your dog will actually begin to look
forward to training. Certainly not the case if training involves
yelling, a choke collar and frustration.
Think about it for a moment, would you rather learn a new task at
work with someone hovering over your shoulder yelling at you and
hitting you when you don’t get it right or someone giving you a
reward, a cash reward, every time you do something correct? The
answer is obvious, you’d prefer the cash and the positive
reinforcement. It’s difficult to get something right, to understand
what is expected of you if you’re being yelled at.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is used as a positive reinforcement tool. Other
tools your use when leash training your dog include a leash, a
collar or harness, and tasty food treats. You’ll also use a verbal
cue like “heel” to signal to your dog what you expect of them.
A clicker is simply a small tool you hold in your hand which when
pressed makes a clicking sound. This clicking sound is the signal to
your dog that it is performing the correct behavior. The trick is to
click when they’re performing the behavior, not after they’ve
performed it. This will help them learn what is expected much more
quickly.
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Leash training steps
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Like any obedience training,
leash training is broken down into easily manageable and learned
steps. For example, you may begin at home with your dog inside. If
your dog is fearful or uncomfortable with the leash, collar, or
harness then you’ll spend some time training them to be comfortable
with these items. Using a clicker and treats you’ll simply introduce
the item to them by placing it nearby. Once they sniff or paw the
item you’ll click and reward.
The next step may be to get them to wear the collar, harness or
leash around the house. You’ll want them to sit and stay to make it
easier for you to place the harness or collar on them which means
they’ll need to be comfortable wearing it. Gradually increase the
time they can wear it until they’re ready to wear it outside. Before
you go outside practice keeping them at your side, heeling.
Outside will be a completely different ballgame because there are so
many distractions so don’t expect miracles. Walk slowly, do not
drag, your dog in your desired direction. If they remain by your
side you will click and reward. If they pull you stop walking and
stand still until they calm and stand again by your side. Click and
reward when they do this and begin walking again. If they remain by
your side click and reward – yes you will need a pouch full of
treats!
In the beginning it is important to keep training sessions short.
Puppies in particular have very short attention spans and may
quickly forget why they’re on the leash and what they’re supposed to
be doing. If you push training for too long, longer than five
minutes in the beginning, then your dog can begin to dislike
training.
Scheduling training sessions will also help your dog learn more
quickly because they’ll expect the training. Before mealtime is
often a great time to train because they’re hungry and a bit more
motivated to get the behavior right.
It is very helpful to train sit and stay before leash training your
dog. When your dog starts to pull on the leash, and they will, stop
walking and ask your dog to sit. When they sit click and reward.
Hold them there for a few seconds before you start walking again.
This ability to sit and stay will speed up the leash training
process. Without these skills you may find yourself standing on the
sidewalk for five, ten, even twenty minutes while you wait for your
dog to calm down and stand again at your side.
Leash training your dog requires patience on your part however the
efforts will pay off in the long run. You’ll have a dog who loves
and trusts you and who behaves like royalty on the leash. With
positive reinforcement, a clicker, and a pocket full of treats
you’ll be the envy of every dog owner on the block. |
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