Dog Leash Training

Training your dog to walk on a leash is a great way to spend some quality time with your dog. Many people choose to take their dogs to obedience training instead of trying dog leash training, but the leash is still a good option for training your pet. The leash training method can be a good option for dogs that might have a difficult time with dog obedience training.

The force that is used for leash training can vary widely. It will depend on the temperament of the dog. However, you should always make sure that even when you are using a hard amount of force you are not yelling at the dog and hurting him. This will only lead the dog to become fearful and may not listen to anything you teach him.

This is also true when you are hiring someone to train your dog. Keep an eye out for any signs of temper in the trainer. The dog must know that he is loved and cared for if training is to be effective.

The early stages of training will center on the dog learning how to behave while he is on the leash. When the dog is perceived to be defiant that is when the use of the leash is employed. This will associate the bad behavior with the leash. The leash will serve to teach the dog to listen to what he is being commanded to do. It can be used whenever the dog makes a mistake.

The first thing that must be established is a sense of trust between the dog and the dog trainer. You will know that trust has been established when the trainer is able to put the dog into a position that the dog would rather not be in. This will mean that the dog trusts the handler completely. The leash can help to establish this trust.

The dog will know that he will not be hurt, but he will also know when his handler is not happy with him.

You should not mistake the leash for a tool to train the dog that does not require any effort on your part. It must be used to help your pet learn the skills that he needs. The leash provides the position of leader and follower in your pack. You should make sure that you understand what you are doing completely before you undertake leash training.

Don’t experiment on different techniques with your dog. You might end up with an outcome that you would rather not have. If you don’t know how to leash train your dog, you should hire someone who is experienced with this kind of training.

I was walking outside to open the front gate in front of my complex and saw two guys training a beautiful large German Shepherd dog, in front of my neighbor’s house.

They were both professional dog trainers that my neighbor had apparently hired to come by and train his dog when he’s at work.

I introduced myself and proceeded to watch.

See, the funny thing about many dog trainers is that they have an ego, and their ego often prevents them from accepting help from people who haven’t already demonstrated superior skill. Perhaps not a bad policy.

But whatever.

Anyway… the first fellow was standing and talking with me, and out of the corner of my eye I was watching the second fellow work with the dog.

They’d taught the dog to hold a “down-stay.” But the problem was, they hadn’t successfully taught the dog what “come” means, and that it’s okay to get up from the “down-stay” when the handler calls you to come.

The problem was, the second fellow was calling the dog to come, and while he was doing it, he was inadvertently bending forward and clapping his hands. And then he’d move a little closer to the dog—all the while bending forward.

The dog didn’t move.

“Come, Enzo. Come, Enzo. Come on, come on…”

The dog still didn’t move.

So, I asked the first fellow if it would be alright if I gave his assistant a tip that I knew would help to communicate with the dog that it was alright to get up and come to the handler.

I told him—the same thing I’d written about in my book (which you can read about at: http://www.dogproblems.com/newvideos.htm ) — that when the dog doesn’t understand this command, you need to be using your body language to LEAN BACK… and even walk backwards, away from the dog. This body language will more easily communicate to the dog what you want him to do. (Setting him up for success).

But the trainer was stubborn and wanted to do it his way.

“Pshah… I know what I’m doing. I’m a professional,” he said as he waved his hand in my face.

I stood there and grinned, knowing exactly what would continue to happen.

“Come, Enzo. Come, Enzo. Come on, come on…” he continued.

The dog still didn’t move.

Finally, in frustration… he looked in my direction, then back at the dog—and did exactly as I told him to do—leaned backwards, started walking backwards away from the dog—and called his name.

Enzo immediately understood and happily galloped over to the handler.

So, the next time somebody tries to tell you that there aren’t any “Secrets” … just watch what they’re doing and if they’re stubborn— just grin and DON’T TELL THEM ABOUT MY BOOK, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!”

Because even many so-called “professional dog trainers” don’t know everything.

Adam G. Katz is the author of the book, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider’s Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History.” Get a free copy of his report “Games To Play With Your Dog” when you sign up for his free weekly dog training tips e-zine at: http://www.dogproblems.com

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A couple of years ago a very upset woman came into my office. Just by the look of her it appeared that someone had attacked her. She proceeded to sit down in my office and cry. I got her some water and waited to hear her story. When she got a hold of herself she explained that the black eyes and broken nose were from her dog.

She went on to explain that her dog was out of control. She had been trying some dog leash training a few days prior. When she opened the door with the leash in her hand, the dog spotted a cat in the yard. Well, he took off and jerked her right into the doorjamb. This is how she ended up with a broken nose and black eyes.

She explained that she truly loved the dog, but didn’t know how she could continue to keep him if she couldn’t even take him for a walk. She had tried a couple of different dog collar techniques but nothing seemed to be working.

I explained to her that we would teach her some dog leash training secrets. Also, I showed her a collar called the Gentle Leader collar. Choke collars are not as effective for most dogs.

The collars that have prongs or pinch can work for a certain amount of time but eventually the dog will build up a tolerance.

The Gentle Leader is effective because it will control your dog’s head. The dog’s body will follow where the head is led. The collars that fit around the dog’s neck are not effective because you do not have the same amount of control that you will with the Gentle Leader.

The Gentle Leader will fit around the nose of the dog. It will attach the leash under the chin of the dog. If the dog tries to pull it will turn his head, which will not allow him to put his weight behind the pull. There are some disadvantages to this type of collar.

The first problem that you will run into is that your dog is not going to like it at all. You will have to spend a good deal of time getting the dog used to the Gentle Leader. It will also appear that your dog is wearing a muzzle. This might give the impression that your dog is aggressive.

But once the dog is used to the Gentle Leader, you will find that the walks are much easier and enjoyable. The woman who got the black eyes from her dog is now using the Gentle Leader with a great deal of success. She kept the dog and is now taking him for walks with no trouble.

There are a lot of different styles of dog collars for your dog. There are choke collars, prong collars, the Gentle Leader and harnesses. This is just a few of the different kinds of collars that you can get for your dog. Try a different collar if you find yourself having a difficult time with walks.

Before I knew how to train dogs properly my dog always used to pull on the leash. It’s embarrassing to walk down the road being dragged along, but even worse it can be dangerous for your dog as they begin to choke, and even dangerous for yourself.

Before you even start dog leash training you should buy a harness to attach the leash to rather than a collar. This means that while your training your dog will never be choked by the leash as all the pressure will be spread around the front of the body.

Ideally you never want the leash to be taught, as this means the dog is on the verge of pulling. The best way to get a dog to obey you is through treats. So find something he or she really loves and keep it in your hand at all times. When your dog begins to walk by your side, give them the treat. It shouldn’t be long before the dog begins to walk by your side. It is a good idea to try and train the dog to respond to the heel command at this stage too.

You are asking for trouble if you take out a dog that hasn’t had a walk for a long time, as it will be so eager to get going it becomes almost impossible to train. Once you have an obedient dog this shouldn’t be a problem, but when you ‘re training make sure you give regular walks to keep its energy levels down. This will make your life easier, and is great for the general health of the dog.

For a more in depth guide to dog obedience training, and to receive a free five part guide to god body language, please visit dog training ebook

Richard Cross is owner and webmaster of Dogsandyou.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Cross_Terris

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