Training a puppy to accept a collar and leash is likely the most important thing you can work on when you start training. Puppy leash training can and should start soon after you get him settled in his new home.
By training your pup to become used to a collar and leash, you are establishing yourself as the one in charge. You’ll quickly find out that dogs thrive when they know what is expected of them.
As soon as you can get your puppy to stop fighting it and accept his collar and lead, you’ll be able to begin to focus in other areas. Here’s what to do to train him to accept collar and lead.
Buy a collar that fits your puppy right now. Then adjust it so that you are able to comfortably fit two of your fingers between his neck and his collar. Be sure that it is not any tighter because you’ll want your pet to feel comfortable.
At first when you put his collar on you should give him lots and lots of affection and attention to stop him from constantly being aware of that strange thing that’s around his neck. It will take time for him to get used to it. Once he becomes used to how the collar feels, you’ll be able to get right into a real training program for your puppy. Leash training is a whole lot easier to accomplish if you give him lots of time to simply getting used to wearing a collar before you attempt other training.
The next step would be to attach a short lightweight leash onto his collar. This leash shouldn’t be more than around three feet in length. Allow him to pull it around for very short periods of time, especially when you first start this. The idea is to get him used to how it feels to have something connected to his collar.
Keep a close eye on your pup when he is walking around with the lead connected. If he does get stuck when you’re not around, he might get agitated and frightened. You do want him to see what it feels like to be restricted for a short time, but you do not want him to get upset when it occurs. So quickly free the lead when it’s stuck.
Within several days or so, he’ll have probably become accustomed to the feel of the lead. At this point, attach one end to the collar and then the other end to your belt rather than letting him drag it freely. He should still be able to explore freely just like before and still get stuck. But, this time though, you won’t be going to free up his leash.
Instead help him get rid of his anxiety by crouching down and softly calling his name. Encourage him to get himself unstuck as well as to come to you by offering him some toy or treat. Reward him with his treat and give him lots of praise when he does come to you. It’s important to practice this every day for short periods. When he’s had a few successes each time, then remove the leash from the collar, but be sure to leave the collar on at all times.
You’ll know that your puppy leash training has been successful when he routinely comes when he is called after he reaches the end of the leash. With this success, you’ll find that the rest of your puppy’s training will go so much more smoothly.
After working with your new puppy teaching him to accept a collar and leash, he will be ready for a snooze. Why not provide him with a cozy heated dog bed for inside. Even in summer, he’ll find his bed a warm spot in an air conditioned home. For outside, help him keep cool with a coolaroo dog bed. Coolaroo dog beds sit off the ground allowing for air flow underneath.
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