Leash Training
I use a little different method for training puppies or adults to walk on the lead.
Put on the collar and a short lead and let them drag it around in the house. This teaches the puppy or dog resistance because they will step on it or get caught on something. Do not leave your dog unsupervised. I call the puppy and get him to follow me using lots of praise. I may do this for a week. They do not have to be right at your side just coming with you. Then we go outside on the lead to use the potty. I use a flexi lead. When we go out to the potty I let them use all the lead they want and I follow them. When we are finished with business I use this time to leash train. I turn around and call them to me. By using this lead it can be loose with very little resistance. I walk a couple of steps and call them. When they respond by following me I use a lot of praise. I may do this several times. Within a week or less you can have your pet trained enough to go to the next step. After this I use a shorter six foot lead. Be sure your collar is properly fitted at the back of your pets ears making sure you can get a couple of fingers under the collar. Another thing! I never do this without being in a fenced area that is secure. Walk with your pet talking to him. I find that they give very little resistance and will follow you. It does not matter what side of you they are on. If they start pulling on the lead at this time I just stop each time and when they stop I start again and soon they are learning to stay with you and not surge ahead. I never yell or scream at them. I may look up in the air as if something is going on they are not aware of not saying a word. You will be surprised how they can start looking also when they find that there isn’t a response to what they are doing. When you have gotten to this point it is time to start in training classes. Please remember that as with all training it takes time, effort and consistency.
Lead training your puppy is a matter of just knowing how and then doing it. If you are frustrated or angry don’t take it our on the puppy. Always make sure that your puppy has been to the potty and had some exercise when you start training. It helps them pay attention better. Also young puppies can learn this but they don’t have a long attention span so don’t work over fifteen minutes at a time.
Good luck! If you have any questions you are welcome to email and we can work thru this together.
Information courtesy of B Skys Kennel.