When to start leash training?

[Dimitri]

after spending the weekend with my new pooch, when should i start leach training? (he's almost 9 weeks old)

[alexav]

Start now, but probably not the way you think...

Many pups with novice owners get introduced to the leash by means of gagging and dragging. NOT the way to go.

First, let him get used to his collar. Make sure it is a proper fit and check it for size OFTEN. The amount these guys can grow in a week, sheesh!
He will scratch until you think you might lose your mind. Just when you think he will never get used to it...he will! LOL

You can teach him alot about leashes before you ever put one on.
I like to teach my pups that the leash means COMMUNICATION, not just restraint!

Arm yourself with some yummies, something REALLLLY good. Teach him to follow the yummy with his nose and he will get it.
Then, VERRY gently, one finger in his collar, encourage him forward to get the treat. This teaches him that collar pressure means something good, not bad. Repeat this a few times each session.

When the time is right and your pup moves on his own with the gentlest of pressure, you can start using a very light leash. I like the slippery nylon ones made for little dogs. 6 feet is good.
Start close to him and do the gentle pressure for treat exercise. Work your way down the leash slowly, always giving him a reward for moving forward.

If you are patient and a good teacher, your pup will be trotting to you with the tiniest amount of leash pressure and you have opened the line of communication that you will use for a lifetime.

Happy training!
Christy

[gnwhite]

right now is the best time, leash training while he is still a puppy, gets a great start on walking on the leash.

1. let him drag it around the house for about a couple of hours. then as he gets use to it, go over and pick it up. say his/her name and say "lets go". remmeber to encourage your puppy as you start walking. do this several times thru out the day. some puppies catch on quicker than others. just be patience, keep repeating the walking around the house,

if he whines or starts pullling and making a fuss, then you can try method 2

2. coax him with treats to keep his mind off the leash at first. just get a treat put it in front of his/her nose, pick up the leash, and say lets go. just start walking, keep the treat in his eye site. he should follow you by then, with no problems. after he has followed you to one room from another, have him sit and give him the treat and praise.

by the end of one week he should be walking on his leash ok! as soon as he follows you without making a fuss you do not have to treat him. only use the treat method just to get him started. also don't keep stopping for him, just walk slow and keep on walking. this reinforces that you are the leader and he is the follower.

there is also great tips on this forum, or you can purchase a book on puppy training. either way you can't go wrong.

never drag your puppy. always encourage your puppy with lots of praise, he learns the leash is a good and fun thing.

keep in mind that leash training is a great way, to train your puppy. he should not have freedom to roam, he can get into to much trouble. which makes it harder for you to catch him in the act of mischief. i believe that leash training is very effective.

if you are busy, then station him, by putting the handle of the leash down the back of your pants. keeps the leash from sitting on the floor for your puppy to chew on. give him a toy or chew bone while he is stationed. then when you are ready to leave the room, get a treat, better than the one he has and let him see it and say his name and say let's go. ALWAYS make the "lets go sound very exciting, that way he is more willing to comply. lots of luck, hope these tips help some.


norma