general protocol for tethering (umbilical cord method)

[ladycricket]

Well Jake has been tethered to me all morning and I have some questions about it.
-How long should he be tethered, I was think a week or so?
-Should he be allowed any off leash? Such as for sleeping on my floor or going potty (him or me)?
-He will be crated during bedtime routine, meals (ours), and when both AJ and I are away. Is there any reason for him to be crated when not tethered?
-Am I just supposed to stand there when he eats? I know it only takes a couple minutes but it feels awkward and although he has no food agression I don't want to cause any by hovering over him either.

Honestly he seems to be enjoying it, he right by my side and happy as can be, I'll let you know if that changes in the next couple days and I am sure I will come up with more questions.

[moondog]

He doesn't need to be tethered for potty breaks (yours or his), eating, or during structured and supervised playtime. Use a long enough leash that he can lay down comfortably by your side with you standing. The thing I like about the umbilical method over crating is that he has the ability to interact and BE a part of your family while he's learning the ropes. By all means crate him when you are sleeping, showering, out of the home or doing something that makes tethering him to you really impractical.

You'll have to play it by ear on how long he needs. You may find that a full week of dedicated tethering followed by tethering on an as needed basis will work just fine, but that will be determined as you go along.

[rottiluver]

Sorry, I'm kind of new & never heard of tethering a dog, what is it & what exactly are the outcomes?

[jbach]

-How long should he be tethered, I was think a week or so?

Until you decide you have achieved your objective. May take a week, or it could take months

-Should he be allowed any off leash? Such as for sleeping on my floor or going potty (him or me)?

If he's sleeping, he can sleep in his crate. If he's going to the bathroom, leave him on the leash. If it's you, either take him with you or put him in the crate.

-He will be crated during bedtime routine, meals (ours), and when both AJ and I are away. Is there any reason for him to be crated when not tethered?

Any time it's not convenient for you to be tethered, put him in the crate.

-Am I just supposed to stand there when he eats? I know it only takes a couple minutes but it feels awkward and although he has no food agression I don't want to cause any by hovering over him either.

I would just drop his leash on the floor and let him eat. When he's done, re-tether. Hope this helps....

[diddybopper04]

Originally Posted by rottiluver

Sorry, I'm kind of new & never heard of tethering a dog, what is it & what exactly are the outcomes?

Tethering can help dogs for whom regular supervision seems not to be working regarding housetraining, etc.. It's an alternative to periods of crating for some dogs.

You take a 6 ft or so leash, loop it through your belt or belt loop, and attach it to your dog. You then just go about your regular household business with the dog attached to you.

This way the dog is happy, since he is with you, and YOU are happy, since the DOG is with you, and not off doing some sort of mischief in your house.

I'm sure there is plenty of info in the archives here about tethering.