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Puppy Dog Training Collars and Leash

Dog training collar and Leash for Dogs and Puppy Dogs

Leash & collar training teaches a dog to walk on a leash without pulling or jerking. There are a variety of methods to perform this obedience training: 1. the owner turns and walks the other way when the dog moves in front of the handler and 2. firmly grasping the leash at the collar and directing the dog into position alongside the handler.

It should be noted that owners and dog handlers need to be careful with the use of leash and collar training. Hard pulling even on a plain collar can damage a dog's neck. Consequently, many trainers advocate using a plain collar and leash for leash training rather than specialized training collars. Specialized training collars such as slip collars and prong collars can injure a dog's neck.

Here's how to train you dog using a collar and leash:

• Start indoors - attach a light-weight leash to your puppy's collar and let the puppy drag it around, so it can become familiar with it.
• Don't leave your puppy alone while the collar and leash is attached
• Do this several times over a few days and pretty soon your pup won't even notice the leash.

Walking on a collar and leash:

The key to training your puppy/dog to walk is to keep them beside you, controlled, not dragging you and you not dragging them.

You will need the right equipment - a leash about 3-5 feet long and a collar that won't slip off (choke-chain).

1. Hold the leash and a food reward in your right hand. Your left hand should hold the slack line of the leash
2. Start with your dog sitting on your left side.
3. Begin to walk starting with your left foot. - Starting off with your left foot all of the time will signal your dog that you are about to walk.
4. When your puppy/dog lungs forward slide your left hand down the leash and give a quick, sharp tug while commanding "heel".
5. When your puppy/dog is in the 'heel' position reward with a treat.
6. Command your dog to "sit" and repeat steps 3-5 increasing the distance covered while your puppy/dog obeys your commands.

Tips:

• Start training at home where there are fewer distractions.
• When giving the command "heel", say it only once. This is so your puppy/dog doesn't learn to associate the command with repetition of the command.
• Only reward your dog with treat or praise when they are in the 'heel' position, not before.
• Gradually reduce the food rewards - the praise will be reward enough.
• This is a more difficult command to teach - so persistence and consistency are necessary for success. Puppies/dogs may take several weeks to learn.
• Practice this several times each day, keeping lessons short (about 15 minutes).
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Troubleshooting:

If your dog tries to jump up at you while walking:

1. Move away and sternly say "no!"
2. Command your puppy/dog to "sit"
3. Start the steps 3-5 again.

Pulling forwards on leash:

1. Each time they pull forwards, slide left hand down leash and give a quick sharp tug.
2. When your puppy/dog is in the correct heel position command it to "sit".
3. Start walking again, give the command "heel".
4. Repeat this every time puppy/dog pulls on the lead.

 

Related: puppy training tips, puppy training, puppy potty training, puppy crate training