Dog Training Myths

Training a puppy to accept a collar and leash is probably the single most important thing that you can work on when you start his training. Puppy leash training can begin almost as soon as you get him settled in his new home.

Training your dog to become accepting of a collar and leash is important because it will set you up to be in control. Once your dog accepts that you are in charge, training has a much better chance of success.

As soon as you can get your puppy to live with his collar and lead, you will be able to start focusing on other areas. Here’s how to train him to accept his collar and lead.

Buy a collar that will fit your puppy now. Adjust it so that you can comfortably fit two fingers between the puppy’s neck and the collar. Be sure it is no tighter as you want your pet to be comfortable.

When you initially begin to use the collar, it will feel strange to your puppy. Give him lots of reassurance and attention to take his mind off it. It will take time before he gets used to the feel of the collar. Once he becomes used to simply having the collar on, you can move forward in training your puppy. Leash training, without a doubt, is easier if you have given your new puppy lots of time just getting used to wearing the collar.

Next, attach a short but very light leash to the collar. Make sure the leash is not any more then about three feet. Let your puppy drag the leash around for short periods of time. You want him to get used to how it feels to have something attached to his collar.

Be sure to keep a close eye on him while he is dragging the lead around. He may become frightened and agitated if he gets stuck for any length of time. Your job is to ensure that this doesn’t happen. For right now, simply making him aware that the leash restricts him briefly is enough. Remember, you want this to be a positive experience for your puppy.

Within several days, he will become accustomed to the feel of the lead. When he gets to this point, attach one end to his collar and the other end to your belt instead of letting it drag freely. Let him explore freely like before and let him get stuck. This time though, you won’t go and free up his leash.

Try instead to help him rid of the stuck feeling by crouching down and softly calling his name. Entice him to come to you by offering a treat or toy. When he does, praise him lavishly. Continue to do this for short periods of time each day. Release him from the leash after a few successes, but always leave the collar on.

You will know that your puppy leash training has been a success when he routinely comes when called after reaching the end of the leash. With this success, the rest of his puppy training will go so much more smoothly.

Training can be stressful for both you and your dog. To ease the stress for your dog, a warm cozy bed is a must. A cozy cave dog bed is the ultimate in luxury for your hard working pet. To keep his bed fresh and clean washable dog beds are ideal.