| For every pet owner, dog training is very important | | | | Then, when your dog has provided some slack on his |
| because it helps achieve a better relationship with | | | | leash, you can start walking again. Make sure you say |
| their beloved dogs. True to the saying, “dogs are | | | | the command before you begin moving forward. |
| man’s best friend”, the right training can help | | | | Step 4 – Give the reward. Keep in mind that the |
| your dog carry out simple tasks like guarding your | | | | moment you and your dog step out of your house, |
| home, getting your newspaper or even on how to | | | | there is so much competition for you over your |
| behave when on a leash. Matter of fact, leash training | | | | dog’s attention. The only way to keep him close |
| a dog is one of the most important skills your dog | | | | to you is by making your time together fun and |
| should learn. | | | | rewarding. You can praise him, give him treats or you |
| On-leash dog training is necessary in order for your | | | | can just have that happy tone of voice with him. |
| pet to understand do’s and don’ts every | | | | Each time your dog turns and then looks at you, say, |
| time you’re walking together. Letting your dog | | | | “good boy”. Give him a treat for it. You can |
| walk on a loose leash can stop him from pulling you | | | | also use a clicker this time. Clicker training is another |
| during walks. It enables your dog to have enough | | | | dog training method wherein, every time your dog |
| room to sniff and to explore the neighborhood | | | | turns to you, you click and treat. This method |
| provided that he leaves some slack on his leash. This | | | | teaches your dog that it is rewarding when he pays |
| way, he can’t just keep pulling you wherever | | | | attention to you. Having that high, happy tone |
| direction he wants to go – he needs to follow | | | | whenever you speak to your dog is also a way to |
| your lead so that he can still have the freedom to | | | | keep his attention on you. |
| see other sights. | | | | As you start this training, you really need to use lots |
| Here is a step-by-step dog training guide for leash | | | | of treats just to get your dog’s full attention. |
| training a dog: | | | | Just keep your hand on your side and continuously |
| Step 1 – Get a 6-foot leash and collar ready. For | | | | give him treats as long as he keeps walking near you |
| dogs that are into the habit of pulling, a martingale | | | | with that slack on his leash. This can give him the |
| collar is way better than the regular flat buckle collar | | | | idea of what is expected of him. As you go along, |
| as they can easily slip out of it. Martingale collars look | | | | you can slow down and wait for long intervals before |
| similar to regular flat collars but they’ve an extra | | | | giving him the treats. |
| loop that tends to pull tightly whenever your dog | | | | Step 5 – Resolving problems. Of course, |
| pulls. This can keep your dog from slipping out. | | | | there’ll be times in your dog training exercise |
| Aside from the leash and collar, also have treats on | | | | when you’ll fail to get your dog’s attention. |
| hand. | | | | He may find the things around him more interesting |
| Step 2 – Giving the command. In this part, you | | | | than your happy talk or treats. In fact, even stopping |
| need to choose either a word or a phrase that can | | | | and starting may not be enough to get his attention |
| inform your dog what is expected of him. This can | | | | back from whatever is holding it. In this case, you |
| be as simple as “let’s go” or “with | | | | need to wait until your dog lets up a little on his leash |
| me”. Say these words before you begin walking | | | | before you give the command again. Then, turn and |
| with him by your side. | | | | walk to the opposite direction. |
| Step 3 – Stopping and going. Whenever your dog | | | | If your dog will try to step out in front of you, you |
| starts pulling at the end of his leash, just stop and | | | | need to cut him off and to keep walking. In time, |
| don’t budge. Don’t let your dog move | | | | your dog will understand that he needs to pay |
| forward whenever he’s pulling or lunging. This will | | | | attention to you. |
| help him understand that the only way he can go to | | | | Useful information, tips and advise about dog training |
| wherever he wants to go is by leaving some slack | | | | specifically leash training a dog at houseandhome.org. |
| on his leash. | | | | |