Dog Leash Training

Welcome to Leash Training

Here you will find everything about: leash training dog methodology, leash training, dog training leash, dog training behavior leash Longinus, leash training puppy, dog training leash collar, leash training your dog, leash training a puppy, dog leash training, leash training and puppies, leash training dog, leash training dogs, and much more.

Dog training  - Leash and Collar training

There are many different styles of dog training, and finding the one that works best for you is important for creating a dog that is a talented, loyal and faithful member of the family.  All successful methods of dog training work to reinforce the relationship between dog and handler, and the foundation of any successful training program is getting the respect of the dog.  Fortunately, dogs are wired by nature to seek out leaders, and to follow the direction of those leaders.

This article focuses on one of the most popular methods of dog training – the so called leash/collar style of training.  Other articles will focus on the other popular style of training dogs, often called reward training or positive reinforcement.

Both leash/collar training and reward training have been around for a very long time, and they have proven their effectiveness over time.  The type of training that works best will vary from dog to dog, and from breed to breed.  It is important to remember that each breed of dog has its own unique qualities, reinforced by hundreds of years of selective breeding.

Of course personalities of individual dogs vary quite a bit, even within established breeds.  You, as the owner of the dog, know better than anyone which style of dog training will work best, so it is important to work with the trainer you choose to achieve your goal of a willing, obedient and friendly dog.

Leash and collar training is the best way to accomplish many types of dog training, particularly in situations where the dog must have a high level of reliability.  For instance, dogs that have an important job to do, such as rescue dogs, police dogs and guard dogs, generally benefit from leash and collar training.

In leash and collar training, varying degrees of force can be used, ranging from slight prompts with the lead to very harsh corrections.  The amount of correction used should be appropriate to the situation, since using too much correction, or too little, will be ineffective.

In a collar and leash based dog training program, first the dog is taught a particular behavior, generally with the leash.  After the dog has demonstrated that it understands the command, the leash is then used to correct the dog if it disobeys, or when it makes a mistake.  The leash is the main form of controlling and communicating with the dog in leash and collar training.

When using leash and collar training, the dog must be trained to trust the handler and accept his or her directions without question.  In order for the dog to be fully trained, the handler must demonstrate the ability to place the dog into a posture or position he or she does not want to take.  This does not mean using force, but it does generally require some level of physical manipulation.  This manipulation is most easily and safely done using the main tool of leash and collar training – the leash.

It is important for every would be dog trainer to understand that the leash is simply a tool.  While the leash is an important tool in this form of training, it is important for the dog trainer to be able to eventually achieve the same results using whatever tools are at hand.

Even when the only tools at hand are the owner’s body and skill, the dog should be willing to obey.  Creating a leader/follower relationship between handler and dog is still very important, and it is important to use the leash as a tool and not a crutch.  A properly trained dog should be willing to obey whether the leash is present or not.

For instant access to many more dog training tips, visit here:

 How Much Force Should You Use With Leash Training?

The force that is used for leash training can vary widely, what is good for one dog and owner will be poor for another.

More importantly, it will depend on the temperament of the dog.  However, you should always make sure that even when you are using a hard amount of force you are not yelling at the dog and hurting him. This will only lead the dog to become fearful and may not listen to anything you teach him.

This is also true when you are hiring someone to train your dog. Keep an eye out for any signs of temper in the trainer. The dog must know that he is loved and cared for if training is to be effective.

The early stages of training will center on the dog learning how to behave while he is on the leash. When the dog is perceived to be defiant that is when the use of the leash is employed -we call this action the ‘Correction”. This Correction, will associate the bad behavior with the leash – done incorrectly and the dog will associate you with the bad behavior.

The leash will serve to teach the dog to listen to what he is being commanded to do.   It can be used whenever the dog makes a mistake.

The first thing that must be established is a sense of trust between the dog and the dog trainer. You will know that trust has been established when the trainer is able to put the dog into a position that the dog would rather not be in.

This will mean that the dog trusts the handler completely. The leash can help to establish this trust.

The dog will know that he will not be hurt, but he will also know when his handler is not happy with him.

Adjusting to the Collar

If you are putting a collar on a puppy for the first time they will probaly be resistant to it for the first few hours that it's on, but don't take it off of him it will take time to adjust and before you know it will feel natural to them when wearing it. You want the collar to fit securely but not so tight that it's uncomfortable or hard for your dog to breathe. When your puppy is getting used to the collar it is a good idea to try and distract him from thinking about the collar by playing with him or giving him a treat. If you have a puppy that's still growing you need to check your puppy’s collar about every week and increase the size as he grows.

Adjusting to the Leash

After your puppy or dog becomes adjusted to their collar attach the leash to his collar. Supervise your puppy as he runs around with the leash dragging behind him. Take it off after a few minutes and repeat the same process at a later time except for each successive time leave it on a little longer. Something that might help your puppy associate the leash with pleasent events is by putting the leash on right before he eats or placing the leash next to the food bowl before attaching it to him.