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Collars and Leashes for Your Puppy
 Young
pups are often bewildered or
unsure of themselves and their
newly acquired leash and collar.
It usually takes only a few
hours for a pup to adjust to a
collar. Choose a collar that
fits comfortably but securely.
Choke collars are a training aid
and should never be used as a
substitute for a regular buckle
type collar. The collar should
have an identification tag and
license attached.
Simply put the collar on the dog
and let him jump, squirm, roll
and paw at it if he wishes.
Don't encourage the behavior by
laughing or trying to soothe
him. Do not reprimand him
either. It's best to just ignore
him and let him get used to it
or provide some distraction to
get his mind off the collar.
Play, training and eating work
well to get the pup's mind off
the collar. Once the dog accepts
it, he won't even know it's
there. It's similar to a person
getting used to wearing a ring
or watch for the first time.
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Once
your pup accepts the
collar, put his
leash on and then
just sit and watch.
Obviously, do this
indoors or in a
secure confined
area. Let puppy drag
the leash around on
his own but keep a
close eye on him so
that he doesn't
tangle or get hurt.
Leave it on for just
a few minutes at
first. Later, repeat
the exercise for
longer periods of
time. Put your pup
on leash during
mealtimes, so he
associates the leash
with a pleasant
event. If he is very
fearful of the
leash, you may want
to put it next to
the food bowl for a
while before
attaching it to his
collar. Eventually
he will see that no
harm is coming and
there indeed is
nothing to be afraid
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| When you are sure he is
completely comfortable walking
around with the leash on, pick
up the other end for a few
minutes. Do not try walking him
yet. Just hold onto the other
end and let him lead you around.
Try not to get into a position
that will make him pull or
strain on the leash or he will
probably become afraid of it
again. If he sits down, that is
okay. You just sit down too. Try
backing up and enticing him to
come towards you. If he
hesitates, don't pull or drag
him by the leash. Try luring him
over to you with a food treat or
toy. When he starts to walk,
praise him profusely so he knows
how happy you are. Give him lots
of time to get used to his leash
and always try to make it a
pleasant experience.
Give your pup lots of
practice getting used to walking
on leash in his own home, since
it is a familiar environment
with minimal distractions. When
he is comfortable indoors, try
going outdoors. Again, begin in
an area with few distraction
such as your front or back yard.
When the two of you have
mastered this, you are ready for
places where there are more
distractions. This exercise
won't be difficult, since you've
both had lots of practice
beforehand at getting it right.
If your pup is biting and
chewing the leash, try applying
bitter apple, Tabasco or some
other unpleasant tasting (but
nontoxic) substance to the
leash. Reapply before every
outing.
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Remember
to always walk your dog
on-leash. A dog off-leash is
always in danger; accidents
happen very quickly. Your dog's
safety as well as compliance
with your local leash law, is
your responsibility. |
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