Dog Training Collar – Not a Good Idea? New Ideas in the World of LeashTraining
Leash training your dog can be a “walk in the park” if you know the right things to do. On the other hand, it can be a grueling ordeal if your dog continually fights the leash and misbehaves. Walking your dog can be a great way to establish and maintain a positive relationship with your dog if you follow some simple steps.
We’ve all seen dogs dragging their owners down the street at the end of the leash, desperate to get to their favorite bush, fire hydrant or park bench so they can read the p-mails left by other dogs – and, of course, leave one of their own! And if you’re the owner of a dog that has a mind of his own when walking, you’re no doubt frazzled and frustrated, and you possibly dread this daily event.
Don’t “push and pull.” Refuse to walk with your dog if he insists on pulling you down the walkway. Plant your feet firmly in the ground, lean back to get leverage, and refuse to budge until your dog gives the leash some slack and comes closer to you.
Make walking by your side a positive experience. Screaming “heel” or “pull” at your dog does not work and is certainly not fun. Instead, some experts recommend randomly rewarding your dog with a tasty treat when he’s by your side as you reinforce his behavior with the word “close.” Don’t use the word “good dog” because your dog has no idea what he did that was good so how can he repeat it?
Once your dog begins to walk consistently at your side you can begin dishing out a series of 5-7 random treats along the way. You could also bring his favorite toy and reward him when you get to the park by allowing him to play with it.
Most experts agree that choke collars and collars with prongs do not belong in dog training. These devices can cause your dog pain. Using painful tactics only teaches a dog to be fearful of you rather than strengthening your relationship. Instead, use a normal flat collar and exercise control through verbal reinforcement and treats.
Keep the same length of leash at all times. To keep your dog from pulling on his leash, you must teach him that he only has a certain length available and that you’re in control of it. It’s also a mistake to use a retractable leash while you’re training him and you should save it for use once he has learned how to walk correctly by your side and not you pull you down the street.
When you hold the leash with only your hand, it’s easy for your dog to pull away by forcing you to extend your arm. To avoid this, keep both hands free, which will assist you in planting your body when he’s pulling. Slipping the end of a sturdy belt through the loop end of the leash, and fastening it around your waist will assist you in holding your dog near your side.
Remember to hold your ground when your dog pulls on the leash. Stopping, planting your feet and lowering your center of gravity will help you to hold your ground. Your dog must learn that the walk will only continue if he is not pulling on his leash and on you. Resume walking only after your dog stops pulling on the leash. As soon as he backs up – even a little bit- creating some slack on the leash, resume the walk with the phrase “let’s walk.” Continuing to hold your ground each time he pulls and continuing to walk only after he has backed up and allowed slack on the leash will eventually result in correct walking. As your dog walks correctly down the street with you, remember to repeat the word “walk,” reinforcing his behavior.
Talk to your dog and praise him constantly along the way. This is a great way to keep him in tune with you and your pace. If you don’t pay attention to your dog, the message he will receive is that he’s on his own and can do whatever he pleases. Ignoring your dog when he’s walking correctly and only giving him attention when he walks incorrectly will only lead to more unwanted behavior just to get noticed by you! So, remember to give your dog undivided attention during your daily walks. Cell phones will have to stay at home!
By following these recommendations consistently and patiently, you’ll soon experience increased pleasure in walking your dog and the two of you will look forward to these walks with enthusiasm!
February 14th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Sounds like solid information.
February 14th, 2010 at 2:28 am
Sounds like solid information.
February 19th, 2010 at 8:22 am
Very enlightening.
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Wow, this is over my head.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Sounds like solid information.
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I have been looking the world over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
You’ve been extremely helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Are you sure?
March 9th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Really helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
Very informative.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Truer words were never spoken.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Something about what you said doesn’t quite fit.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
I’ve searched high and low for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:38 pm
Very interesting.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
I’ve been looking so many places for thsi information.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
I’ve searched all over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I have searched all over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
March 9th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
That’s not what wikipedia said….
March 9th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
This is very informative.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
My mind is made up.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Very well put!
March 9th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
I think there is more to the story.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
You have been very helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
I’ve searched so many places for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
You have been super helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
March 9th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
This was very informative.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I have searched all over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Bravo! Thank you.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
I’ve searched all over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
That’s one way of looking at it.
March 9th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
You have been very helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
That’s not what wikipedia said….
March 9th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Are there any differing opinions?
March 9th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Something doesn’t fit.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Quite helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Are you sure?
March 9th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I guess that makes sense.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
How did you come by this information?
March 9th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
I’ve been looking high and low for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Very true.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Really helpful.
March 9th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I have been looking the world over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
I have looked all over for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
I have searched so many places for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
I can make room for different opinions.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
Seems simple enough.
March 9th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
I have looked everywhere for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Amazing!
March 9th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
How did you come by this information?
March 9th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Are there any differing opinions?
March 9th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I’ve been looking everywhere for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
My mind is made up.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
I guess I’m slower on some things than others.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Sounds like solid information.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Amazing!
March 9th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I’ve searched everywhere for this information.
March 9th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Quite helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Very true.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:05 am
I’ve been looking all over for this information. Thank you.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:10 am
Fantastic!
March 10th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Allllllrighty then.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:24 am
Truer words were never spoken.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:28 am
Allllllrighty then.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:30 am
Something about what you said doesn’t quite fit.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:38 am
You’ve been extremely helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:55 am
Allllllrighty then.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:55 am
I’ve been looking everywhere for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 12:59 am
I’ve been looking everywhere for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:01 am
I have searched the world over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:04 am
I can dig it.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:11 am
I have searched all over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:11 am
I have been looking high and low for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:12 am
My findings differ slightly, but overall I have to agree.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:15 am
This was very informative.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:18 am
Really helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:20 am
March 10th, 2010 at 1:22 am
Very well put!
March 10th, 2010 at 1:28 am
Allllllrighty then.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:35 am
Bravo! Thank you.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:41 am
I have been looking so many places for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:47 am
My findings differ slightly, but overall I have to agree.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:47 am
Very interesting.
March 10th, 2010 at 1:50 am
Helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:13 am
Could you put that in more simple terms?
March 10th, 2010 at 3:26 am
You’ve been really helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 3:45 am
Are there any differing opinions?
March 10th, 2010 at 3:47 am
That clears things up some.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:29 am
Where did your information come from?
March 10th, 2010 at 4:41 am
That was very informative.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:50 am
I have searched high and low for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 4:52 am
I have searched all over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:26 am
You have been super helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 5:43 am
I have looked the world over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:12 am
Helpful.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:24 am
I have been looking the world over for this information.
March 10th, 2010 at 6:25 am
Point taken.
March 10th, 2010 at 11:24 am
I’ve searched the world over for this information.