Training Tip: Leash 101

OK, you've got that sweet, adorable pup home now and set him up with a bed, bowls, toys, everything a contented canine would want. Now it's time for the magical outing known as "walkies". You slip his collar on, clip the leash and out the door you go. Three blocks later you've been dragged into the street, the leash is wrapped around your leg, every bush and tree has been marked and everyone you've passed has been accosted and jumped on. Not as easy as it looks on TV, huh?

The good news is that it doesn't take long to get Fluffy walking properly by your side if you have a plan and always stick to it. I walk dogs for my clients nearly every day and they range in temperament from mild to wild. But each one learns my Rules of the Leash quickly and it leads to a happy walk for both sides of the equation. To wit:

1. Make sure the collar is the proper size for your dog. Most pet stores allow you to bring the pooch into the store for a fitting. If they don't, go somewhere that will. If your dog has a narrow head, like a greyhound, or can pull his head out of the collar by backing up, get a "no-slip" collar.
   
2. Get a comfortable leash. The best ones for you are leather because of the tough, durable nature of the material. It softens as it gets older, making it easier on your hands. Web leashes can feel like a saw on your palms and fingers during training. The leash need be no wider than 1/2".
3. Before going on any serious walks, teach Fluffy to "sit". It's the basic command in the dog world, and if he can do that on command you are off to a great start. The easiest way to teach this is by holding a treat out of "jumping up" range in front of the dog, then moving it over the standing dog's head, saying the word "sit". Don't say it more than twice! It is natural for most dogs to drop their rear when looking overhead at something. As soon as the rear his the ground, give the treat and praise the action: "Good sit!" It won't take long.
   
4. Never go for a training walk with a destination in mind. Carve out at least 10 minutes per session, at least two sessions per day for a dog under 9 months and at least 30 minutes per session at least once a day for an older dog. If you plan to walk to the school, store or anyplace in particular, your patience will be sorely tested and your frustration with the dog will counter any good you are trying to accomplish. In fact, you may cause your pup to become fearful of people, cars, and other dogs if you transmit this anxiety to them.
5. How do you like this? Already down to number five and you haven't even left the house! No matter what you're trying to do, preparation is everything. Got your poop bags? Great. Now let's go walkies!
6. Before you start, always have your dog "sit". He should stay that way until you are ready to go. Keep him on your left. Hold the leash loosely. With an exaggerated step (just short of a Monty Python's Funny Walks Sketch) move forward with your left foot and say "Heel" in your happiest voice. This gives Fluffy both visual and verbal cues what to do.
   
7. The most important thing here is for your dog to know that you control the action from here on. If he surges forward, straining at the leash, take a few extra steps and slow to a stop. Have him sit next to you. Praise him for sitting. Then repeat the Heel sequence. If he surges forward again you can add another action. Let him know in your Happy Voice that you're going to turn and go the opposite way. "Turning, now. Good boy, good walkies." Then do it. No need to yank him back! Just slow down, warn him, and turn around.
   
8. After a few turns you may notice your dog turning his head slightly now and then to check up on you. Good! Praise him with a "Good watch me!" In fact, you should get pretty much sick of your own voice constantly praising your pup for just walking well and keeping slack on the leash.
9. Don't let him mark bushes, trees, etc. along the route! Your dog already has a territory: your yard. If your live in an apartment, pick one particular spot for him to have a pee, but don't let him "spread it all over town." He will be more protective and aggressive with other dogs if he thinks his territory extends for several blocks around your house.
10. Praise, praise, praise. If you need to warn him away from something, develop a "negative" command like "No". Say it quickly and give a quick flick of your wrist to tug the collar slightly. Then praise him for obeying the "No".
    
11. Young pups "burn out" during training sessions. That's why we keep them brief. You may be getting good results during a session and then the puppy starts balking and getting distracted. Stop, take a break for at least 20 minutes, then go home. Always praise the good and ignore the bad. Frustration leads to aggression!
12. When the session is over, have your dog "sit". Take the collar off (or the leash, if you want the flat collar to stay on), keeping the dog seated. Figure out a release word. I use "Break!" Then make the next few moments "Happy Time", with hugs and petting and treats and praise. This lets Fluffy know that at the end of every walk, good things are going to happen.

There are more things you can do to keep your dog on the straight and narrow during walks. After a while you will come to appreciate the freedom afforded your pup through good behavior. People will compliment you and you will feel very at ease as you take him to lots of new places.