Lesson Six - Leash Manners

[dolmod]

Sixth chapter in the DOL Training Guide: "Leash Manners".

No debating which technique is better or worse, just simple step by step guides from members for members.

Videos welcome.

[Sallovesdanes]

I just got our guy, he is 10 weeks today. What is the best collar for him to get him used to it and what is the best type of collar to use to get him used to walking after we get his next set of shots?
Thanks in advance.

My dogs hate the collar but do great with a harness have you tried that?

[Sallovesdanes]

The harness has worked best for my 2 pups they are 11 weeks and 17 weeks old. They are doing pretty well with the leash on the front clasp I have been walking them for 3 weeks and they are learning to heal nicely. This week we have been letting the leash go and healing fairly nicely when there are no distractions. I think I will try the clicker starting today. Your instructions have been very helpful thank you!!

[kahluadanes]

A simple regular buckle collar is perfect for now and for when you go walking.. There is no need to use anything else on a young puppy. I also recommend getting him into a good puppy class that does positive training.

[Andrearn317]

I just got our guy, he is 10 weeks today. What is the best collar for him to get him used to it and what is the best type of collar to use to get him used to walking after we get his next set of shots?
Thanks in advance.

[meadowdane]

Hello, we adopted a dane 2 months ago and she is SO FREAKED out of a leash. I have no idea if she had a bad experience or if this is normal (maybe she was never exposed to one?). We put her on a leash for our walks and she is getting better with that. We will drop the leash on a trail (she will stay by us for the most part) but she still freaks out if it touches her legs.

Our biggest problem is that we do not have a fenced in yard and she will not move if we let her out on a long leash (we literally got a 100 foot leash & do have a huge yard). The picture attached is when my husband got her to walk out there with him but then he will walk away and she will not move. She shakes and cries. We have tried to let her run without the leash & most of the time at first she would come back.... but lately she will run away and not come back when we call. There are many people who walk the trails so we cannot chance letting her off the leash.

Any advice on how to get her to be comfortable with the leash is greatly appreciated!

[21softballstar]

I've been working on Willow and her heeling more. Mainly because I'm just sick and tired of having my arm yanked off. I've done the walk ahead, turn around when she tugs thing. Now all I have to do is turn around a few times and she sticks by me. That's only when I am walking alone with her. As soon as I walk with another person, she tugs, even if I try and correct her. I've walked with my dad and his Dane before, and she instantly stops listening to everything I tell her and tugs, tugs, tugs. She always wants to be in front of Bella and everybody else. Everything I have taught her--out the window.

What can I do about this? She understands walking good when it's only ME, but as soon as I'm only with ONE person... I don't think I could convince my family when I walk with them to constantly turn around whenever Willow tugs :P

[hdpartsman0032]

How about a squeaky or tug toy, a ball, or exuberant pats and hugs .... Celle will do almost anything for a piece of cat food kibble, or a face scratch.

[beaniehemmingway]

My main problem is that Frank has absolutely no interest in food of any sort (died food, raw, hot dogs, cheese etc) once he is out of the house.

He literally steps out of the door and becomes a scent obsessed drool monster ... luckily he isn't too bad on the leash but I've still to find something motivational to reward him with for good behavior in future.

[hdpartsman0032]

Begin leash training the first day he's home. I also tethered both of my girls to me, and when they weren't tied to me they always had the leash on in the house for a quick grab if needed. Heck, Celle still wears hers when I need her to be mindful or if I need for her to stay close to me and not bother hubby.

[MyZoo]

I'm def no expert on this subject but I would say as soon as you bring them home start using a leash, but I don't think I would let him run around with it on...doesn't seem like a good idea for him to get used to doing as he pleases while on leash

[SuzanneRM82]

What is the best age to start leash training? I have heard of keeping pup on a leash while in the house to help with potty training... Thoughts on how this affects leash training?

Ideally he should have the basic concept, or at least have been introduced to it, before you even get him. Otherwise, start working on it ASAP. I tethered both my boys to me while potty training, and it didn't seem to really have an effect one way or the other, but they were both pretty good with basic leash skills already.

[kshrew]

What is the best age to start leash training? I have heard of keeping pup on a leash while in the house to help with potty training... Thoughts on how this affects leash training?

[melissa.lynn]

How do you discourage fighting the leash, as in backing up when the leash is on? He refuses to go anywhere with the leash on. But as soon as I take it off he's right by my side for the most part. I mean I can run up and down the street and he's right there with me. Soon as the colar goes on he sit's and refuses to move. Help please. I keep my pockets stacked with training treats as well.

leave his collar and leash on him for periods of time at home. Let him run around with it dragging on the floor behind him. He will get used to the weight and feeling of it!

[ezskanken]

How do you discourage fighting the leash, as in backing up when the leash is on? He refuses to go anywhere with the leash on. But as soon as I take it off he's right by my side for the most part. I mean I can run up and down the street and he's right there with me. Soon as the colar goes on he sit's and refuses to move. Help please. I keep my pockets stacked with training treats as well.