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It's a dogs world: A dog experiences their environment differently than a human does and in ways we mostly ignore. Beginning with the trainer’s attitude, a dog can almost immediately pick up on a human’s state of mind such as anger, aggression, happiness, etc. Guess which one helps a dog to relax and enjoy himself and his human? A dog senses things by smell, visually, hearing, taste, and touch significantly more than a human’s experience. A dog’s keen sense of can tell if a person is nervous, sick, or normal, and much more. His hearing can detect the rhythm of a heartbeat or identify a person’s excited breathing. The tone of a voice expresses the world to a dog beyond the vocabulary he may have. Scientists are looking at something similar to a radar-related sense in dogs. Studies are revealing there is a much greater depth and breath to what a dog’s senses covers than originally believed. Most dog lovers already know this, but the documentation and emerging facts are now being recorded, studied, and evaluated. Even without his senses, a dog can get a well-rounded picture of his trainer just through the leash. The leash can offer things such as the trainer’s confidence, mood, and attention for starters. Before actively working with a dog, it is important to set the tone by establishing a happy, positive, and stress-free attitude.
Getting started:
Leash training varies a little depending on the age of the dog and is a lot like swimming. If you just jump into the deep end you might end up drowning. With the dogs, it could be confusing and unpleasant to start the harness leash and walking all at the same time. So, taking some time upfront will allow for a better result. Remember, the goal here is for the dog to view the harness and leash as a promise of a great outing. The first step is to find an indoor area with little distraction for the first couple of lessons. I would recommend letting the dog wear their harness if you are using one off and on for a couple of days before using a leash. This allows the dog to get used acclimate to it. Make it fun when you put the harness on and take it off. When he is no longer scratching at the harness add a leash. Do not hold it yet. Let the dog walk around with it on while under supervision until the dog is no longer interested in the leash. Be sure he does not consider it his new chew toy. How to hold your leash and more tips: How do you hold a leash? Hold your leash in your right hand, slipping the loop over your wrist where the V of the leash is secure in your palm, fisted at your waist on the right side of the body. The left hand is held downward toward the left from the body. You can also tie knots to hold on to in your leash where needed (It is a training leash – for both of you!). You always want to have the leash looped over your hand so that if your dog bolts or if there is a need you will not drop your leash. Gather excess leash in your right hand by laying it back and forth across your palm. Your left-hand controls the leash. The leash itself should loosely draped towards the dog but should not touch the ground. TIP: IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO CARRY AN EXTRA LEASH & COLLAR IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Pre-Walk: Walk your puppy in your backyard, living room, or if they have had their 16 week shot and a week for their body to process it, front yard, and walk with him. Make sure they stay on your left side. Do not guide them. Your hand should remain at your waist at all times. Let them have a moment to be curious. Then you begin, name and then command, "Fido, walk/go/let's go/etc. The method we are using is called the loose-leash method. If the puppy is in the desired area, you walk, if they are not you stop. llow the pup to take you around meaning not on a walk but a wander where he goes. When you feel he has settled into being on the leash call your puppy to “Puppy Name, Come” and move in the direction you wish to go. If your puppy is too busy, use a treat to pull his attention back to training and you. If the puppy pays attention on his own and moves toward you, encourage the dog by praising him as he moves toward you. One of the more important tips is to get the puppy's attention, look your puppy in the eyes and then give a command. Alternatively, you could signal him or call his name to get his attention. One trick is to tap the pup’s nose and bring your finger up to your nose to focus his attention on your face. Stand tall next to your puppy when you begin. Walk with the puppy at your left side - you want to always start with the left foot as a signal to begin simultaneously signaling or calling your pup to begin. Next session set your pup down next to your left leg. Shorten the leash but having it still loose between you. Step off on your left foot calling your pup and walk. If the pup follows keep walking. If not, stop, use a treat to encourage the dog forward. Lots of praise and treats as he progresses. Repeat as needed. No rush here. Treats: The funny thing about rewards today is that you reward the ‘Do’s’ and simply stand fast waiting for your dog to check in with you for the ‘Don’ts’. You may say your version of 'no' at the 'Don'ts.' Reward your dog when he is quiet and follows directions. Try not to over-treat and remember to vary your methods of positive reinforcement, i.e. praise, and scratches to keep the treat or reward interesting. Story Time! We received a phone call about a pup with diarrhea that went home the day before. Well, knowing the stool had been fine when the pup left, there were some questions to ask. The answer ended up being that the pup was given 5x the appropriate amount of treats resulting in a stomach problem. Case closed. Be conservative in your treats. Placement: At this point, an informal command is very appropriate because you are introducing two things to your pup. You are introducing, “Come," "Walk," or "Go" and the movement toward you with a reward. Heel designates that the dog is to be by your side in a specific walking area near your foot. The dog’s shoulder should be at your leg. This is done when they start to veer off. Now is the time to entice your pup to be simply walking with you. You want to make this exciting. We gave treated, praise, and gave scratches for good behavior when we attached the leash and eventually lessened treats until it is done randomly but we maintained the scratches and praise. Positive enforcement only build upon these experiences, encouraging your dog to look forward and cooperate in getting ready to go out. It is better to reward the pup’s movement toward you rather than to use the treat as a lure. Also, any sound you make to get the pup’s attention to come will work initially while working ‘Come’ into the vocabulary (use kissy sounds, etc., to get attention). As the training continues do not allow the dog to walk in front of the trainer. He may get the wrong idea! Rome was not built in a day: Keep your first session very short. It is better to end on a short success than a longer mediocre session. Repeat. And Repeat. And repeat. With a puppy 5 minutes of success is a long time. Clicker Training: This works well for many people, but I do not do well with the sound of a metal clicker, itself, so I command verbally or use hand signals (another lesson). In addition to weekly or twice weekly class sessions practice at least 10 minutes a day- twice a day - or 20 minutes daily was recommended. With a dog younger than four or five months the shorter, twice daily sessions may be better. Fresh & Fun: Find the pace your pup works best with. Some dogs prefer a faster pace to a slower one and vice versa. Having said that, vary the walking pace to slow down and speed up. Make sharp turns right and left and figure eights. It is important as you lengthen your walks to that you change it up. Add turning around here and there. Turn into the dog and turn out from the dog. Stop and go. As you progress begin to ask the dog to ‘Heel’ as your dog finds being at your side with his shoulder near your leg more familiar. Give the 'Heel' command as you step off on your walk and before turning as a heads up in the beginning but do not slow or adjust your pace. Always talk to your dog. Praise him along the way. As you continue come to a halt for ‘Release and Praise’ time. Your dog will perform better on a shorter leash than a longer one, but it should not be taunt. The goal is for the leash to hang loosely between you while your dog learned to walk and not a tight rope to his neck. It is a balancing act to find that right place. You are building a relationship based on trust and positivity, scolding will set this process back. Do not hesitate to ask someone coming near you with a dog to give you more room if you feel crowded. If you see a dog off-leash coming toward you, toss it some treats, pick up your pup, and go in another direction. One suggestion is to carry a large umbrella to open for the element of surprise and distraction with a loose dog or as closed, it can help keep the distance. Ending the session: Always end your session with exuberant praise and TLC. Give that final treat. Enjoy your dog and let your dog enjoy being with you. APDT – Association of Professional Dog Trainers CBCC-KA – Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine, Knowledge Assessed CCPDT- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers CDBC – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant CDT – Certified Dog Trainer CDTA - Certified Dog Trainer - Advanced CPDT – Certified Professional Dog Trainer CPDT-KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed CSDT – Certified Service Dog Trainer IAABC – International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants IACP – International Association of Canine Professionals NADOI – National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors PDT- Professional Dog Trainer PDTI – Professional Dog Training Instructor Certified and Texas state licensed police/security dog trainer- see documentation Master Dog Trainer – Self-Given Title References: “7 Best Harnesses for Small Dogs [2022 Reviews]: Tiny & Terrific!” K9 Of Mine, 9 Oct. 2019, https://www.k9ofmine.com/best-harness-for-small-dogs/. Dogcollarsharnessesandleashes. “Types of Dog Leash Fasteners.” Dog Collars Harnesses and Leashes, 18 Apr. 2022, https://dogcollarsharnessesandleashes.com/types-of-dog-leash-fasteners/. Karen AndersonUpdated by Margeaux Baulch Klein, et al. “The 10 Best Small Dog Harnesses: Your Complete Guide.” The Dog People by Rover.com, 12 Nov. 2021, https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/small-dog-harnesses/. Nicole CosgroveNicole is the proud mom of Rosa. “10 Best Dog Harnesses for Small Dogs [Reviews 2022 ].” Hepper, 27 Mar. 2022, https://www.hepper.com/best-dog-harness-for-small-dogs/. Phenix, Annie, et al. “What to Do When an off-Leash Dog Approaches Your Leashed Dog.” Dogster, 2 July 2021, https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-to-do-when-an-off-leash-dog-approaches-your-leashed-dog. “Spot the Difference: Front Clip versus Back Clip Harnesses.” Andrea Arden Dog Training, 18 Oct. 2016, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/spot-the-difference-front-clip-versus-back-clip-harnesses/. Stregowski, Jenna. “Which Dog Collar Is Best for Your Dog?” The Spruce Pets, The Spruce Pets, 21 Mar. 2022, https://www.thesprucepets.com/different-types-of-dog-collars-1118613. “Understanding Dog Training Collar Injuries.” VetInfo, https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-training-collar.html. Vuckovic, Angela. “How to Discipline a Dog without Hitting, Advice and Tips.” Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, Petfeed - Pet Care Tips, How-to Guides, Funny Stories, Comics, and Videos, 16 Nov. 2021, https://blog.petcube.com/dog-training/.
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