LEASH TRAINING PART 3: 10 COMMON PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIORS

One general solution to many issues is redirection, quicken the pace, or use shorter sessions initially to build upon previous positive experiences. 

Bear in mind that your mindset plays a huge role during training. Your puppy's receptiveness can be directly linked to your mood. 

Your environment plays a role. Is there a lot going on around? Is it tranquil? Your puppy is still a puppy and their attention span is short.
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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN 06.01.2021

10 COMMON PROBLEMATIC BEHAVIORS: 

1. Barking on leash: As with lunging, call your dog to you, shorten the leash and sharply reverse course. In this case, desensitization* is needed and distancing is necessary. Reward him when he’s quiet. 
2. Crazy Dance: Stand still. Let the dog work through the dance. When he settles, reposition, and try to walk again.
3. Everything Must Go Into The Mouth: A wonderful command that is not usually taught in the basics is “Leave It”. It is wonderful for many reasons and great to teach any puppy or dog.
4. Lunging: Call your dog to you, shorten the leash, and go in the opposite direction sharply. Desensitization needed.
5. Mouthing/Chewing the Leash: Choices: Get a chain-style leash. Add a collar and double leash your dog. See if he needs a toy in his mouth on a walk. Wipe your leash down with something that will not hurt the leash like vinegar. 
6. Overly Excited Dog: Play with your dog for about 30 minutes before your walk. A tired dog walks well.
7. Pulling: When your pup pulls on the leash, stop and be still. Do not pull back. Call him to you and reward him with a treat of praise. Try again.
8. Reactive Dog: The works: not listening, lunging, and barking. Do not Punish. Core reactions are often grounded in fear and the dog needs to be re-trained using counter conditioning. Includes safe distancing, gradient extreme treats, etc. Turning and walking in a different direction is one choice. Desensitization, re-direction and changing associations for the dog is critical.
9. Sitting: Hold your treat out in front of your pup and take a step forward. Call your pup. Give your pup the treat when he comes. Try again.
10. Sniffing: Let the dog sniff or not. Increasing your pace decreases the sniffing. Your dog enjoys sniffing.  

Desensitization:
Take the dog where they can see another dog but he is far away enough to be comfortable meaning not barking or lunging. When they are quiet, reward. Go Home. Next time move closer and do not reward barking/lunging. If you cannot put a stop to it within 3 attempts, go home and repeat another day. Increase and reinforce incentive such as a better treat, praise, etc.
 
Why Not Punish Bad Behavior? 
It is true that a dog relates scolding and physical punishment as something to be avoided but hitting, etc., a dog changes the dynamics of the relationship with your dog. Depending on the frequency and degree of punishment, your dog can change his view of you from a trusted and beloved friend to a relationship based on levels of fear without strong enough positive experiences to reinforce better behavior. Fear ferments and can grow creating other behavioral problems .

Brutal punishment can actually escalate bad behavior. This is unnecessary when there are viable and better working alternatives. From the start with your dog, you are given a blank slate. It is a stronger position to teach from a positive stand point than a negative frame of reference. 

Ideal training results in the dog's own good, healthy behavior and mindset. The goal is to teach, reinforce, and encourage the dog to choose what is desirable. The way to accomplish this is by reinforcing the desirable behaviors with treats, rewards, praise, patience, consistency, and repetition. Building positive connotations or memories is foundational for good behavior. Positive conditioning is called ‘positive obedience training’ [encouragement] versus ‘aversive’ [pain] obedience training. Whether his memories are episodic, self-aware or by association, his recall is clear. The response is not for the moment, but a lifetime while building a relationship on trust, love, memories, or knowledge.  

Sorting through the professionals:
There are many initials out there associated with a dog trainer. If the trainer does not have a certificate - they do not have the initials after their name. Many gifted trainers are not classically certified. Research and check references and documentation.  Please look for a qualified trainer to offer you and your dog more training choices if you are having problems. A dog learns in an individual way.  It is finding the one right way gleaned from several choices that makes the difference and allows the training move forward.
 
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/. ​​