Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a wide variety of reasons: "My dog stays right next to me." "He pulls the leash too much." "My dog wants to explore on his own terms." "I feel like a leash restricts my dog, and I don't believe in that."
However, in order to keep your dog safe, you require control of your pet. Your dog also needs to know this, to ensure he's aware who the boss is. And, once you train your dog to not pull on his leash, or other bothersome behaviors (take a course through a local dog obedience school), you'll figure out just how fantastic dog leash training really is.
A dog that doesn't have any boundaries, such as a leash and an owner, doesn't realize that others have boundaries that he is required to respect. Proper dog leash training will show your pet what is expected of him at all times, no matter what is thrown at him. You cannot control if another dog attacks your pet, runs out into traffic, gets distracted by a wild animal or is so excited that he's not paying attention to his surroundings if your dog is unleashed. But with some dog leash training and a few commands he recognizes, you'll have the utmost of control in almost any situation.
Essentially, you are teaching your dog respect with a leash. And this training requires frequent, consistent, and appropriately timed positive reinforcement. Without a leash, this is pretty difficult.
If your dog, for instance, doesn't respond well to the command, 'Come', then using a leash can help with this skill tremendously. Try it the next time you go for a walk. Put the leash on your dog, and go for a leisurely walk where you know he'll be tempted to do something he's not supposed to. When he does it, gently say, "Come". If he does not respond right away, use the leash (once again, gently – you don't want to choke or otherwise hurt your dog!) to tell him what is expected of him, while saying the word, "Come" again. Repeat this until your dog comes to you, and then praise him instantly.
Do this consistently over a couple of days, and you'll notice just how much easier it gets each time. Soon, you won't even need to remind your dog of your command with the leash – he'll just respond appropriately and immediately, and you'll praise him just the same.
Learning how to control your animal using dog leash training is an important respect lesson for both of you, and should be used regularly to achieve the highest results.
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