Page 328 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CARE AND TRAINING | BASIC TRAINING

GOOD PRACTICE IN TRAINING plan longer walks to allow for the many
All dogs need to be walked on a leash at stops you will have to make. Some dogs,
least some of the time to ensure their safety. especially older rescue dogs, are really
Teaching your dog to do this without dedicated “pullers,” and basic training may
pulling will make going for a walk a more be unsuccessful. In such cases it is best to
pleasant experience for you both. However, seek the help of a professional dog trainer.
no matter when you start the training, it is Resist the urge to use collars that tighten
crucial to set rigid ground rules. Each new around your dog’s neck. They do not teach
environment is likely to prove challenging your dog anything and have the potential to
for your dog so start each training session cause him serious damage.
by rewarding one step at a time. As he It may not be necessary for your dog to
improves and is walking nicely for a few walk precisely to heel at all times, as long
paces, progress to working with distractions as he does not pull on his leash. However,
in the distance, such as other dogs. If he sometimes it is useful to keep your dog
starts pulling or loses attention entirely, he close—for example, when walking past
probably isn’t ready for this stage yet. people on the sidewalk. Use a similar method
Move the training to a quieter area and to that used to teach your dog to walk on a
go back one stage. leash (below), keeping him in a closer
Never become angry with your dog if he position by using a treat. Once you can rely New places
makes mistakes. Teaching him to walk on your dog walking close to you, gradually When training in a new environment for the
first time, use special treats that your dog
without pulling takes time and you should phase out the treat but continue to praise. finds particularly tempting.

WALKING ON A LEASH Teaching a puppy to walk on a leash without pulling is easier than teaching
an adult dog, which may have developed bad habits. As soon as your dog pulls, stop walking and
help him into the correct position next to your leg. This can be frustrating to begin with, since you
will be stopping every few paces, but following the steps below will help you both get it right.

Position the dog Lure your dog into position Step forward Keep your dog’s attention Treat in position Take a step forward, stop and
1 using a treat in your left hand. Keep the treat 2 by saying his name cheerfully, and hold 3 let your dog have the treat while he is in the
low so that he doesn’t jump up, and the leash him in position against your leg, either sitting correct position. If he stays by your side, take another
short so that he can’t wander off. or standing, with the treat. step forward and reward him again.

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