Teaching the “Pull it” and “Leash Training”

Narrated from: Dog Training

Learning to “pull it” comes naturally to a dog. Almost every dog in the world will play tug-of-war and if you want him to “pull it” on command simply put a word to an action he is already doing. Play the game of tug and every time he pulls on the toy, say “Pull it”. Dogs learn by repetition so keep repeating the command when he does the action. This is true with anything your dog does. For instance when your dog barks, say “Speak” and if you do it every time he will connect the two. If your dog puts his paws over his face, say “Pray” or “Are you sorry?” As long as you are consistent with the word you use you will be surprised how fast he can make the connection between the action and the word. It is well worth the effort and time you invest in your dog and every command he learns will ensure that he is in his forever home.

If pet owners could really understand training on a dog’s level there would be far fewer dogs in pounds and shelters. The vast majority of pets that end up in the pound are animals with owners that complain of behavior issues. You will hear everything from “He is just not smart enough to housebreak”, or “I am afraid he’s going to bite someone”, and even “I’m tired of him chewing up my things.” What this really means is that the people involved cannot stick to a housebreaking schedule; the people who were once so thrilled about being a dog owner haven’t properly socialized their pooch, or haven’t provided enough stimulation for their dog or enough toys to entertain him, and who also cannot seem to put their belongings away. Most pound puppies are excellent pets; they were just unfortunate enough to be owned by the wrong people.

Many people have tremendous difficulty trying to teach a dog to walk on a leash. When you get right down to it dogs walk naturally and there should be no difference if they are tethered by a lead line. When puppies tend to fight the leash because they don’t want to be controlled it is because they are afraid of the leash. With small or very young pups, use a metal link leash and connect it to his collar and let him drag it all over the house or the yard while under supervision just so he understands that it won’t hurt him. Make the decision now whether you want to keep your dog on your right or left side. Do not put the leash loop over your wrist if you are working with a pulling breed of dog. The loop should go over your thumb and should be grasped in your hand. Normally the handle is in one hand while the leash is draped across your body and the dog is on the opposite side. After he is comfortable with the leash pick up the handle and just start walking. If he does not want to follow you hold a peanut or other special treat in your hand and hold it just out of his reach as you walk. He will follow the treat.

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