Dog Names ! Tips about leashing you dog

Dog Leashes

The proper restraint for your pooch

dog small banner Dog leashes come in all varieties, from retractable dog leashes, to designer leashes, and leather dog leashes. There are a myriad of colors available and differing weights depending on the size of your dog or puppy.

So what is the proper restraint for your pooch and what is the best way to go about leashing your dog, whether fido is an adult dog who has been on a leash for years or a rascally little puppy that is still chewing on the leash as you try to take him out for his morning walk. Read on, we shall find out.

Types of dog leashes

There are many types of leashes to choose from and most seem to depend on how much control you want to have over you dog at any given time. For example, you like to have the retractable leash so that your dog can roam here and there, snuffling at every little piece of grass and bug. That is great, as long as you are aware of what dangers may lurk around in the area. If your dog happens to roam out into the street you will be hard pressed to coil him back in quickly, since you have to retract a portion of the cord in order to pull back your dog. As long as you are aware of the potential hazards around your dog, this would be a fine choice.

A long leather dog leash is a very common choice. Here the ideal length for the leash is usually about six feet. This will give enough length for your dog to roam a little but allows you to maintain a great deal of control. There are many styles of leather leashes and designer leashes are available at finer pet stores.

One of the problems with the leather leash is that many dogs were bred long ago to be pulling dogs or tracking dogs and like to go off on their own paths or prefer to pull you along. Unless you spend the time training your pooch, you could have to contend with having your arm jerked around as you walk down the street.

Bungee leashes can alleviate some of these problems. This type of leash maintains tension through the length of the six-foot leash so that there is less pulling on your arm as you walk. Another bonus of this type of leash is that since the bungee takes up the slack, it is less likely that the leash will trip up your dog’s paws.

If you prefer to hike or jog with your dog, there are hands free leashes on the market. These leashes are usually about six-feet in length and strap around your waist or connect to your backpack or belt.
As you can see, many types of dog leashes exist and this list here is not exhaustive. There are many more products and styles on the market.

Tips for leashing your puppy or dog

When starting to teach your puppy how to walk on a leash, it is advisable to use a harness; however, a good solid collar will work well too. Most puppies seem to take fairly well to collars although this can vary depending on the breed and temperament of your puppy.

Older dogs might take longer to warm up to wearing a collar and using a leash, especially if this is something new to them.

Most puppies seem to get the grasp of wearing a collar and using a leash within a week or so. Some breeds are more easily distracted than others are, so be patient. It is not that your dog cannot understand, it is that they are distracted and you cannot teach any dog a thing unless you have their full attention.

Put the collar and leash on your dog while they are doing something pleasing to them, like eating, or getting attention from you. Leave the collar and leash on for a while. The dog will begin to make associations between the collar and leash with the pleasant activity.

Take your dog to the park or somewhere with a lot of room to walk. Follow your dog around while holding the leash. Make sure your dog sees the leash and start giving the dog treats when he noses the leash. This will make a good association.

Now put the leash on your dog. It does not matter if it is a retractable leash, leather leash, or even a designer leash, to your dog, so use what you have. Walk your dog around with the leash, making changes in your direction every so often. If your dog stays by your side, reward them. If they start changing direction or turning back, get their attention by yanking on the leash, (not too hard), and getting them to follow at your side again. Give them a treat after your dog has done this again for a few moments.

Remember, in order to train your dog, you have to have its complete attention.

If your dog is excited, since he is at the park and ready to play, go ahead and play with your pooch for a while. Tiring the dog out some will make them more likely to listen to you and not get distracted.

Finally, do not ever hit your dog if they are not doing what you wish. Patience will be what makes your dog able to walk on the leash.

By following these few tips and having a good retractable or leather leash, you should be able to have your dog walking at your side in no time.

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