One of the first things you must do with a new puppy is to get him used to his collar and leash. Fortunately this is not too hard to do, but it may take a little while.
The first thing to ensure is that you get the right size of collar for the puppy. Take a tape measure and fit it around the puppy's neck. You do not want it too tight - just a nice snug fit. You now want a collar an inch large, so if the puppy's neck size is 12'' you need a 13'' collar.
Buy something fairly light and preferably soft - certainly not a great, heavy leather collar. You may want a heavier collar when the dog is full grown, but for now a soft nylon one is ideal.
Now put the collar on the puppy and let him walk around the house. You may find that the puppy paws at the collar or whines and if he does then just ignore him. He is going to have to get used to it and the sooner he gets that idea the better.
Let him out in the garden if you have one, as he will find things to distract him from worrying about the collar. You can also play a game with him with a toy, which will also serve the same function.
Once he is happy with the collar it's time for the leash. Again, get something fairly light.
Now, just attach the leash to the collar and let him walk around with it. Keep an eye on him to ensure that the leash doesn't get tangled up in some furniture or whatever, since that may scare him and cause him to become wary of the leash which is the last thing you want.
Only keep the leash on him for a few minutes. Then remove it and maybe an hour later have another go. In between times put the leash down where he can see it and smell it, next to his food and drink bowls is a good idea as he will soon begin to associate the leash with pleasure.
Once he has got used to the leash it's time for you to get on the other end of it. Put the leash on him and walk around with him for a few minutes. Go outside if you can where he can stop and smell things - again associating the leash with pleasure.
Under no circumstances pull or drag on the leash. When he wants to stop YOU stop! Do this only for a few minutes at a time, bring him back indoors and while still holding the leash give him a treat. Then remove the leash.
Gradually extend the time you are walking him on the leash and shortly you will have a well-behaved puppy who is used to both collar and leash.
The first thing to ensure is that you get the right size of collar for the puppy. Take a tape measure and fit it around the puppy's neck. You do not want it too tight - just a nice snug fit. You now want a collar an inch large, so if the puppy's neck size is 12'' you need a 13'' collar.
Buy something fairly light and preferably soft - certainly not a great, heavy leather collar. You may want a heavier collar when the dog is full grown, but for now a soft nylon one is ideal.
Now put the collar on the puppy and let him walk around the house. You may find that the puppy paws at the collar or whines and if he does then just ignore him. He is going to have to get used to it and the sooner he gets that idea the better.
Let him out in the garden if you have one, as he will find things to distract him from worrying about the collar. You can also play a game with him with a toy, which will also serve the same function.
Once he is happy with the collar it's time for the leash. Again, get something fairly light.
Now, just attach the leash to the collar and let him walk around with it. Keep an eye on him to ensure that the leash doesn't get tangled up in some furniture or whatever, since that may scare him and cause him to become wary of the leash which is the last thing you want.
Only keep the leash on him for a few minutes. Then remove it and maybe an hour later have another go. In between times put the leash down where he can see it and smell it, next to his food and drink bowls is a good idea as he will soon begin to associate the leash with pleasure.
Once he has got used to the leash it's time for you to get on the other end of it. Put the leash on him and walk around with him for a few minutes. Go outside if you can where he can stop and smell things - again associating the leash with pleasure.
Under no circumstances pull or drag on the leash. When he wants to stop YOU stop! Do this only for a few minutes at a time, bring him back indoors and while still holding the leash give him a treat. Then remove the leash.
Gradually extend the time you are walking him on the leash and shortly you will have a well-behaved puppy who is used to both collar and leash.
Peter Wood has been a dog-lover all his life and for the last 30 years has had two Jack Russell Terriers (Shackleton, named after the explorer - not the aircraft - and Merlin now aged 13 and named after the wizard - not the aircraft engine!)
Peter believes very strongly in training dogs in a humane manner. While many trainers use "reward and punishment" systems, far better, quicker and easier results are obtained when absolutely NO punishments are used.
For more free information and tips visit his website: http://www.dogtrainingbirmingham.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Wood Peter believes very strongly in training dogs in a humane manner. While many trainers use "reward and punishment" systems, far better, quicker and easier results are obtained when absolutely NO punishments are used.
For more free information and tips visit his website: http://www.dogtrainingbirmingham.net
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