Now that spring has finally started knocking on our doors, it’s just about right time to start taking your dog out for longer walks or to play in the field. However, that could turn quite problematic if your dog isn’t used to being walked on a leash.
So read on to learn how to train your dog to a leash and how to overcome some of the most common obstacles on the way!
Why dogs have to be trained to a leash?
Rumor (as well as science) has it that well-trained dogs live longer and, in general, have a happier life. Same goes for people: the more disciplined we are, the more we achieve in majority of aspects of our lives, and we tend to be happier with who we are. When a part of that discipline also includes having an energetic Rott which requires a lot of play and physical activity, we also need to train him or her properly, not only to a leash, but to many other rules as well.
All dogs love walks. However, if unaccustomed to being leashed, they may be surprised when you first try to limit their free movement by leashing them. Then their surprise turns into disobedience and resistance, even biting. That is why even the simplest leashing must be trained, and painless.
What’s more, when your dog is leashed, it diminished the possibility of an escape or loss, even theft, which does happen quite often (just remember how often you see calls for help from desperate owners who lost their pets).
When to start with leash training?
Many dog owners are perplexed and even wrong when considering the timing for leash training. Too early may be useless, too late may be too difficult to correct later.
So, generally speaking, we’d say that the right time to start training your dog to a leash is when you start taking him or her out. Regardless of the breed, that usually implies about 3 weeks after being revaccinated, i.e. about 3,5 months of age. That is also the time when your pup’s organism is believed to be immunized enough for contact with the world outside the kennel.
What is the right leash?
As with the shelter, the type of leash should be suitable to your dog breed, its size and age. Luckily for you, there is a plethora of leashes on the market, hence it’s quite easy to find the right one.
While choosing the leash, consider the following.
First thing first, the leash must be comfortable to wear, so as not to itch or pull hair.
Secondly, the length – the younger the pup, the shorter the leash. This gives you better control of the dog. The length of the leash should follow the dog’s growth as well, and we are quite confident you’ll be able to realize when it’s the right time for a new, longer leash.
Dog’s initial contact with a leash
Most dogs’ first reaction to a leash is fear and resistance. That is why they need to be familiarized with it, in their own terms. Once you’ve bought it and brought it home, leave the leash at your dog’s disposal. Let the dog sniff it and make the first contact. Do not skip this.
Once the dog’s able to see the leash as no threat, start with the adaptation: collar the dog while at play, or while eating, or during any other pleasant moments. A while later, attach the leash to the collar, and leave it hanging there for a while, treat your dog with a candy, and unleash it (remove both the collar and the leash). Repeat this for a few days. This is how your dog gets pleasant feelings about being leashed.
After your Rottweiler has gotten used to being leashed, try with the next step: leash it and try walking around the place, especially the rooms or any space the dog is familiar with. This also reduces anxiety and fear, and provides safe and pleasant environment the dog is already comfortable in. Maximize this with offering treats to your dog and watch him or her eagerly waiting for the next opportunity to be leashed!
Several repetitions should suffice, but do not forget to remove the collar and unleash your dog the moment you end the exercise. Put them back on only when you want to repeat the exercise. That is how your dog learns to associate leash with pleasant memories and learns to cooperate with you.
The main challenge: first official walk on a leash
We hope that by now your dog is quite happy with being leashed, and accustomed to being walked on it in familiar surrounding. If so, it is the right time to move on to the next big step: walking your dog on a leash for the first time out in the street or a park.
However, do not rush it either! Try slowly familiarizing your dog with unfamiliar surrounding, such as the rest of the yard or your communal space around the building. The sounds and the smells there will definitely arouse curiosity, and we believe you’ll be able to catch that moment and move on to the official walk on a leash outside the familiar space once your dog shows interest and starts pulling you in new directions.
Not to forget
There are some more final tips to remember.
First thing: end the walk before the pup gets too tired, to avoid forging negative emotions about the leash.
Second, pets can get scared of things they do not know, such as cars, passers by, other dogs. Try going out for walks when the street is not crowded with elements that could scare your dog away, such as early morning, late afternoons or evenings. After the dog is fully used to it, take him or her out in the day freely and gradually introduce people, cars and other pets.
If, for any reason, your dog gets scared of anything, comfort him or her immediately by squatting or crouching next to them and gently petting or caressing on the head. This relaxes them and shows there is nothing to be afraid of.
And there you have it: a plain and simple plan with instructions on how to train your dog to a leash! Have you already tried it? Has it worked? Have you used any other technique we forgot to mention? Feel free to share your ideas with us in the comment section below or on our social networks!
For the end, stay tuned, because next time we’ll cover some difficulties with dogs which pull on the leash, or dogs which get petrified and simply do not want to walk.
Want to learn more about Rottweilers? Check out what we wrote about them before: