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Leashes: A Pain in the Neck
updated: Nov 19, 2011, 9:15 AM

Dear Poncho,

From, Chief's mom

Dear Mom of Chief,

Yep, leashes can be a real pain in the neck. However, since you and Chief aren't able to walk together hand-in-paw, leashes are a helpful solution for keeping us inquisitive canines safe. They're also the law in many places, so I recommend you consider the following training tips to help your buddy Chief enjoy himself more, and less the need to "attack".

Here are the four tenets of my Mutt Model:

Know Your Animal!

Dogs weren't born knowing how to walk on leash, so we need some lessons before we head out into the big wide world. And, as much as I hate to admit it, we also have limited impulse control. This can make it tough - and quite frustrating-when we aren't able to get to something or someone whenever we want to, or when we want to sniff and update our status at the nearest tree.

Think about it. Over time, with each and every on-leash adventure, when we're not allowed to do what we want when we want in a manner we want, we become more and more frustrated! (Kind of like when you humans are stuck in traffic and can't get to where you want to go!) This frustration builds and builds, eventually getting to the point where the mere sight of another dog triggers this "attack" reaction. Chief now associates other dogs with frustration. So there's your "why."

Whaddya Want?

It's important that you decide what behavior you want from Chief when you're out and about on walks. Do you prefer he look at you when other dogs appear? How about a nice heel? If so, take the time to teach him. Whatever you decide though, make sure it's something fun and rewarding that he enjoys.

Reward. Reward. Reward!

Whenever Chief sees another dog while he's on the leash and manages to remain the perfect gentleman, reward him heavily with praise, petting and yummy treats! Even when you didn't ask for him to behave so well! I'm sure you'd agree we can never be thanked too many times. In that way, we're a lot like humans. We respond to love with love.

Know Yourself

You weren't born knowing how to use a leash. This is one more reason you'll want to do some dress rehearsals with Chief before heading out into the real world. Trying to teach him how to walk on a leash while he's facing all sorts of temptations and potential threats is too late. Sort of like having a fire drill during a fire-not very effective. So take some time and practice your own leash handling skills inside your home and yard before you take the leash-walking act on the road.

Paws and Reflect

Determine what you want from Chief and teach him in a way he understands. Make it fun and rewarding. With time and consistency, the new behaviors will soon become the better, more desirable choices to Chief when you're out walking. This way he'll be-gin to associate other dogs with activities that are enjoyable instead of frustrating, and the next thing you know, he'll be as great on leash as he is off. And that makes for a happy dog and a happier owner!

___________

Poncho Mayer is a 10-pound inquisitive canine who knows a lot about human and ca-nine behavior. He and his mom work together running the family business pro-viding dog training services to other inquisitive canines and their humans. For additional training and behavior tips subscribe to their blog.

www.inquisitivecanine.com
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Got a question about behavior, training or daily pup life? Email Poncho directly.

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