Kim Campbell Thornton - Leash Training

Copyright 2006, 2009 by I-5 Press

Illustrations copyright 2006 by Buck Jones

The dogs in this book are referred to as he and she in alternating chapters.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of I-5 Press, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

The Library of Congress has cataloged an earlier printing as follows:

Thornton, Kim Campbell.

Leash training / by Kim Campbell Thornton ; illustrations by Buck Jones.

p. cm. (Simple solutions)

ISBN-10: 1-931993-79-3

ISBN-13: 978-1-931993-79-1

eISBN: 9781620080702

1. DogsTraining. I. Title. II. Series: Simple solutions (Irvine, Calif.)

SF431T533 2006

636.70887dc22

2006002801

I-5 Press

A Division of I-5 Publishing, LLC

3 Burroughs

Irvine, California, 92618

Printed and bound in Singapore

10 9 8 7 6 5 4

Contents

The Leash Life

We all love the idea of dogs running free: chasing squirrels, following scents, and exploring their surroundings at will. After all, for thousands of years, dogs did just that.

In some ways, dogs today enjoy freedoms and pampered lifestyles that their ancestors didnt have. In other ways, our canine pets are now subject to new restrictions such as city ordinances that require dogs to be leashed in public. But leash laws are intended for safetynot only to protect human passersby from an unexpected jump or nip (friendly or otherwise) but also to protect the dogs themselves. Dogs running loose are at risk of being hit by cars, getting lost or stolen, or being attacked by a wild animaland those are just a few of the dangers they face.

Although dogs need off-leash play to build strong muscles and bones, this type of exercise is best accomplished in a fenced yard or park. For walks in public, a leash is a necessity. But theres more to it than simply attaching a leash to your dogs collarhe needs to know how to walk calmly and politely on leash. A dog with poor leash manners isnt any fun to walk and can even cause injuries by tripping you or pulling you over. A dog who obeys on leash can go anywhere, from a walk around the block to dinner on the patio of your favorite local bistro. Proper leash manners are also essential for dog competitions and shows and are required for a dog to become a certified therapy animal.

Keeping your dog safe and under control is one of the main tenets of responsible dog ownership. Teaching your dog to walk nicely on leash is one of the best ways to accomplish that goal. Whether youve recently added a new puppy to your family or you want to teach your adult dog to behave on leash, read on to learn more about the types of leashes available and how to leash train your dog so hell be a credit to you wherever you go.

Choosing a Leash

Teaching your dog to walk nicely on leash begins with the basics: the right equipment. A leash and collar are pretty simple accessories, but there are factors to consider when you purchase them, such as material, durability, and appearance. Lets start with what to look for when choosing a leash.

The length of the leash depends on how you plan to use it. If you prefer to keep your dog close at hand or if youll be walking through crowds, a 4-foot leash is a good choice. A 6-foot leash gives you and your dog a little more room to maneuver. Long leashes, 20 to 50 feet, are made for dogs who are learning to track. These are also great for teaching your dog to come on command or for giving her lots of leeway at the local park. However, long leashes are not suitable for dogs just learning to walk on leash, as theres too much lead for a pup who hasnt learned to mind you amid distractions.

When choosing a leash, look for one that feels comfortable in your hand. It should have sturdy hardware such as a trigger clip or a stainless steel, nickel, or brass swivel spring. Long leashes should have plenty of strength. Look for one thats made with half-inch-diameter marine-quality line or polypropylene climbing rope; both are strong, waterproof, and easy to clean. Also, a UV coating protects against decay or fading.

Although the history of leashes is sparse, its safe to say that whenever and wherever the first leash appeared, it was probably made of leather, rope, or chain. Modern leashes come in a variety of materials and styles. The leash you choose depends on your dogs size and breed as well as the look and feel that you and your dog desire. You can communicate with your dog simply by your choice of leash. If you keep one leash for fun walks, one for the conformation ring, and one for obedience work, she will learn the difference. When she sees which leash youre attaching, she can prepare herself for that activity.

Leather is appealing to both humans and dogs. People like it because of its attractive appearance, strength, and comfort in the hand. Dogs like it because it smells and tastes good. Leather leashes usually come in 4- or 6-foot lengths. Although leather doesnt come in the same variety of colors and designs as nylon does, its easy to find nice matching leash and collar sets, often with details on the collars such as suede lining or brass ornamentation. Since puppies (and sometimes grown dogs) love to chew on leather, consider waiting to purchase a leather leash until your puppy is past the chewing stage, or be prepared to always store it well out of reach.

Nylon is the way to go if you like bold colors and snazzy patternsthese leashes come in any design you could want and usually have a matching collar. Some boutiques have special-order services that allow you to get your pets name or a special message printed on or sewn into the leash. Leashes made from nylon are strong. Dogs are less likely to chew on nylon than leather, although a puppy craving to chew on something will take whatever she can find.

Hemp canvas is a durable, natural material that softens with wear, making it easy on the hands. Its also machine washable, so it stays presentable.

Special occasion leashes made of velvet, grosgrain ribbon, and other creative materials are beautiful and fun, but are more decorative than they are practical. Save them for holidays and portrait sittings.

A slip lead , sometimes referred to as a cleash, is a combination collar and leash. The collar is a loop that slides open to fit over your dogs head and tightens around the neck. Slip leads are often used in dog shows. At home, they are handy if you need to take your dog out quickly and you dont want to bother with putting on her regular collar and leash. Keep a slip lead in the car for times when youve forgotten her regular leash or if you need to make a fast exit.