Quick question: What’s the most important dog training tool?
- Treats
- Prong collar
- Electronic collar
- Harness
- Clicker
- All of the above
This is a trick question.
The most important tool is the most overlooked tool. You see, everything listed above is helpful. But nothing is more important and useful than the…
…leash!
I know this is not an exciting answer.
If you want to see immediate results in your dog training start by using the leash more.
My goal when I am training is to get my dog off leash trained as fast as possible. To get your dog off leash you need to start on leash. Training starts with using the leash when you first start.
A big rookie mistake is training with no leash.
When I am teaching a class I ask this question:
“At your house do you train with the leash on or off your dog?”
Most people answer they train with the leash off their dogs.
Here is why you want to train with the leash on.
Training a dog with zero obedience you need to control one very important element of the process.
You need to control the environment. Control the environment and you control the dog.
You cant give your dog any options. When your dog has options you will end up repeating the command. You will chase your dog around. You won’t get good results.
Think of attending an obedience class with five other dogs. You walk into the room and let the dogs off leash. The results won’t be very good. With the leash on you can control the dog’s environment.
This will allow you to get good repetition and consistent behavior.
If you want to up your training game and get better results start with improving your leash skills. If you have a leash on your dog and you give the command “COME” you can get your dog to come to you every time you give the command.
With the leash off you’ll be chasing your dog every time there is any distraction. With enough practice you’ll be able to shift to off leash.
Not to mention the better your dog is on leash the more places you can go with them. And one place you’ll want to go is the Pet Photos with Santa at my school.
Here are the details:
WHEN: Sunday December 4th from 11 to 2
WHERE: 1180 State Road Westport MA
WHO: You, your friends, family, anyone you know with a dog is invited. Please share.
WHAT: There is no charge for the photos but we do accept any size donation for the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. 100% of the donations go to the shelter.
WHY: This has become an annual tradition we started back in 1997. We look forward to doing this every year. We are planning on making this year the best. We’ll have refreshments, raffles, food and fun.
Remember to mark your calendars and come to this event with your dog. Also please share with any of your dog loving friends or family.
See you there!
Your friend,
Eric
1180 State Rd.
Westport MA 02790
USA