Collar and lead train dog Camden, New Jersey

How do I collar and lead train my dog in Camden NJ ?

Lead training your puppy takes time and patience for both you and your puppy so do your best to avoid scolding them. It’s not fair to correct puppies for something they don’t understand.

Choosing the right collar in Camden, New Jersey

The secret to getting a good collar for your puppy is to buy one that fits them now but is also easy to adjust as puppies grow very quickly! Choose a small, lightweight one that’s suitable for the size they are now. Don’t get one you think they’ll grow into eventually, because that’s just going to be too big, heavy and intimidating.

You can buy one with clips on it to start with, just because it’s going to be a lot easier to introduce it to them. You can just put it on and clip it together, rather than fiddling with buckles which can be scary when they’re wearing a collar for the first time.

Collar and lead train dog Camden NJ

Introducing the collar to your dog

The first thing is to put on the collar and immediately after give them a treat. So that they realise that the collar means good stuff. Don’t put the collar on, then take it off and give them a treat. Otherwise all you’re rewarding them for is having the collar off.

Put it on nice and quietly – and this is where you’ll find the real advantage of the clips because you don’t have to mess around with the buckles – and the minute the clip is on, give your puppy a treat.

Then you can build up the length of time that they’re wearing the collar for, until they’re wearing it for longer and longer periods of time. Be mindful about your puppy wearing a collar in the house. Keep an eye on them in case the collar gets caught on anything such as furniture. This may hurt your puppy. However, also consider that a young puppy can be quick to escape. And having a collar or harness on in the house may provide extra ability to secure your puppy if needed!

Introducing the lead to your dog

The most important thing is to never pull on the lead. If it is ever tight, just lure your puppy beside you with a treat or a toy while walking. Or if your puppy is ahead of you just turn around so your puppy is behind you and take a few steps in the other direction. All you’re doing is getting them used to moving around beside you with the lead and collar on. Remember to keep your hand down (the one holding the treat or toy). So your puppy doesn’t get into the habit of jumping up at you. This helps your puppy learn that they can move around with a collar and lead on. And that the lead is never something that they’re going to pull on. Gradually reduce the amount of treats your puppy is rewarded with so that they don’t just get used to following a food treat.

If you feel that your puppy is getting stressed when walking on a lead outside, walk to the end of the lead, crouch down and call them in for a treat. Or go with a family member and have one of you walking ahead and calling the puppy for treats. You’ll then be turning this into a rewarding game and showing your puppy that there are good times are ahead. That way your puppy will learn to focus on what’s ahead of them with curiosity instead of fear.

Please note: there are many different ways to train your dog. This is just one method of teaching. If you are ever in doubt, please seek professional advice.