How to Use a Dog Leash Properly
Regardless of whattype of dog collaryou use there are a few good pointers to keep in mind when buying and using a dog leash. Never put a dog on a retractable leash if he known problems with aggression or pulling. Also never let your dog off the leash if he is aggressive or likely to provoke other dogs. A leash length of six foot is usually sufficient to allow you good control but without your dog feeling like he has no freedom. If using a leather leash it should be about one quarter inch wide for a dog of 15 pounds or less, one half inch for dogs up to forty-five pounds, three quarters of and inch wide for dogs up to seventy-five pounds and one inch for dogs over seventy-six pounds. The manner in which you hold theleashis very important to your dog's ability to be well trained in leash manners. Holding the leash with two hands is the most common method, one hand on the loop and the other holding the leash about half way to the dog's neck. This way you can quite easily control the dog's desire to jump or pull ahead while at the same time giving him room to maneuver. If you are using theGentle Leader Headcollarit is important to remember that there is no need to pull or jerk. Thehead halterautomatically does the correcting for you.
If you notice that your dog is getting overly excited around another dog and is going to start jumping move in another direction to head off the problem. Always be ready to click and treat your dog when he performs the desired behavior. One trick you can use if your dog has a hard time listening to you when encountering another dog is simply to throw some goodies into the grass next to your dog. As he is busy gathering up this unexpected treasure find, the other dog has time to move on. You are able to maintain control as by the time he is done the distraction has passed.
