Training a Puppy about Collar, Leash and Stairs
Young puppies are generally very sceptical about themselves and their
newly acquired collars and leashes. The same may apply for even an adult
dog and it usually takes them a couple of hours to get used to it. The
collar should be comfortable and at the same time it should also be
secure as well. The regular collars should never be replaced with a
choke collar as these are only used in training aid. There should be an
identification tag and a license fastened to the collar.
Collar
 After putting the collar on the puppy, it should be left alone to do
what it wishes in order to get accustomed to its new collar. The puppy
generally rolls over and squirms around and it is best not to encourage
the dog further. The best option is to ignore the puppy for the time
being and try and provide some distraction if possible to get the
puppy’s mind away from the collar. After the collar has been accepted,
not much attention will be paid to it by the pup. Leash After
the acceptance of the collar, it is time to move on to the next stage of
training. Put the leash on your puppy and then just sit and observe him
for a period of time in a secure confined area. This should be done so
that the pup does not wander too far out of sight and hence prevents any
mishaps from taking place. If not closely observed, the puppy may get
the leash entangled around it and eventually choke. This exercise should
be practiced for a few minutes initially and with time the leash should
be kept on for longer lengths of time. To make it a little easier for
the puppy, the leash should be put on during meal times so that it can
associate the leash with something pleasant. Walking him around
After the dog has gotten used to the leash, let him walk you around
while you just hold on to the other side. Positions that put a strain on
the leash should be avoided in case it makes the pup doubtful again. If
the dog decides to sit down, then try moving back and calling him to
come towards you. In case he does not approach towards you, then try
doing the same with a dog treat or a toy in your hand. The pup will
generally wader towards you so that the puppy understands how happy you
are with it.
Getting used to the leash indoors
 It is very important to
first get the pup used to the leash indoors. Once this is mastered, then
it is ok going outdoors to a place where there are minimum distractions.
Tabasco, bitter apple or some other non toxic substance can be applied
on the leash in case the puppy is biting and chewing it. This should be
done before every outing and the dog should always be on a leash when
outside to prevent mishaps. Climbing Stairs If your puppy is
scared of taking the stairs, then it is imperative to begin bit by bit
in order to increase confidence. It is wise to begin on a wide set of
stairs and to start from the bottom of the stairs instead of the top.
The best way to get a dog to do something is to give it a treat and make
it feel loved and respected. The thing to remember is that a puppy
should not be forced and everything should be done in a dedicated and
pleasant manner as dogs love to be loved.
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