The Leash is the Ballet Barre of Dog Training

I am a huge advocate for Off Leash Reliability of dogs. I think by unleashing dogs, when they understand and cooperate, especially when called to Come, means I have taught them well and they are using their "Thinking Caps". It also gives their owner's peace of mind that their dog will not run away.

But how do we get there? What is going to help us communicate to our dogs? The Leash.

Like a child learning to ride a bike, kids start with training wheels, parents hold and support the bike so their child won't fall over. The leash, this tool, is that safety net and life line, literally, because it may save your dog from being hit by a car. The leash is the beginning of groundwork in educating my canine student.

The leash connects us to keep our dogs close. It provides a steady stream of information to help our dogs. It sets boundaries and limits to what they want to do and redirects them to what they are asked to do.

In addition to the leash, the right collar is important. The flat collar is great for holding the ID tags and could be suitable once your dog walks well but not the best for initial training. I prefer a prong collar as it simulates "Mom's teeth" and perhaps dogs remember that time when Mom picked them up as puppies, by the scruff of their neck applying manners as needed.

I like the combination of the leash and prong collar when used appropriately, for me that means pressure and release: like pressing the brakes when driving into a curve. This can help slow down the greatest of pullers without using much muscle work.

When we take the leash it is also critical to keep in mind that you are not the water skier being dragged behind the boat. You and your dog are a team with you being the Leader. In fact, consider yourself  the Senior partner of the team with Junior K9 being the follower.

This is how the Leadership begins. You, taking charge of where you and your dog will go. It is important to remember that while on leash and being connected that you don't allow your dog to willy nilly wander all over the place. This is where the discpiline comes into the picture. By practicing correctly you can exercise both your dog's brain and body.

I have always admired ballet dancers,. Their poise, grace, strength and their discipline to excell. And where does this begin? 
At the Ballet Barre. From the very beginning the dancers start at the barre repeating the moves until they have achieved perfection. They use the barre for support but eventually leave to dance on their own.

We too, have a place to start, return as needed and then dance with our dogs. We do it with a leash.


Out of the DogHouse LLC website www.ohiodogtrainer.net
Contact Dru Therrian (440) 286-9070