If you happen to be starting off with a new puppy, then all the better, because from the start you have new 'material' to work with, the puppy is at its first day at school, looking at you for instruction, keen to please, and eager to learn, but at the same time wanting to have fun.
But sadly, this is where it all usually starts to go wrong for most owners, especially with their first dog.
When is the right time to start training a puppy to walk to heel ?, my answer to this often asked question is, As soon as it can walk, but try not to put your dog on a lead straight away when it is only a few weeks old.
Puppies don’t need to put on a lead when they are only a few weeks old, just get them out to a safe place, once the innoculation period is over, and, if you can find somewhere quiet, with no distractions, LET THEM RUN. How far can a 14 week old pup go, and why would it want to run away from the one and only companion and pack leader it has got.
Any puppy will follow you if you encourage it to do so, but no puppy will be happy if you make it! Once he or she has had a good run around, and all ablutions are over, STOP AND THINK about what you are about to do. Put the puppy on a lead and calm down. Imagine in your own mind the first command and the control of the lead and always be positive in believing it will work.
It only takes five minutes of positive training each day. Always end on a good note (show the Puppy that she, or he, is your friend), never show anger, but be firm when it matters.
With older dogs the training is the same, and every day is a new day in any dogs mind with new lessons to be learned.
The correct use of the lead is very important and the right type of lead for your dog will make all the difference.
In my own opinion, collars don’t work, although a dog should wear one with an id tag on it. It should play no part in the training method I use. The tone of your voice, the speed of your walk, these all play a part, AND IF YOUR NOT IN THE MOOD DON’T GO TRAINING
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