Leash train 9 wk old puppy **not underfoot?

Question

I have read other postings that suggest the dogparent use a clicker or treat as positive reinforcement. One thing I haven't seen is how do you get your puppy to stay on one side of you i.e. I'm right handed so I guess I should use my left hand to hold the leash (to keep my right hand free if anything comes up). So how do I keep my puppy from zig zagging? Also, when we're indoors, he follows me and sometimes runs by my feet --too close for comfort because I am afraid I (or my bf) will step on him by accident. I already bought some bells for his collar but is there a way to show my dog not to run into my feet (esp. where I am about to set foot)?

Answer 1

Hm - that's a challenge! I think first, be sure that when you walk your dog, that you're only walking your dog - no extra purse, cellphone, etc. Also, it's helpful to not have a particular place that you have to get to with the pup, as that will override good training. Try doing what we agility folk call 'flatwork' - that is, practice the heeling position with the aid of a trash can or barrel that is set out so that you can walk around it with your dog. Have the small, soft, yummy treats in a pouch so they are ready to go, and your clicker too. Barrel or trash can on your left, pup on your right. Walk in a circle bearing left around the trash can, and reward your dog for not cutting in front or behind. You can cheat with this if he cuts by just moving close to the barrel, so that he has no place to go. To change direction, I'll try to talk you through a front cross! In agility, most handlers must change direction often, and always want to keep sight of their dog. Letting the dog 'blind cross' you is not desirable (that is, the dog cuts behind the handler to get to the next obstacle) just as you don't want your pup to zigzag around you when you walk. Imagine that your dog is polar north and you are a magnet. This means that to turn away from your left-hand barrel turn, you will pivot towards the dog on your R foot so that you briefly face him, and then continue that turn so that you now have your dog on your left. It's kind of a dance move (does that help?) and you will also be teaching your dog what your body language means. Practice your barrel work as often as you can, even setting up 2 so that you can make figure 8's and practice.
I would not name this behavior anything until you see that your dog has an understanding of it.

Answer 2

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A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Answer 3

a million. no longer all canine are a similar. considering the fact which you have had different pups/canine formerly who did no longer react like that, does not advise all pups/canine would be a similar. 2. You did no longer point out if the canine is on a harness or collar. in the experience that your canine has a collar on, attempt going to a harness, it would desire to be greater comforting than a collar around the neck with a leash. 3. you will be able to desire to start up strolling her. She's unlikely to get use to somebody on the different end of the leash once you carry her outdoors then stand there and enable her detect. strolling around along with her will help remind her somebody will constantly be on the different end of the leash. maybe discuss with a expert coach who can help you instruct leash strolling. ** edit ** Sorry, I study that as 9mo previous doggy, no longer 9wk previous doggy. maximum 9week previous pups do no longer might desire to be on a leash yet frequently, till you're at a save like petsmart or at a vet the place they require canine to be leashed in any respect circumstances. if she's purely been with you for 2 days, you will be able to desire to offer her greater time. All canine have distinctive personalities, and a few will require greater staying power than others.

Answer 4

You'll need to hold the leash at a shorter length so the puppy has no choice but to stay right beside you. This is the best way to teach them where they should walk during walks. They should walk right beside you, not behind or in front of. You'll want to continue the shorter length of leash until you know for sure the dog won't take advantage of the extra room.

Answer 5

when you are walking him if he starts zig zagging hold him by the collar at your side while you are and when he stops being squarely start letting the leash out slowly and repeat it every time that he starts zig zagging again he'll get the point after a while . As far as stepping on he do it he will learn quick to stay out from under foot. It has worked for me with all the dogs that I have had in my life.

Answer 6

i had his same problem with my dog and i just kept her on a short leash when walking and when she would try to cut me off she couldnt. as for being underfoot after a few crashes she will learn that isnt where she wants to be

Answer 7

I have never used a clicker but just short walks in yard r a great start 9 weeks is still a baby and he will learn to watch out for yr feet.

Answer 8

The idea is, you click, say "heel" and give a reward when the puppy happens to stand in the right place. Over time, he will associate that place with the reward, soon after he will associate the word with the rewarded behaviour. At that point, he will do the behavior on command.