How to Introduce your Puppy to the Leash with Bethany Preud'homme.

TL;DR

Bethany Preud'homme demonstrates how to introduce puppies to leash walking.

Transcript

welcome back to another episode everyone today i am back at riverside california ph dogs with professional dog trainer bethany perdow she's going to be going over some of the steps that she likes to take when she starts to introduce brand new puppies to the leash this is a great exercise that i highly recommend doing with your own puppies at home s... Read More

Key Insights

• Introducing a puppy to a leash involves gradual steps: collar comfort, dragging the leash, following the handler, and responding to leash pressure.
• Ensuring the puppy's collar is properly fitted is crucial to prevent slipping or choking, and it should be regularly checked as the puppy grows.
• Allowing the puppy to drag the leash helps them become accustomed to the sensation and tension before the handler holds it.
• Reward-based training is emphasized, using treats to encourage the puppy to follow and stay in the desired position.
• Redirecting a biting puppy with food or toys can prevent unwanted behavior, and picking them up can provide a timeout if necessary.
• Utilizing harnesses and flexi leads can encourage exploration during initial walks, teaching puppies to follow without waiting for them.
• Consistency in rewarding puppies when they check back in during walks reinforces the importance of paying attention to the handler.
• Bethany Preud'homme offers training services both locally and via Zoom, making her expertise accessible to a wide audience.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Bethany recommend introducing a puppy to a leash?

Bethany recommends a gradual process: first, ensure the puppy is comfortable with a collar, then allow them to drag the leash to get used to the sensation. Once comfortable, start holding the leash and encourage the puppy to follow using treats as rewards.

Q: What should be checked regularly when using a collar on a puppy?

It's important to regularly check the fit of the puppy's collar to ensure it is snug enough to prevent slipping but loose enough to avoid choking. This is crucial as puppies grow quickly, and an ill-fitting collar can be uncomfortable or unsafe.

Q: What is Bethany's approach to a puppy that bites during training?

Bethany suggests redirecting a biting puppy with food or toys. If the biting continues, she recommends picking up the puppy and holding them away as a form of timeout until they calm down. This helps teach the puppy that biting is not part of the game.

Q: Why does Bethany use harnesses and flexi leads during initial walks?

Bethany uses harnesses and flexi leads to allow puppies to explore comfortably, as harnesses are designed for pulling. Flexi leads provide space for exploration, teaching puppies to follow the handler without the handler having to wait for them, promoting attentive behavior.

Q: How does Bethany reinforce the puppy's attention during walks?

Bethany reinforces attention by rewarding puppies when they check back in with the handler during walks. This consistent reward system teaches puppies the importance of staying attentive and following the handler, rather than allowing them to dictate the pace.

Q: What services does Bethany offer for dog training?

Bethany offers both in-person and online training services. Locally, she provides private lessons and stay-and-train options in Riverside, California. For those unable to attend in person, she offers Zoom training sessions, making her expertise widely accessible.

Q: What is the significance of using treats in leash training?

Treats play a significant role in leash training by serving as a positive reinforcement tool. They encourage the puppy to follow the handler and stay in the desired position. Treats help build a positive association with the leash and the act of walking alongside the handler.

Q: How does Bethany handle a puppy that ignores food rewards?

If a puppy ignores food rewards, Bethany suggests using higher-value treats or engaging the puppy with play to reduce biting tendencies. She also emphasizes the importance of ensuring the puppy is hungry enough to be motivated by the food rewards offered during training.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bethany Preud'homme, a professional dog trainer, demonstrates the steps to introduce puppies to leash walking. The process involves getting puppies comfortable with a collar, allowing them to drag a leash, and teaching them to follow while being rewarded with treats.

• The training emphasizes the importance of using properly fitted collars and harnesses, and the use of flexi leads to encourage exploration. Puppies learn to follow the handler without the handler waiting for them, reinforcing attentive behavior.

• Bethany offers training services in Riverside, California, and online, making her expertise accessible to a broad audience. Her methods focus on positive reinforcement, using treats and toys to redirect unwanted behaviors like biting.