Leash training for Maltese puppies, Maltese puppy leash training, Find out how to Leash train your teacup Maltese puppy, Leash training information
LEASH TRAIN YOUR MALTESE PUPPY, MALTESE PUPPY LEASH TRAINING INFORMATION
One of the
first things that owners want to be able to do is to start taking their Maltese
puppy (Maltese puppies) out with them on walks and to new places. In order to do
so safely it is important to get the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) leash or
lead trained as soon as possible, although puppies will naturally stay fairly
close to people when outside of their normal environment. Remember however that
puppies will chase and just act silly and should never be taken out of the safe
yard area without being on a leash or lead.
The first component of leash training is to get the Maltese puppy (Maltese
puppies) used to all the equipment. Start by finding a good, properly sized
collar. If the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) is going to wear the collar all
the time it is essential to get a break away collar that will easily come apart
if it gets hooked on something and traps the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies). A
break away collar will snap open, preventing the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies)
from possibly injuring itself or even being strangled. The collar can be
leather, nylon or cotton blend and should be sized to allow the owner to insert
two fingers between the collar and the back of the neck. Collars that are too
tight will result in discomfort for the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) and
negative associations with the collar and collars that are too loose will simply
slip off the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) and teach them how to get away.
Some people prefer to use harnesses rather than collars. For short nosed breeds
such as Pugs, Boston Terriers and Shih Tzus as well as most of the toy breeds
harnesses are often recommended to prevent possible trachea collapse if the
Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) or dog pulls against the collar. Harnesses, like
collars, need to be properly fitted and should be the correct size for the dog.
It is important for owners to carefully check for any signs of chaffing or
rubbing when using either a harness or a collar. Some puppies seem to have an
easier time with a harness whereas others really don't seem to like them, so it
is important to work with the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) as well as get
advice on properly fitting and measuring your Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies)
for a harness.
Start by
allowing the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) to wear the collar for short
periods of time just around the house. This is the same if you are using a
harness. Don't attach anything to it at all; just allow the Maltese puppy
(Maltese puppies) to wear it. Gradually increase the length of time that the
collar or harness is on. Avoid pulling or grabbing the collar or harness in any
way at this time, this is just a desensitization process and is not really part
of the training. The next step is to attach a string or piece of yarn to the
collar or harness and let the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) get used to it
dragging on their neck. Do not use the leash at this time as the Maltese puppy
(Maltese puppies) will bite and play with the yarn, and you do not wish to
encourage them to bite to play with the leash itself. Once the Maltese puppy
(Maltese puppies) is comfortable with the yarn or ribbon, it is time to start
the actual training.
For most breeds of dogs a six to eight foot nylon or leather leash is all that
is required. An easy-snap type clasp is great for simply attaching and detaching
the leash with minimum chances of the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) being able
to get the leash detached. Avoid using a retractable leash for training as this
can confuse the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) as to how far he or she can go
at any time. A retractable lead or leash is ideal after the Maltese puppy
(Maltese puppies) is trained, but just complicates basic training.
Start by attaching the least to the collar or harness and then stepping away
from the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies), giving the "Come Fido" or "Walk Fido".
The Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) will likely get up and move with you, but if
he or she doesn't stop and wait, do not use the leash to pull. When the Maltese
puppy (Maltese puppies) gets up to move towards you repeat the command and start
to move, matching your pace to the puppies.
Never, ever use the leash or collar to drag the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies)
or allow the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) to drag you. If the Maltese puppy
(Maltese puppies) starts to go in a direction the owner doesn't want to go,
simply stop until the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) quits pulling and then
continue, but do not go in the direction the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies)
wanted to go. They need to learn that you are setting the course and that they
are not.
Some tips for leash training your Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) include:
Always exercise the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) by playing a game off leash before setting out on a leash training exercise.
Remember that puppies have limited bursts of energy and may not be up to long walks and are definitely not up to jogging. This will come with time but young puppies and jogging are never a good combination.
Plan to start out leash training in an area the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) is already familiar with. The backyard is an ideal option as long as it is distraction free.
Walking on the sidewalk is very challenging as there are so many new sights, sounds and even people that it is often very difficult for the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) to focus.
Watch for signs that the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) is not attending to you. When you notice this happening simply turn and walk the opposite direction, but don't pull or drag the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies). Soon he or she will learn to keep one eye watching what you are doing.
Keep the leash loose, not tight. The only time the leash should be tight is if you are changing directions and even then only for a split second.
Don't turn leash training into a power struggle between yourself and your Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies). Often this is very difficult for people and puppies, so attending an obedience training program can help both puppies and owners learn how to approach this training routine successfully.
Don't always walk in the same area and place, give you Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) a chance to explore new areas while on the leash.
Get into the habit of having your Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) sit and wait while you put on the collar and leash. Don't reward them if they jump, bark and whine during the process as these are bad habits that will be hard to break when the Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) gets older.
Once your Maltese puppy (Maltese puppies) is leash trained they can be more
easily socialized as well as taken out of the yard for longer walks and trips to
fun places. By keeping leash training fun and rewarding for the Maltese puppy
(Maltese puppies) they will quickly learn to look forward to seeing the collar
or harness and leash.
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