One the questions we are always asked is how to use a six-foot dog leash. One the issues people have when walking their dog is the pulling. One person we talked with actually had the their arm dislocated and another fractured their collar bone when their dog pulled so hard the owner went flying forward landing on the concrete side walk.

The reason for this is that the dog walks in front of the owner instead walking along side. If this sounds like you then the solution can be quite simple; you need both hands. Use one hand on the loop end of the dog leash and the other about half way down leaving very little slack between where the leash is attached to the collar and your hand.

The six-foot dog leash is the most recommended dog leash owners use for walking. The reason is the control it offers especially when compared to a retractable dog leash. While retractable dog leashes have their place, using them for a walk or training is not one of them. The best place to use a retractable dog leash is when you arrive at a dog park or in your own yard when you are allowing your dog to explore their surroundings but need to still have them tethered.

Most municipalities have a six-foot dog leash restriction so be careful where you use a retractable dog leash or a 20-foot dog lead. Aside from holding the leash correctly, the next component to dog walking is having the right dog collar.

The two we recommend are the Martingale dog collar or a no-pull dog harness. Either of these when combined with a six-foot dog leash will make walking with your dog a pleasant experience instead of a test of your patience and endurance. Martingale collars offer the same benefits as the standard choke collar but without the harmful consequences and the no-pull dog harness will correct any bad behavior right out of the package on the first use.

Dog owners whether new or experienced plan for the goal of having the most well behaved dog in the neighborhood. To achieve this goal, obedience training is the answer and that begins with the right tools. The first tool you need to embark on successful obedience training is the appropriate dog leashes.

Dog leashes come in all shapes and sizes from leather dog leashes to retractable dog leashes. Sizes vary from four feet to over 100 feet and depending the training session will determine the correct length and style. Leather dog leashes of either four feet or six feet are the right choice if training your dog to walk. While for most breeds a six-foot dog leash, works the best but for taller breeds the four-foot length is the better choice. The shorter length gives you more control as you walk with your dog.

When teaching the “come” command long dog leashes of 20 to 100 feet is the tool you need. Most of these dog leashes are made of nylon and can be attached to your dogs training collar. This is one the most important commands to teach your dog as it could save his/her life one day.

A retractable dog leash has it’s place in your collection but is one of the worst choices for training. These dog leashes offer no control over your dog most likely breaking within one or two uses. Where they are useful is when your dog is well trained on how to walk; you can let out the lead giving your dog an opportunity to sniff his/her surrounding.

Choosing a leather dog leash or nylon from a training perspective does not matter, what does matter is that you choose the right dog leash to match the training session you are trying to teach. At the very least have two dog leashes in your collection, one for walking and one long training dog leash. With these two tools used appropriately, you can achieve your goal of having the best-behaved dog on the block.

by Remarkable Dogs

Many dog owners enjoy a stroll through the neighborhood with their dog and as most municipalities require your dog to be on a leash it is one of the first purchases to make when you get a dog. Your breeder or Veterinarian may have talked to you about a training lead for your dog; your friends and family may have mentioned a leather dog leash or nylon dog leash. With so many choices, it can be confusing on which type of dog leash you should have.

There are two basic types of dog leashes, those for training, and those for walking. Within these two types of selections, the choices can seem endless. As a dog owner, you should have one of each. The best dog-training leash is a long nylon lead usually 25 feet long.

Dog training leads are perfect for teaching your dog the “come” command. In a small quiet room in your house with little to distract your dog start saying the word “come.” The first few times you say the command your dog is likely to come right to you. The first time he/she does not, slowly walk over and attach the training leash. Repeat the command while giving a short tug on the leash gently pulling your dog toward you. Continue for only 15 to 20 minutes; continue the lessons daily until your dog comes on command.

The standard leash comes in leather or nylon. These leashes are the most common and therefore can offer a lot to style and decoration from diamond studded to Coach® leather. Nylon leashes can have a reflective strip for safety when walking at night or early morning. These dog leashes come in a six-foot length, which is what most municipalities require. The standard leash is the dog lead of choice when it comes to dog leash training.

Standard leashes offer diversity in not only textures, colors, but also come in single or double dog leash style. When you begin dog leash training for the first time with your dog it is best to start with only one dog. Leash training requires both hands on the leash; one through the looped end and the other about half way down the lead. This helps you keep the right placement of the dog-training collar on your dog’s neck, which should be just below the ears and not half way down your dog’s neck. Incorrect collar placement can cause serious damage to your dog, especially during the first stages of dog leash training.

A bicycle dog leash is a specialty dog lead designed for those owners who enjoy taking their pooch along for a daily ride. The leash is an aluminum tube with a plastic coated cable running down through the tube, which extends out of the tube end a couple of feet to allow for ease of movement for your dog. One end connects to the bike while the other to your dog’s collar keeping them safely away the bike.

Retractable dog leashes have become quite popular over the last few years. From a training standpoint, these leashes offer no help and are not a good choice during dog leash training lessons. They are however; wonderful for those dogs that are already leash trained and have successfully learned the “come” and “heel” commands. When you are in an open area your dog can have the freedom to explore while still safely attached to a leash should anything unexpected happen.

Lastly, the martingale leash sometimes referred to as a “show-leash” as it is the dog leash of choice by show dog handlers while in the ring. They are an all-in-one collar and leash, offering the benefit of a choke collar without the possibility of choking your dog and a leash for walking or jogging. The collar portion of the lead rides high on your dog’s neck, just behind the ears connected with a small chain that pulls tight when you pull on the leash but stops short of actually choking. A great choice for the jogger in the family who likes the security of having the dog along for the run.

As you can see from the choices and their functions, dog leashes play an important role in your dog’s life. Your collection should at least include two; one for walking and leash training and the other for teaching basic obedience dog training. Having multiple dog leashes to fit your individual life style is up each dog owner and no matter what your plans are from training to jogging there is a dog leash to accomplish the task.

The purpose of socializing your new pup is to provide them the opportunity to become a valued member of the family. A well-socialized dog is not only happier but also, obedient, confident and outgoing. The prime time to make the most inroads is during the age of 10 to 16 weeks. While you can and should continue the process beyond this age, this is the most influential time period.

Breeders and experts will tell you pups that have been improperly socialized during that age can develop behavioral issues such as shyness, are fearful and aggressive. Below are a few points to consider when socializing your new pup.

Your goal during this critical age is allow your puppy to experience as many new situations as possible. Ensuring each experience is a positive one, is our job as pet owners. Start with their new home. Familiarize them to household noises and products they will hear and meet such as plastic bag noises, vacuum cleaner and washer & dryer. Introduce them to pet friendly people as you both go for walks while practicing leash training, visits to the Dog Park as well as friends & family.

As you expand the experiences, bring along plenty of dog treats and encourage your puppy that new events are fun not scary. Expose them to different sounds around your neighborhood such as a garage door opening and closing, cars alarms etc. Introduce them to well behaved children and well manner dogs, people gathering places such as a local ice-cream parlor, coffee shop even a local parade.

More and more cities are offering pet friendly restaurants and eateries. These are great places for your new puppy to experience different environments and noises for proper socialization. As you walk with your puppy, explore different surfaces such as concrete, grass, or dirt road. When moving through the park expose them to people in wheelchairs, wearing large hats, etc. walk through a tunnel or under a bridge anywhere, you feel your dog can safely experience a different environment.

Remember that during this critical age it is important to have your puppy on a dog leash. They will not receive their last set of vaccinations until they reach the age of 16 weeks so off-leash exposure to other dogs and pets could be dangerous.

Socializing your puppy in all these experiences will provide a foundation for successful on-going training. It is also important to understand the limitations of your dog. Move at their pace; forcing socialization will defeat the purpose and only frustrate both you and your dog. Proper socialization should be fun and safe and will lead to a happier dog that is self-confident, friendly, and well trained.

by Remarkable dogs