Beginner's Guide to Training Your Dog To Walk In a Harness
A harness is an excellent option for training your dog to walk on a leash. Unlike a collar, which can be uncomfortable and put pressure on your dog's neck, a harness distributes the force evenly around your dog's body. In this beginner's guide, we'll teach you how to choose the correct harness for your dog and how to train them to walk in it. We'll also cover some common mistakes people make when using a harness so that you can avoid them!
What is the Best Age to Start Lead Training?
One of the most common questions we get asked, and for a good reason too! When should you start lead training with your puppy - as soon as they're old enough. We recommend starting earlier than 12 weeks so that both humans AND animals learn proper behaviour expectations from each other. The first two weeks in their new home should only hold positive experiences – no scolding allowed!! Just let them get used to unfamiliar tools like leashes/harnesses while outside on walks around safe areas at first.
Learning to Bring to Heel
Learning to heel is an essential part of harness training for you and your dog. The more control in place, the easier it will be to teach them how best to walk together without pulling or stopping entirely at any point along their path!
Make sure you use clear commands and hold the lead tightly when setting off. The best way to keep your dog walking next to or behind you is, as opposed, instructional praise such as "good job" followed by treats for reinforced good behaviour.
To keep your dog from pulling on the lead, use a kind and simple command like 'easy' or "heel." If they continue with this behaviour after you've reminded them of what was going well before, then loosen up slightly so as not to force them into an uncomfortable situation. Turn around in place until they're walking next to you again; once that occurs, resume the walk.
The whole process requires a lot of repetition and patience, but you will get there in no time at all.
Things to Remember When Lead Training
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using the harness. First, make sure it fits well and that both of your minds are calm, so they will do what's expected from them without any fuss! Remembering these three things can help:
1) Buy reliable brands and make sure they fit well. It is important to measure correctly before making a purchase.
2) Be calm and not stressed
3) Persistent practice makes perfect
4) Give rewards after good behaviour has been exhibited
To Conclude
Harness training is simple. Remember to buy a harness that fits well and be persistent with your dog. Make sure when they are good behaviourally speaking, you offer them some treats, and always reward your pup for doing what you want! You won't have any problem getting through this process- dogs love it too, so don't worry about how long it takes because they will thank you later, and you will be thankful for having a well-trained dog.