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golden retriever puppy biting red strawberry on red carpet

In Rayleigh Essex Crate training is a highly effective method for house training and managing puppies. It involves using a crate as a safe and comfortable space for your puppy to rest and relax. While some people may have concerns about crate training, when done correctly, it can provide numerous benefits for both you and your furry friend.<h2>1. Helps with Potty Training</h2>Crate training is especially helpful for potty training your puppy. Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, so by confining them to a crate, you can teach them to hold their bladder and bowels until they are taken outside. This helps establish a routine and encourages good bathroom habits.<h2>2. Prevents Destructive Behavior</h2>Puppies are notorious for getting into mischief and chewing on things they shouldn't. By crate training your puppy, you can prevent them from engaging in destructive behavior when you can't supervise them. A crate provides a safe and secure environment where they can't get into trouble.<h2>3. Reduces Separation Anxiety</h2>In Rayleigh Essex Many puppies experience separation anxiety when left alone. Crate training can help alleviate this anxiety by providing them with a cozy den-like space where they feel secure. Being in a crate can mimic the feeling of being in a den, which is comforting for dogs.<h2>4. Facilitates Traveling</h2>If you plan on traveling with your puppy, crate training is essential. A crate-trained dog is more likely to feel comfortable and secure during car rides or flights. It also makes it easier to confine your pup in unfamiliar places, such as hotel rooms or friends' houses.<h2>5. Promotes Safety</h2>Keeping your puppy safe is a top priority, especially when you can't supervise them. Crate training ensures that your curious pup doesn't get into hazardous situations or ingest something harmful. It also protects them from potential accidents or injuries when you're not around.<h2>6. Aids in Establishing Routine</h2>Having a routine is crucial for puppies, as it helps them feel secure and understand what's expected of them. Crate training provides structure and helps establish a daily routine for your puppy, including feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime. This routine can contribute to their overall well-being and behavior.<h2>7. Enhances Bonding</h2>Contrary to popular belief, In Rayleigh Essex crate training does not have to be a negative experience for your puppy. When done correctly, it can actually enhance the bond between you and your furry friend. By providing them with a safe space and positive associations with the crate, you are building trust and creating a strong foundation for your relationship.<h2>8. Promotes Restful Sleep</h2>Puppies need a lot of sleep to support their growth and development. Crate training helps create a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment for your puppy. By having a designated space for sleep, your puppy will learn to associate the crate with rest and relaxation.<h2>Conclusion</h2>In Rayleigh Essex Crate training is a valuable tool for puppy owners. It helps with potty training, prevents destructive behavior, reduces separation anxiety, facilitates traveling, promotes safety, aids in establishing routine, enhances bonding, and promotes restful sleep. Remember to introduce the crate gradually and make it a positive experience for your puppy. With patience and consistency, crate training can have long-lasting benefits for both you and your furry companion.

In Rayleigh Essex The Benefits of Crate Training for Puppies

Hello EveyoneMy aim Is to help as many people as possible in Rayleigh Essex understand why their dog is behaving the way it is and then give some simple steps to help rectify the problem.If you are experiencing problems with your puppy/dog, please read through this and stay tuned for further training blogs. I truly believe you will find at least one thing that you can apply and help with your problem/problemsOne thing I just want you to remember is there’s no magic pill when it comes to dog training. In Rayleigh Essex It requires consistency over time, alot of repetition and most importantly patience. I definitely struggled with patience in the early days. Here are a few questions to consider with regards to problematic behaviour and be honest. Does my dog/puppy really understand what I am asking them to do or are they confused?Have I practiced it over and over again in many many situations and environments or did I just do it for a little while in not very distracting environments? I’m talking several months too not several weeks. Do I from time to time ask my dog to do something and not follow through with what I’m asking? Ask them to sit several times, they don’t do it and that’s the end of it? Call them in from garden or recall whilst out and again get ignored?Have I always used a treat in my hand to get my dog/puppy to do something. The moment the treat is gone, they won’t do what I’m asking?Have I put my dog/puppy in situations that I consider maybe too distracting and then got frustrated that they won’t listen to me e.g guests coming over, taking the puppy on the school run where it comes into contact with lots of children/people, having my dog/puppy out at meal times, letting my dog/puppy off lead when I haven’t got a proper recall and allowing it to run over to other dogs/people/chase wildlife. Have I been humanising my dog/puppy’s behaviour in the hope it will stop. Shouting at my dog/puppy when it’s barking, reacting to my dog/puppy for jumping up ie saying ‘no/stop/off/get down’ or pushing it down/away or turning your back on it. These are common things I see happening over and over and I will be totally honest I have also done some of these things. And so we begin…….. A lot of what I discuss is for puppies but there is also information included for adult dogs and what to do if you are experiencing problems. The sooner we start implementing this training from when we get our puppies the more effective it is going to be. If you can take away one thing with regards to most of the problematic behaviours you may be experiencing its that you need to start ignoring the problematic behaviour, preventing it from occurring and then rewarding the behaviour you want. Now you may think ‘is that really one if your pearls of wisdom that is going help me?’(It won’t work for seperation anxiety or resource guarding)Well, Yes!!!! It is. The best example i like to use is jumping up. I was literally only dealing with this on Sunday with a client who is experiencing this problem, amongst other things. When I turned up I was greeted, like in most cases by a labradoodle that was imitating a kangaroo. So here is the first problem. If you have a dog that greets everyone like this, then STOP letting it do it. Every single time your dog does this to someone it is a) getting rewarded for doing it and b) thinks this behaviour is totally acceptable, because it’s getting rewarded for doing it.Now you’re probably thinking, how is my dog getting rewarded for doing this? It’s getting rewarded because I can almost guarantee that either you or your guests coming into the house will Be giving the dog something. When i refer to giving them something, I mean either touching them in one way or another or you are reacting, saying ‘stop it, no, off etc’ or pushing them away or trying to get them off said guests. This is humanising dog behaviour by treating it, how we would a human. They are NOT humans they are dogs. In our minds we are telling the dog to stop it and don’t do that, so should that not be enough for the dog to stop. No it won’t. I will Never ever greet a dog or interact with a dog that is jumping up at me, it’s gets ignored. Then when it’s four paws are on the floor or it’s butt hits the ground i will either give it a treat or praise it. Because that’s the behaviour I want more of. Any BEHAVIOUR(jumping up) a dog finds rewarding will CONTINUE in frequency. The jumping up will if it hasn’t already get worse. If you just take a look at your dog when all this is going on, quite frankly it’s loving every minute of it.When I say ignore the dog. I literally mean ignore the dog, stand there with your arms folded and give it zero, every single time it does this. Say nothing, do nothing!But we just can’t help ourselves, we feel that we must do something. So we shout sit, a million times and the dog continues with its Skippy the bush kangaroo impression 🦘 🦘. Then all we’ve done yet again is reward our dog for this behaviour and so the cycle goes on and on. The same applies to Counter surfing, jumping up to the table, literally every time your dogs paws leave the floor and you react, it’s having the opposite affect. It will Only get worse. Also the mere fact that we are asking our dog to do something ‘sit’, we then expect them to do it. When it doesn’t we are kind of all out of ideas and get more and more frustrated with every command of sit we give thereafter. Plus a dog would rather have any attention than no attention. That refers to when maybe you’ve got a little too frustrated and gone a bit too far or shouted a bit too loud. It happens. Here’s something else I want to the throw in the mix and again be honest. When you’ve been sat down on the sofa, at a table, come through the front door and missed your dog or just because you felt like it, encouraged your dog up to you and then made a massive fuss of them. Yes/no?? Now hang on a minute isn’t that the behaviour that annoys you?!?!? So why are you making a fuss of your dog when it does it at different times of the day in a different setting??? You can’t have it both ways. That’s why dogs are confused because they don’t know right from wrong because us humans muddy those waters. Dogs are very black &amp; white in how they learn. So consider how we got To this situation in the first place. It’s not about blame, it’s just seeing things from your dogs point of view. You are where you are and you have to change these things to turn the tide. It applies to everyone in the family. There is no point the grown ups doing it whilst the kids are still encouraging all the wrong behaviours, inconsistency and confusion again. It isn’t going to be easy to now get a different behaviour that we have unintentionally trained into our dog, but it is achievable I can assure you. It just requires time, consistency &amp; patience. Something us humans struggle with a lot!!! As mentioned before you have to stop it going on, if that means having your dog on a lead, having it in a crate, pen or behind a baby gate then that is what has to be done. There is no point doing it some of the time, for a few weeks or when it suits. You MUST go all in!!!! Please don’t get offended when I say this but if you had implemented these things from the get go, you wouldn’t be where you are now. It’s your dog and if you dont want to put it in a crate, pen or have it on a lead, then don’t do it. But no this, your dog will continue with all this behaviour. I can assure you, it will only get worse and even harder to reverse the longer you allow it to go on for. Exercises to help with jumping up:Exercise 1Ignore your dog when you return home. You need to get away from worrying about the fact they are still doing the jumping. It doesn’t matter!!!! Provided you don’t react to it. Then when the right behaviour is offered(sitting or all paws on floor) you reward them with praise or a treat. The most important part is Be patient, I guarantee I would get your dog to sit without saying a single word to it or touching it. Exercise 2Practice having your dog under control on a short lead, next to you. I am right handed so I hold the lead in my right hand, have my dog to the left of me and use my left hand to hold the lead about 2 ft from the dogs collar. The dog must be by your side, not out in front of you. Then get family members to approach and don’t give the dog the opportunity to jump up all over them. Keep them by your side under control. If they start lunging and being silly, say nothing and get the family member to simply back away. Then when the dog is calm again, they can approach. It doesn’t matter how long it takes(patience) the dog must learn in order to meet people it must be calm and either sitting(my preferred option) or all four paws on floor. You MUST stop your dog meeting people by jumping all over them. It’s bad manners!!!If you have children a stair gate is a very good physical barrier to use or if they are a puppy in a pen use the pen. The kids can stand the other side, wait for the right behaviour and then put a treat through it to give to the dog. Don’t start leaning over the top of gate or pen because it’s just going to encourage the dog to jump again. Keep their paws on the floor. Plus if the kids are very young the dog can’t physically access them and cause the kids to scream, move arms &amp; legs around and get the dog more excited. Exercise 3Walk around with a handful of your dogs food(if dry) or some treats. No doubt this will cause your dog to try and jump Up and get the food from you.Keep the food up high and say nothing, do nothing. Not sit, nothing at all!!!! They have to realise the only way they are getting any food is by putting its butt on the ground or keeping all paws on the floor. Patience is key again. Remember the fact they are doing the jumping doesn’t matter(we must get our head around this) we DO NOT have to do anything other than WAIT. When the dog stops jumping(and it will) you reward them. Then walk away and repeat over and over. Do this every day for 2 weeks along with the other things and I assure you there will be a change in your dogs behaviour. Just remember in those excited moments they will revert back to the jumping so just try to keep things as calm As possible. You just have to remain consistent and make sure you don’t revert back to your old habits of reacting and rewarding the wrong behaviour. There are no quick fixes in dog training. As I’ve banged on in this email and I will say one more time. It requires hard work, consistency over time and patience. Your dog can be fixed and IF you implement what I’ve suggested you will get the twists you want. I am not into flowering things up, as you have seen. If that’s not for you then that’s absolutely fine. I am also not into going to tell people do this one thing and it will resolve all your problems. This kind of training doesn’t exist.If it sounds too good to be true then trust me, it is!!! I really hope you’ve found this helpful and if so please keep an eye out for more help. All I am trying to do is help as many people as possible have the dog that they desire. Have a great day and Happy training!!! Paul 🐶🐶🦘🦘

Skippy the bush kangaroo: In Rayleigh Essex Have you got a dog that jumps up?? 🦘🦘

In Leigh on Sea Essex puppy socialisation is a critical aspect of raising a well-behaved and happy dog. It involves introducing puppies to a range of people, environments, and other animals, from an early age, to help them develop the social skills they need to interact appropriately with the world around them. At 16 weeks Around 85% of a dog’s brain is developed and the puppy socialisation window is almost closed. What your dog hasn’t learned or gotten familiar with by this point will become a problem down the road. At that point in time, it will become a long, time-consuming process to fix/adjust it and in some cases it would be impossible to fully overcome. In this blog post, we'll explore why puppy socialisation is so important and how to go about it.Reduced aggression and fearPuppies that are socialised early are less likely to develop aggressive or fearful behaviour later in life. This is because socialisation helps puppies to become accustomed to different people and situations, reducing the likelihood that they will perceive new people or experiences as a threat.Improved obedience and trainingPuppies that have been socialised are easier to train and more obedient. They are more confident and comfortable with new experiences, which makes them more receptive to learning new commands and behaviours.Better health outcomesSocialisation helps puppies to become comfortable with unfamiliar environments, such as the veterinarian's office, which can reduce stress during medical appointments. This can have a positive impact on a puppy's overall health and well-being.Enhanced social skillsIn Leigh on Sea Essex Socialisation helps puppies to develop strong social skills, which are crucial for a well-adjusted and happy dog. They learn to communicate effectively with other dogs and humans, and they develop an understanding of appropriate behaviour in different social situations.Prevention of behaviour problemsPuppies that have not been socialised are at risk of developing behaviour problems such as separation anxiety, aggression, and excessive barking. Socialisation can help prevent these issues from arising, which can save owners a great deal of time, money, and stress in the long run.What can you do to socialise your puppy?Start slowWhen socialising your puppy in Leigh on sea Essex, it's important to start slow and gradually expose them to new experiences. Begin with quiet, calm environments, such as your home or garden , and gradually increase the level of exposure as your puppy becomes more comfortable. This will help prevent overstimulation and ensure that your puppy has positive experiences.Introduce your puppy to new peopleIntroducing your puppy to new people is a crucial aspect of socialisation. Invite friends and family members over to meet your puppy, and encourage them to give your puppy treats and praise. It's important to supervise interactions between your puppy and new people, to ensure that they are safe and positive.Provide positive experiences with other animalsExposing your puppy to other animals, such as cats or other dogs, can help them develop social skills and reduce the likelihood of aggression towards other animals. However, it's important to introduce your puppy to other animals slowly and under close supervision. Positive experiences with other animals can include playing, sniffing, and even just being in the same room together.Everyone assumes socialisation is meeting as many puppies and other dogs as possible. This couldn’t be further from the truth!You have to understand that your puppy has been around mum &amp; siblings for 8-9 weeks so meeting other dogs really isn’t a priority. Too many interactions with other dogs will cause problems further down the line, trust me!I avoided a lot of other dog walkers for the first year of my dogs life and when interactions did happen I kept them to very brief interactions. You must teach your dog how to behave in the presence of other dogs first, before allowing free access to them. Reactivity, impulse control issues, toddler strops can all stem from too many on and off lead meetings. Go for walksIn Leigh on Sea Essex Taking your puppy for walks is an excellent way to expose them to new environments and experiences. Begin with short, low-stress walks around the local streets and gradually increase the duration and difficulty of the walks as your puppy becomes more confident. Encourage your puppy to explore their surroundings and reward them with treats and praise for good behaviour.Attend puppy socialisation classesPuppy socialisation classes are an excellent way to provide your puppy with positive socialisation experiences, in a controlled and supervised environment. These classes typically involve interactions with other puppies and supervised playtime, as well as training and obedience exercises. Attending these classes can help your puppy develop strong social skills and reduce the likelihood of behaviour problems later in life.Yes puppy classes can be helpful but I must reiterate puppy socialisation isn’t just about meeting lots of other puppies &amp; dogs. I wouldn’t be attending a puppy class where the sole focus is on play time. Solely on/off lead play. This really is a recipe for disaster! Reward good behaviourWhen socialising your puppy, it's important to reward good behaviour with treats, praise, and affection. Positive reinforcement is a crucial aspect of socialisation, as it helps your puppy associate new experiences with positive outcomes. This can encourage your puppy to be more confident and relaxed in new situations, reducing the likelihood of anxiety and fear. How socialisation can go wrongSocialising a puppy can sometimes go wrong, leading to various problems that can affect the puppy's health, happiness, and behaviour. We’ll explore common problems that can arise when socialising a puppy and how to avoid them.OverstimulationOverstimulation occurs when a puppy is exposed to too much sensory input at once, leading to stress, anxiety, and behavioural problems. This can happen if the puppy is taken to busy, noisy, or chaotic environments without proper preparation or supervision. Don’t throw them in at the deep end and expect them to cope ok with it. To avoid overstimulation, gradually expose your puppy to new environments and stimuli, and provide plenty of breaks and rest periods.Negative experiencesNegative experiences can occur when a puppy is exposed to unpleasant or scary situations during socialisation. This can happen if the puppy is forced to interact with aggressive or unfriendly dogs or humans, or if the puppy is exposed to loud noises or other stimuli that cause fear or anxiety. To prevent negative experiences, carefully choose the people, animals, and environments your puppy interacts with, and always supervise interactions to ensure they are positive and safe.Lack of exposureLack of exposure occurs when a puppy is not exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments during socialisation. This can lead to socialisation deficits, where the puppy is unable to cope with new situations or experiences. To avoid lack of exposure, make sure your puppy is exposed to a range of people, animals, and environments during socialisation, and continue to provide exposure as your puppy grows and develops.Inappropriate interactionsInappropriate interactions occur when a puppy interacts inappropriately with people, animals, or the environment. This can happen if the puppy is not taught appropriate behaviour during socialisation, or if the puppy is allowed to engage in rough play or other inappropriate behaviours. To prevent inappropriate interactions, teach your puppy appropriate behaviour during socialisation, and supervise interactions to ensure they are safe and appropriate.DO NOT MAKE A FUSS OF YOUR PUPPY WHEN IT DISPLAYS ANY KIND OF FEAR OR IS UNSURE. For me this has to been one of the most common problems I see and probably one of the worse things you can do if your puppy is displaying fear in any situation.You must Remember THEY ARE NOT HUMANS!!!! So stop humanising a puppy’s behaviour. Firstly you need to be aware of the signs and read your puppy’s behaviour. Here are a few common behaviours when a puppy is displaying fear:<ul data-rte-list="default"><li>Tail tucked under </li><li>Excessive panting </li><li>Hiding behind or under furniture </li><li>Hiding behind you or other humans </li><li>Avoidance </li><li>Barking </li><li>Backing into you</li></ul>When socialising your puppy, it's important to handle fearful behavior with care and DO NOT under any circumstances start making a fuss of them when they display fear. While it can be tempting to comfort your puppy when they are scared, making a fuss of them can reinforce their fearful behavior and make it worse in the long run. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't make a fuss of a puppy when it's displaying fear during the socialization window:It can reinforce fearful behaviorMaking a fuss of your puppy when they display fear can reinforce their fearful behavior, making them more likely to exhibit fearful behavior in the future. This is because they learn that when they display fearful behavior, they receive attention and comfort from their owner, which reinforces their behavior.It can create a dependence on youIf you make a fuss of your puppy when they display fear, they may become dependent on you for comfort and reassurance. This can create a situation where your puppy is unable to cope with new experiences or situations without your presence, making it difficult for them to adapt and learn.It can be counterproductive to socializationSocialization involves exposing your puppy to new experiences and situations to help them develop confidence and social skills. If you make a fuss of your puppy when they display fear, you may inadvertently discourage them from exploring and learning about new experiences, which can be counterproductive to socialisation.It can be stressful for your puppyMaking a fuss of your puppy when they display fear can be stressful for them, as they may feel overwhelmed and confused by your reaction. This can create anxiety and stress, which can make it harder for them to learn and adapt.The best thing to do in a fearful situation is just act normal and don’t engage with fearful behaviour in any way. Creating some distance would be the first option. The moment the puppy starts to display some more confidence by going out to explore again is the time to praise and reward. Timing is key because if they get spooked again then you need to stop. Here is a prime example of what I have experienced when I am meeting a fearful puppy for the first time. When I walk into the lounge, a puppy displaying zero fear who is confident around people would come running or walking over and be very excited at meeting a new guest.A fearful, wary puppy would either be backing away, hiding behind its owners or under furniture and trying to create space and distance. Let me assure you this behaviour isn’t normal and will only get worse if it isn’t dealt with quickly. This becomes problematic when the owners in these moments of fear try talking to the puppy, reassuring the puppy, saying ‘it’s ok’ ‘don’t worry’. In a lot of cases the puppy retreats by their side and they are now stroking the puppy for displaying this fearful behaviour. PLEASE DONT DO THIS! You are just making it worse and saying to your puppy ‘you are right to be scared’ This is where we get it wrong by humanising the puppy’s behaviour. We reassure children in these circumstances and that’s completely normal. But they are dogs not humans. Just think of the tone you are using. It’s the same tone you would use to say ‘good boy’ ‘good girl’ . So think how that’s being translated to your puppy. That’s all they understand, they certainly don’t understand your ‘it’s ok, don’t worry’ . Only when they move forwards to begin exploring and venturing out would be the time to reassure them. Don’t let them hide behind you and certainly don’t stroke them when they are doing this. Carrying puppies to socialise them I understand why we do it but I’m not a massive fan of this protocol. Yes before they’ve had their last vaccinations I accept that they shouldn’t be on the floor. We also want to be very mindful about the lead and making that something negative. If a puppy is glued to us when we are showing them all these new things all they are learning is that carrying them is the norm and it’s actually discouraging them from gaining confidence to do it on their own, which is what socialisation is all about. The moment they then go on the floor and are experiencing these things again they are now wondering why they aren’t in mum &amp; dads arms, a sling or a carry bag. The main reason I don’t like it is because you are getting zero feed back on how your puppy is coping in all these situations if they are in your arms. Put it on the floor, you will see exactly how it’s coping. If your puppy is in your arms and is displaying fear of something, how do we do know?? It’s snuggled closely into you and during the whole experience your probably stroking, fussing, reassuring and rewarding them. We need to get feedback to see how they are coping. I’m in no doubt during that 30/40 min walk something or several things would’ve spooked them and if they’re in your arms, we wouldn’t really know and we’ve probably rewarded that behaviour too. I’m not saying don’t do it but just beware of the ramifications of doing it and how the fearful behaviour gets rewarded. The more your puppy is allowed to do things on their own the better they will be at coping with these things without you and not so overly reliant on you. Trust me, I’ve dealt with many fearful puppies and it’s horrible to see them petrified of the world around them. Every time they leave their house they are confronted by things that scare the hell out them. People, dogs, cars, children, wheelchairs, bikes. That is why it’s vitally important to get it right. You have one chance, then once that window slams shut, there isn’t really any going back. Please, please, please get it right. I’m so passionate about this because I see it go wrong far to often and it doesn’t have to be this way. Good luck Paul 🐶🐶

In Leigh on Sea Essex how important is puppy socialisation?

If I could turn the clock back to when I first brought my new puppy Baxter home, there is one thing and one thing only I would really focus on and change. The lead!!!!In Leigh on sea Essex when we bring our puppies home around 8 weeks of age, we all want to get them out and socialise them because Paul says that’s what we need to do. One thing we need to be very careful of is lack of or no lead preparation. Most people(including me) did nothing when it comes to getting our puppy use to being on or around a lead. Once our puppy has had its second vaccination and is allowed to go out for a walk. We literally whack the lead on and attempt to drag our poor pups around the block!(sound familiar)Our pup is now left thinking after having 3-4 weeks of relative freedom, ‘what the hell is this thing you’ve just put on me, which means I now can’t go where I want to go?’This is normally where one of two things happen. We either get the puppy biting the lead, which is great fun because us humans think it’s a great idea to tug back. Now we have turned the lead into the best tug toy in the world and they will now just keep doing this because it’s exactly what they want you to do. The other problem is they will just sit down and not move. Which leads us to try and pull them along. In doing this we are just making the lead a mass of negativity and isn’t what we want. They also sense your lack of leadership in this situation because obviously you don’t really want to be seen to be attempting to drag this cute, tiny puppy down the road. They quickly learn to park their bum on the floor, not budge and get their own way by not moving.. It can also lead back to problem number one where they just opt to try and bite the lead in frustration. In Leigh on Sea Essex we should really be spending a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks of introducing the lead correctly before we even think about going out the front door. We MUST make it something they like being on and we must make them learn how to behave on it too.You simply cannot expect a puppy to focus on the lead when you step foot out into the street. There are so many sights and smells all around them, many of which they are seeing for the very first time. It just too overwhelming!We must lay the foundations and begin at a very basic level. Then build upon it form there.Also most people won’t take their puppy out for the first few weeks anyhow due to vaccinations. That is an ideal opportunity to get a lot of the lead work done and get your puppy ready for when they can go outside.in Leigh on Sea Essex we have to make the lead something they love being on/around and there are several ways we can do this.One very simple step to stop your puppy from parking there bum on the floor/laying down and refusing to move is initially don’t take them for a walk out your front door. Your are taking them from a place of safety and comfort to somewhere that has lots of unknowns. They will always want to get back to that place of safety if they know it’s close. To take that out of the equation just get in the car to begin with and take them places to do some socialisation and then come back. 5-10 Minutes is all that’s required. Here are some very simple steps to take when introducing the lead properly so there won’t be any of the problems mentioned above. Step 1For a couple of days simply have the lead out and place it in front of them to have a sniff and investigate what it is. I would do this around a meal time so you can sit with them and hand feed them whilst they investigate what it is. You could play a game whereby you have the lead in one hand and some of their food in the other. Place both hands behind your back. Show them the lead and then bring the food around and let them have a handful of food. You could also do it with placing the lead on the floor then producing a tug toy and having a game of tug with them so they understand the toy is for tugging on and not the lead. You must be careful they don’t just have the opportunity to start chewing on the lead because they will obviously start doing this if allowed to. That’s why I would always do this around food or toys. Step 2Once step 1 has been completed over a couple of days we can move into step 2.The next part will attaching the lead to the collar(or harness). I’m not a massive fan of a harness but if you do opt for a harness then step 1 is exactly how you will introduce it. You certainly wouldn’t just go straight to trying to put it on. Even when going to apply the lead, instead of getting into a wrestling match with your puppy just to try and clip it on. Use food or a toy. Make it pleasurable what you are doing!Hold a piece of food between your fingers and just let them nibble at it but don’t give it too them. To begin with it can be easier working in pairs. Whilst one is holding the food letting the puppy nibble on it the other can simply attach the lead. The minute we get into a wrestling match, it’s becoming a game again that your puppy loves and remember it’s learning this behaviour and it will continue. If your own your own throw a couple of treats on the floor and then apply the lead whilst they are eating them. Using a toy is just as simple, get them tugging on the toy and whilst they are tugging, apply the lead. Working in pairs is also easier with this to begin with. We do not want them biting or chewing the lead. If they do we MUST distract them(with food or toy) and NOT start yanking it away from them and saying ‘no, stop’. Remember that lead WILL become the best tug toy in no time at all, trust me! Step 3Over the next few days it’s all Going to be about your puppy having the lead on and letting it just trail on the floor so they just get use to it being attached to them but they can still freely run around. Remember we are making it pleasurable to have on.Factor in several play sessions a day of literally 5 minutes at time, whilst the lead is attached and trailing in the floor. You can also put it on whilst doing some hand feeding or handling exercises. Just remember we don’t want them biting it, if they do distract and take their mind off of doing it.Play sessions can simply be running around with your puppy playing a game of chase, it’s all about them forgetting the lead is attached to them, whilst having lots of fun at the same time. Tug of war is always my go to option because it’s teaching them to tug on a toy which is what they are allowed to tug on and not the lead. It really doesn’t matter what you on this session provided your puppy isn’t walking around with the lead in its mouth. Fetch/retrieve is another option. Step 4The next stage is a repeat of Step 3 but we will Start picking up the lead and walking a few paces around and then dropping it again. Tug is still the preferred option as you can hold the tug rope/toy in one hand and the lead in the other, start walking around whilst they have having All the fun of tug of war whilst being walked around on the lead. Plus the added bonus is they won’t try and bite the lead whilst they are biting the toy. We can also throw in some formal lead walking now. But only indoors around the house. When we walk our dogs, to avoid any confusion and inconsistency, everybody who walks your dog needs to walk them on the same side. You can practice this without holding the lead to begin with. It can all get a bit much Holding the lead, trying to reward the dog, whilst trying to keep the lead loose. Then the puppy tries to bite the lead and it all goes wrong a bit too quickly. Have a handful Of treats or your pups food. Have the lead trailing on the floor like in the previous steps. Get your puppy Sat either side of you by your ankle, facing the same direction as you. Lure them into position with a treat if need be. Then start taking a few steps and getting them to follow you. Quicken up, slow it down, plot a little route around the house but practice keeping them on the same side and close by your ankle. Reward liberally for remaining with you. Lure them round using the food to start and then just reward for every couple of steps you take. Just be careful to not encourage jumping up so get that good right down at their level. It’s the position you would want them in if they were in a lead. You have to appreciate that they can obviously just wander off if you aren’t engaging enough because their not on a lead. Only do it for a minute or two to begin with as they will switch off quickly. Small Wins is all we are after. Baby steps. Step 5Repeat as above but now we will be holding the lead aswell. Personally I would be feeding my puppy meals whilst doing some lead walking around the house everyday. Up &amp; down the hall, Around the lounge, create a little route. It’s just all about practicing and showing them how we want them to walk. The key is to not take too many steps. Start with 2 steps and reward, then keep rewarding every 2 steps providing they remain by your ankle. Don’t push it too far so they get in front and start hitting the end of the lead. I walk my dogs on the left so will have my treats in my left hand, with treats either in a pouch or pocket on the SAME side as the dog. I will then keep delivering the treats as I walk them around. If you get any biting of the lead, DO NOT get into a tug of war with them. Just drop it and don’t engage. You may want to have a tug toy handy so you can redirect to that. Remember to keep the sessions short and sweet. 5 mins max of this or if they get distracted and they have switched off. I would Be doing lead training every single day, several times a day for several weeks just indoors. It’s how you will get results! Doing it in as least distracting environments as possible, consistently over a long period of time. How many people actually do this? Hardly anyone!Hence why pulling on the lead is probably the one problem the majority of people have with their dogs and this is the reason why. look at it on the flip side. You take your puppy out every single day, a couple of times a day and for several weeks. It’s pulls pretty much from Day one. You’ve now just trained your puppy to pull on the lead and it has now learnt this behaviour. It will not magically wake up one day and think I’m going to stop pulling on the lead today. It’s like this with any behaviour that is allowed to go on over a period of time. It becomes learnt. Why don’t we just get it right from the beginning?!?!?Happy training Good luck Paul 🐶🐶

If I could turn back time! - How to introduce the lead correctly in Leigh on Sea Essex

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When it comes to training your new furry friend, positive reinforcement is key. This method of training focuses on rewarding your puppy for good behavior rather than punishing them for bad behavior. By using positive reinforcement, you can create a strong bond with your puppy and teach them the right behaviors in a gentle and effective way.<h2>What is positive reinforcement?</h2>Positive reinforcement is a training technique that involves rewarding your puppy for exhibiting desired behaviors in Benfleet Essex. This can be done through treats, praise, or even playtime. The idea behind positive reinforcement is to create a positive association with the behavior you want to reinforce, making your puppy more likely to repeat it in the future.<h2>Why is positive reinforcement important in puppy training in Benfleet Essex?</h2>Positive reinforcement is an important tool in puppy training for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. By rewarding them for good behavior, you are showing them that you are a source of positive experiences.Secondly, positive reinforcement is a more humane and effective alternative to punishment-based training methods. Punishing your puppy for bad behavior can cause fear and anxiety, which can lead to more behavioral issues in the long run. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, focuses on rewarding the behaviors you want to see, making it a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for both and your puppy.<h2>How to use positive reinforcement in puppy training in Benfleet Essex</h2>When using positive reinforcement in puppy training, it's important to be consistent and patient. Here are some to help you get started:<ul><li>Use small, easily consumable treats as rewards This will keep your puppy motivated and prevent them from getting full too quickly.</li><li>Timing is key. Make sure to reward your puppy immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior, so they can the connection between the behavior and the reward.</li><li>Be specific with your praise. Instead simply saying "good boy/girl," try saying "good sit" or "good stay" to let your puppy know exactly what they're being rewarded for.</li><li>Gradually reduce the frequency of treats as your puppy becomes more consistent with the desired behavior. Eventually, you can replace treats with praise or playtime.</li></ul><h2>The benefits of positive reinforcement</h2>In Benfleet Essex Using positive reinforcement in puppy training has numerous benefits. Firstly, it helps to create a positive and enjoyable training experience for both you and your puppy. This can make training sessions more fun and engaging, leading to faster and more effective learning.Positive reinforcement also helps to build your puppy's confidence and self-esteem. When they are consistently rewarded for good behavior, they will feel more confident in their abilities and be more willing to try new things.Additionally, positive reinforcement can help to prevent and correct unwanted behaviors. By focusing on rewarding the behaviors you want to see, you are effectively redirecting your puppy's attention away from the behaviors you don't want.<h2>In conclusion</h2>In Benfleet Essex Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in puppy training. By using this method, you can create a strong bond with your puppy, teach them the right behaviors, and make the training process enjoyable for both of you. Remember to be patient, consistent, and always reward puppy for their efforts. With positive reinforcement, you'll be well on your way to having a well-behaved and happy furry companion.

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