MINI SHEPHERD RANCH
TRAINING TIPS
When training animals of any kind it is important to remember that YOU are the problem 99% of the time.
Adjust your actions and the dog will adjust theirs.
Keep your training sessions short, 5-20mins a day will keep you and your pup interested and progressing.
WALKING ON A LOOSE LEASH
Treats can be your friend here, puppies obviously don't instinctively walk on a leash, and many will go splat on the floor and not move when you first attach a leash. Mini Aussies especially thrive on encouragement so from the second you attach the leash give them lots of praise and rewards (treats, pets, etc.). From there step back and call the pup, you can use treats as a lure as well. If they take a single step (or wiggle) forward, repeat the praise and give the treat until they are coming to you with the leash clipped on. If this is your first session this may be enough for today.
Now that your puppy moves on a leash, you can work on getting your pup to walk nicely beside you. Attach the leash (with praise and reward until they are comfortable) and start walking forward like you have somewhere to go, calling your pup, giving them the heel command (you don't have to use the word "heel", just keep it consistent) and luring with a treat if need be. As you walk along you can reward with lots of verbal praise and treats.
At this stage a couple things can happen:
The pup runs ahead pulling on the leash - as soon as they get to the end of the leash, redirect and go a different direction, using their name, the command and treat lure. Another option is to stand still when they start pulling, until they get back into position. You're teaching them that they are only allowed to go on their walks if they are in position.
The distracted puppy - This problem usually starts as the pup becomes more comfortable on the leash, and while they may not be pulling they are swerving all over the place looking for scents or trying to visit other dogs. In this case you must try and predict the behaviour a bit and try and keep the dogs attention on you. When approaching a situation where your dog may get distracted, start talking to the pup before the distraction to bring the attention to you, you can also offer treats, rewarding if they continue their walk. If they stop ahead of you, you can come up behind with a little stomp of the feet, and funny noise to keep them moving. Another option is to redirect where you are walking to bring the attention back.
Just remember practice makes perfect so repeat good practices any chance you get to reinforce the behaviours we want to see in our dogs!