There are many different ways to train loose leash walking. I like training it in a class with distractions and for my baby puppies that is really where they learn what a leash is. I took my boys to class for the first time this week and the only thing we worked on was loose leash. We started just standing in place and click/treat for loose leash. Then we would like a step and when the puppy followed we click/treat again when the leash is loose. The boys were walking pretty good with me and my husband for most of the class. I also like using a long line for loose leash, it really seems to help them understand that being near me is the behavior I want since they have the choice to go quite a distance from me but are only get a click/treat if they are close enough for me to touch them. Make sure you are using really yummy treats in class, it helps you to compete with the distractions. Many people bring kibble or other so-so treats that the dogs are happy working for at home but can't compete with the excitement of class.
Puppy training classes…questions
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Great point… they do learn the difference between collars and what each means.. since most of us use a thin choke chain for the show ring and that is the only time on that collar... they figure out pretty quickly that collar means "Show Time".
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yes, and it's just fun to have different sets of collars and leashes. There are so many pretty ones out there now a dog HAS to have several.
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Very good ideas..So I have a show chaincollar for Moses..i.e huge gauge and all..I mean bigger than I want for Pippin..What do y'all recommend as far as a good starter collar/lead for me and him? Should I go chain or just nylon? Ideas would be nice.
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If for show, you want small thin/fine chain. If you look at pictures of show dogs, you can see how small the chain is… ususally for a full grown male 16" is about the normal size, 14 for a puppy to young adult depending on how fast their "jowls" develope.
For general use, I use nylon, usually the martingale types and a good leather lead. I like the thin leather leads (1/4 to 5/8) that are around 5'.
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I always used chain for show collar, White Pine nylong martingale collar/leash for everyday, wide leather martingales for therapy work. The agility collar/leash differs for each dog.
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Awesome, thanks Gals…I will "go" shopping..
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Awesome, thanks Gals…I will "go" shopping..
And when you return… people can ask you... "why do you need all those collars and leads for one little dog?"....
And in fact I just ordered some new leather collars and new leads from my favorite leather maker... He makes awesome show leads... and the quality is excellent.
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Tanza..what loveley leather goods..I will probably shop there too..:) WHat size do you get on your show leads? Same as your general leads?
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The show lead needs to be much thinner than a typical lead, it's more like a cord. You need to be able to ball it up into your hand. I think typical length is around 36" but some like shorter and some like longer. I used to have a 42" but never used it effectively. I went down to a 36" and really like it, much less to deal with. I had trouble throwing it over my shoulder when I was stacking on the table with the shorter one but that's just handler issues on my part. :rolleyes:
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Exactly as thin as you can get… and since I am short with small hands, I use as thin as I can get... 1/4" or smaller. And I use 30'. While you can't really hang it around your neck that easily, I just let the extra hang down when the dog is on the table.
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Thanks Nemo and Tanza..come to find out there are millions to choose from..well maybe not, but it sure seems that way..lol. I have 36" with Moses, don't love it, the quality more than anything…think I will upgrade for Pippin..:)
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And you can also use braided leather (I use both, braided plain, braided with beads, and the thin leather from Rick) for show… here is a link to Sal Wuornos, Sonbar Basenjis who makes them.
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And you can also use braided leather (I use both, braided plain, braided with beads, and the thin leather from Rick) for show… here is a link to Sal Wuornos, Sonbar Basenjis who makes them.
I really like those with the beads.. have looked at them before.. but first need a puppy
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I really like those with the beads.. have looked at them before.. but first need a puppy
that could happen soon, maybe…..... and yes, I like the beads also.. my only comment to people is make sure you know who you are buying from and their quality.... it really does make a difference.And Sal knows Basenjis since she is a breeder... so she know how to make them hold up to a Basenji
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that could happen soon, maybe…..... and yes, I like the beads also.. my only comment to people is make sure you know who you are buying from and their quality.... it really does make a difference.And Sal knows Basenjis since she is a breeder... so she know how to make them hold up to a Basenji
She will probably ship them to Europe.. right? I don't know anyone else who makes these!
And yes… I'm saving money until next week.. If there are girls.. I'm going to spend it all
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She will probably ship them to Europe.. right? I don't know anyone else who makes these!
And yes… I'm saving money until next week.. If there are girls.. I'm going to spend it all
Yes she will and sometimes she either goes to Crufts or one of the other big shows over there, don't know what her plans are for this year.
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Yes she will and sometimes she either goes to Crufts or one of the other big shows over there, don't know what her plans are for this year.
Shipping would be ok. Do you know anything about the prices?
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And you can also use braided leather (I use both, braided plain, braided with beads, and the thin leather from Rick) for show… here is a link to Sal Wuornos, Sonbar Basenjis who makes them.
Sal made the 36" lead I referred to. It's beaded and I love it, I can post a picture if interested. I think half the basenji people around here have one of her leads :rolleyes:. We're having them as prizes for the July BCOSW specialty. She'll make them by the inch so you can get whatever size you want. You have to either supply the chain you want to use or she'll charge you for one she provides. It should be pretty inexpensive to ship, it would just go in a small padded envelope.
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Pat, do you know if she is planning to 'do' Crufts so I can look out for her. I'd love to get some of the beaded leads but have never seen them over here. The 'flashy' ones sold over here are not usually very good quality.
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Very nice…I have actually already looked at hers, but didn't know what to go with..so many choices...You guys are the best, thank you so much for all your help, info and support..:)
