More on Leashes

The only correction you will ever give your dog during your training sessions is a snap on the collar or harness. No hitting, so yelling, no fussing—these actions will only result in a terrified dog that's too distracted to listen (and hitting a dog is animal cruelty, as well).

A jerking correction on a harness is just as effective as a jerk on a collar around the neck, and though it doesn't cause the moment of pain that a choker or prong collar causes, it certainly marks the behavior that you are unhappy with at the moment. Again, if you use positive reinforcement, you will probably not have to use it at all. Like the nylon collar, buy an adjustable harness that will grow with your dog. Never leave the harness on him when he's alone—it's used for training and walking only.

You will need a 25-foot cotton or nylon leash, about three eighths of an inch wide (sometimes called a lunge line). The 25-foot leash is for training exercises and is essential for your dog's lessons.
You will also need a 6-foot leash used for teaching your dog to walk nicely with you and to heel. For smaller dogs, look for an inch to three-quarters of an inch wide, 6-foot leash.
Large dogs require a double nylon 1-inch wide leash, or a ¾ of an inch to 1-inch wide, heavy leather leash. When you're not in a training ses¬sion or when your dog is walking around your house or yard, you should still have a way to take con¬trol over him.

Attach a small piece of a leash to his collar and keep it there at all times. A 3- to 6-inch piece of an old leash with the loop cut off will work fine. This allows you to easily reach over and control his actions. You can even keep a 3- or 4-foot leash (with the loop cut so it doesn't catch on anything) attached to the nylon collar of your dog or puppy-in-training.
This way you'll be able to easily lure your dog to you and be better able to catch a pup that's run¬ning from you. However, it may hap¬pen that the leash drags in something unsavory, or someone trips on it. If you've got the right circumstance to keep a longer leash on your pup when he's not actively in a training session, go ahead, but keep the shorter bit of leash attached too.

Finally, treats are very useful when training your dog. They can be used to get your dog's attention, to lure your dog into the correction position, or to reward your dog for a job well done. You should use treats that your dog really likes and gets excited about, and they should be very small, the size of a pea or your fingernail.

They should be nutritious and can be any¬thing, from liver or cheese to hot dog bits or dog kibble. Make sure that the amount of treats you give your dog while training is considered part of his regular diet so that he doesn't become overweight. .