Click here to visit the most complete Maltese site on the WWW

Archived Message

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
by Sonny

I know that a few handlers read this page and thought I might ask for some advice. How long should the lead be when first teaching a puppy dog? I read it should be 15' to start then gradually shorten up on it. Good advice or bad and why? Thanks so much.

DISCUSSION:

When I began obedience training with my pup, the instructor had us get a six foot leash to start with. Anything shorter creates problems for the handler. You need room to work the leash. Any thing longer and you end up spending most of the time trying to hold a big wad of leash in one had while trying to control the leash with the other. Once your past the basic training,(Sit, Stay, Down) Then you can always get a longer leash so you can do the long distance training,(Sit and stay while you walk away)
-DL

I agree a 6 foot lead is appropriate. I was told the same thing as the previous post said. I also read for dogs that like to walk you, a good trick is to read a book. What they meant by that is when the dog starts pulling on the leash, stop, and then when the dog is stopped, then heel. I've tried this and it works to some degree. Pixie gets it that until she stops pulling--I ain't goin anywhere.
-Vicki