Managing Your Excitable Puppy: Disengagement, Leash Control, and Staying Close
Puppies are bundles of joy, but they can also be bundles of energy, especially when they encounter other dogs or people. As a loving dog parent, you want to help them channel that enthusiasm in a positive way. In this blog post, we'll discuss three essential management skills for dealing with an excited puppy: disengagement, leash control, and the importance of your puppy's proximity to you.
The best way to prepare your puppy for the challenges in the real world is to build their skills at home BEFORE you put them into situations they aren’t skilled for. Learning a few skills like the ones listed below will help you and your pup deal with common challenges in the real world.
1. Disengagement:
Disengagement is a fundamental skill that teaches your puppy to shift their focus away from the exciting stimulus and back to you. Here's how to work on it:
Start Early: Begin disengagement training in a low-distraction environment, like home. Using an attention noise, like a kissy noise, to help break your puppy’s focus and redirect their attention to you.
Add Distractions Gradually: As your puppy becomes proficient, gradually introduce more distractions. Utilizing the attention noise and a conditioned word that means “that is none of my business” will create a dog that has the brain power to understand the value of disengagement.
Reward and Praise: Whenever your puppy disengages from the stimulus reward them with treats and enthusiastic praise. Also adding distance to the reward can keep a calmer demeanor and not overflow the “bucket”
2. Leash Management:
A well-controlled leash is your best friend when dealing with an overexcited puppy. Here's how to make leash management work for you:
Use a Front-Clip Harness: Front-clip harnesses can help reduce pulling and give you more control over your puppy's movements. By adding a second attachment point ( back clip) and creating a loop with your leash gives you front and back control of your puppy, growing their knowledge of walking without pulling.
Practice Loose Leash Walking: In a controlled environment, practice walking your puppy on a loose leash. Reward them often for staying close and make it fun with games that improve their skills for handling body pressure from being close to you.
Anticipate Excitement: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate your puppy’s reaction when they spot another dog or person. Teaching your dog opposition reflex leash skills at home and in calm environments helps your puppy succeed when out on leash.
3. The Value of Proximity to You:
Teaching your puppy that being close to you is rewarding can be a game-changer. Here's how to do it:
Treats and Praise: Whenever your puppy chooses to come close to you while you are walking in the house or yard reward them generously with treats and praise.
Stay Engaging: Keep your interactions with your puppy fun and engaging. Play games, offer toys, and create a positive association with being near you.
Gradual Exposure: As your puppy becomes more comfortable with proximity to you gradually introduce the games you both know well in new environments to open up their world safely.
Dealing with an excited puppy when they see other dogs or people requires patience and consistent training. By mastering the skills of disengagement, leash control, and emphasizing your puppy's value in proximity to you, you'll help your furry friend become a well-behaved and happy companion.
Remember, it's all about building a strong and positive bond with your puppy as you both embark on this wonderful journey together.
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