Leashes and Dogs: Meaning of Leash Training
Leashes have been around for a while. Almost every dog I know is leash trained, but there are a few that are not. So, you may not think Bob needs to be trained. But Bob does.
Many, many places have leash laws. What? That's right. Laws. Your dog has to be on a leash. Places like parks and walking trails require them. In all honesty, I support them. I don't want to be hiking with my small dog and have her be attacked by a big dog whose owner could have prevented it.
You might say, "Oh, but Scruffy here listens to voice commands and never runs." Dogs are natural hunters. That lazy, snoring Bulldog of mine may not bring down a deer or kill an elk, but that doesn't mean anything. The moment we let her outside in our yard, she's on the hunt for something, whether it's food, treats, or the neighborhood cat who torments her. She doesn't leave the house without her leash and a backup.
Why Is Leash Training Important?
My friends work at an animal clinic, so I have the privilege of cleaning out the dog runs and taking the dogs potty. This morning, I went in. Then head home to take care of my dog and cats. Today was surgery day. They do surgeries Tuesday through Thursday.
A little poodle by the name of Amy was dropped off by her owner last night to make sure the dog didn't eat. (Eating the night before surgery is bad.)
My friends job as a kennel tech means she have to make sure the dogs do their thing. This little three-pound pup wouldn't walk on the leash. Whenever she put her down, she jumped around and pulled against our leash, which only scared her more because of how tight it got. It took a good 20 minutes to just get her to potty.
You may be reading this going, "I'll never board my dog, so it really doesn't matter." You might be right, but what about a dog sitter? What about your mom coming over to take Fries to her vet? Vets require your dog to be on a leash. Leash training is one of the most important things you can teach your dog besides sit, stay, and come.
