Unlock Your Puppy’s Potential with Tether Training
Tether training is one of the most underused yet powerful training techniques, not only for service dog puppies but also for all dogs. It involves attaching a leash to the puppy's harness or collar and allowing them to explore a designated area, such as a kitchen or bathroom. This technique helps to establish boundaries, prevent unwanted behaviors, and build a strong bond between the puppy and their handler. While often associated with service dog training, tether training can be beneficial for any dog breed or age. By understanding the advantages of this technique, you can effectively train your dog to be a well-behaved and obedient companion. Tether Training Equipment: When tether training a service dog puppy, it's important to use the right equipment. Here are some suggestions: Leash: A lightweight chain leash is a good option for tether training, as it is durable and less appealing to chew than nylon or fabric leashes. Harness: A well-fitting harness is essential for preventing neck strain and discomfort. Tether: A sturdy tether, such as a kettlebell or a heavy object, can be used to secure the puppy to a designated area. A kettlebell is particularly useful because it can be easily moved around to adjust the size of the puppy's tether area. By using the right equipment and following these guidelines, you can effectively tether train your service dog puppy and set them up for success in their training journey. Here are five reasons why tether training is crucial for service dog puppies: House Training: Tether training can significantly accelerate the house-training process. By limiting the puppy's movement to a confined space, you can more easily monitor their behavior and intervene when necessary. When the puppy needs to eliminate, simply take them outside to their designated potty area. Prevention of Unwanted Behaviors: Tethering a puppy can help prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, jumping, and digging. By restricting their movement, you can reduce the opportunities for these behaviors to occur. This also helps to establish boundaries and teaches the puppy that certain areas are off-limits. Bonding: Tether training provides an excellent opportunity for the puppy to bond with their handler. By spending quality time together in a confined space, you can build trust and create a strong emotional connection. This bond is essential for a successful service dog-handler relationship. Socialization: While tether training is primarily focused on individual training, it can also be a valuable tool for socialization.
3 Tips For Bonding With a New Service Dog
With any relationship, bonding provides the foundation upon which everything else rests. A new Service Dog partnership isn't any different. Proper bonding from the very beginning allows teams to move forward with confidence, both for work and training. Keep reading to learn tips and ideas that facilitate relationship building with your canine partner. Note: These bonding tips do not replace the official bonding protocol(s) provided by your Service Dog's organization or program. Always follow the guidelines and procedures required by the organization placing your Service Dog. These tips are meant to supplement or enhance other bonding protocols. In particular, owner trainers, Service Dog candidate evaluators, and others in similar situations might benefit from the ideas presented. Additionally, established Service Dog teams can utilize the bonding tips to help build or rebuild their team's focus and performance. Bond (noun, verb) - (1) the formation of a close relationship; (2) the attaching of one thing to another; (3) to join one thing securely to another; (4) a strong force of attraction holding one thing to another Common Service Dog Bonding Fear: "What If My New Service Dog Doesn't Like Me?!" New Service Dog handlers often worry about whether or not their new Service Dog likes them. Early interactions between dog and human frequently contribute to this fear since, in the beginning, many Service Dogs focus on their trainer and ignore the new handler. Furthermore, a fledgling Service Dog team's first few weeks together usually involves many mishaps, miscommunications, and misadventures. Tackling this fear requires new Service Dog handlers and organization placement specialists to remember something very simple: the newly graduated Service Dog and brand new handler likely do not know each other yet. For evaluators and owner trainers, the same holds true -- all new candidates and Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs) start as strangers. Bonding Requires Building a Relationship Like any relationship, going from "stranger" to "acquaintance" to "friend" to "partner" involves getting to know each other. In the beginning, new Service Dog teams learn each partner's likes and dislikes. They learn about preferred schedules and how to interact with each other. The human half of the team learns how to communicate with their dog. Likewise, the recently partnered Service Dog masters their new handler's nuances in speech, delivery, and body language. Until the two learn to reliably convey information, cues, needs, and desires, they aren't truly a team. In other words, until the new Service Dog and handler know each other,
Place Training: One Puppy’s First Flight
For young Service Dogs in Training and other working dogs with public access, "place" training is an invaluable tool that teaches rock-solid impulse and self-control, along with laying the foundation for "stays." Learn how one trainer utilized "place" training for a puppy's first flight.