Leash training an Australian Shepherd can be quite a straight forward task if you follow the correct tips and guidelines. Australian Shepherds are a herding dog and like most herding dogs they are very intelligent and very athletic. They need plenty of exercise and stimulation and it is important that they get walked on a daily basis to drain their energy both physically and mentally.
Australian Shepherds have a very high prey drive which can be difficult to deal with at times but not impossible to train. Once you establish yourself as the dominant one in your relationship with your dog it makes life an awful lot simpler for training and for generally living with your dog.
When you start training your Australian Shepherd to heel while on the leash it is important to find a large area with as little distraction as possible so that he gives you his full attention and his prey drive doesn't kick in.
With your dog on your left hand side, start to walk in a straight line. If he pulls on the leash stop walking and halt his progress. Do not drag him towards you, simply stop him in his tracks. Reposition yourself so you are back where you started and begin walking again. Continue this process for about 10 minutes a 2 or 3 times a day and the dog will start becoming comfortable with the leash.
When he has become used to walking in a straight line, begin randomly changing direction every 10 paces of so. This will get him used to responding to your movements. Continue to repeat these steps daily for a few weeks and start incorporating the verbal command to heel whenever you correct him.
As he becomes adept at heeling to your command, start exposing him to different situations and distractions and continue the exercises.
Leash Training an Australian Shepherd can be quite a painless experience if you follow the tips. However, it does require understanding and patience. If you want to teach your Australian Shepherd to be well behaved and obedient, you can get a comprehensive dog training handbook at http://www.thedogtrainingsite.info covering all aspects of dog ownership, from understanding your dog to problem-solving to complete obedience work.
About the Author:Eoin McDonnell is an engineer who has had several dogs and cats over the years. He has learned the importance of obedience training with dogs as a benefit for both the owner AND the dog and establishing a happy relationship with your dog which will last his/her whole life.
