Puppy Training

Having a puppy is a lot like having a newborn child. New puppies are bursting with energy but have not yet developed the best methods of coping with this energy. They may show their energy in unacceptable ways such as being loud, being easily agitated, chewing and nipping at furniture or at anyone around them. Beyond sending your pet to a training school, a training tether can be used to assist your pet in modifying his overactive behaviors.

What is a tether?

Training tethers are wire cables that can be used by anyone. Simply attach the short cable to a dog's collar and weigh it down to a piece of heavy furniture in the home or to an eyebolt that has been secured to the wall. Tethering can also be done in the car or the tether can be attached to your belt when training small dogs.

How to Tether

When tethering your dog you should always be present as the purpose is to keep your pet safe and secure as they learn. Since you and the dog should be in the same room or general area having several tethering, spots in the home might be needed such as one in the living room and another in the kitchen. Remember tethering is not about punishment! It just allows your dog to get attention from you without being the center of attention. Tethering is ideal for house training your puppy, eliminating chewing of personal property, teaching him not to jump on people or nip at them, bonding with your pet and calming down. It also allows you to supervise your pet while doing household chores to keep him out of trouble.

Getting Started

Tethering can be done in as little as 10 minutes a day, as you and your dog get into the habit the time can be increased until the training has become enforced. A maximum of 30 minutes at a time is ideal when tethering to keep your dog from regressing to negative behaviors or getting bored. Tethering is not about punishing the dog so the tethering area should be as comfortable as possible. Provide your dog rewards for going to the tethering area. A comfortable rug to lie down on and a special toy only given to your pet in the tethering area will help your pet get accustomed to training. Other stationary toys that will not roll away can also be given.

Warnings

Though other cords may be available, only choose a plastic coated wire cable. These will protect your furniture from damage and your dog will be unable to chew through them. For training purposes choose a tether that is no more than 2 or 3 feet in length as dogs can easily get tangles up in longer cords. You should never use a tether to restrict your dog when you are not at home. If you are leaving the house then place your dog in a

Puppies are not the only dogs that could benefit from a training tether. If you live in an apartment and your dog makes too much noise, have an adopted adult dog or a dog that has just never had obedience training before a training tether would be ideal for helping them correct their behaviors.

About the Author:
This article was written by Kelly Marshall of www.ohmydogsupplies.com - home to high quality memory foam orthopedic dog beds.