The ideal time to start leash training your Cocker Spaniel is when he is a puppy. However, if you inherit or adopt an adult Cocker Spaniel, you don’t have to fear. In general, Cocker Spaniels adore their masters and really want to please you. In fact, some Cocker spanners can be overly submissive at times.
Cocker Spaniels are often perfectly happy to walk on a leash, and teaching one to do so should be a breeze. Still, there are some tips and guidelines that can help your puppies train on a leash.
The first thing to do is provide your puppy or dog with a sturdy yet lightweight collar that fits well. Small decorative collars are attractive and fun for you, but the most important thing is the comfort and safety of your cocker spaniel.
The collar should be tight enough that your dog or puppy cannot poke their head through it when attached to the leash or push it over their head, and pull it out, using their paws. You also don’t want it to be uncomfortable or dangerously tight. You should be able to easily place a couple of fingers between the collar and your Cocker Spaniel’s neck.
It is a good idea to introduce him and allow your Cocker Spaniel to become familiar and comfortable with the leash before attempting to go for a walk.
Above all, never use the leash to punish or scare your dog by spanking him or by acting like you can spank him with it. On the one hand, it is cruel and wrong. On the other hand, it will not improve your pet’s behavior and will likely have a negative effect on your cocker spaniel’s temperament. Eventually it will cause your Cocker Spaniel to form a negative association on the leash and cause fear.
One way to help your dog get comfortable on the leash is to attach it to the puppy’s collar and allow the dog to roam freely throughout the house. It is extremely important to keep a close eye on your Cocker Spaniel during this period of leash training time, so that you can ensure that the puppy does not become entangled with any objects.
Once they start walking their dogs on a leash, there are two mistakes that people often make.
1) The first is to keep walking (or even running) when your dog pulls on the leash. I guess it can be difficult not to do this, if you are walking a Great Dane or a Mastiff. Unless he is under five years old or weighs less than twenty-five kilos, handling a cocker spaniel shouldn’t be too difficult!
The important thing to remember here is that when your dog pulls, you stop and remain motionless until you stop pulling. This will help you learn that throwing away literally gets you nowhere.
2) The second mistake is to bring the dog close on the leash. This can scare your cocker spaniel into dislike walking on a leash, and could even hurt your dog if excessive force is used or done frequently. When your Cocker Spaniel pulls, just stop, call the puppy, and then proceed to tell him he’s a good, good puppy for obeying. Try again. If you are consistent (and may require patience), eventually he / she will figure it out.
Although not absolutely necessary, dog treats can sometimes speed up the learning process, and this method is highly recommended by dogs everywhere!