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Yes, indeed. For puppy training (and you can't start too early, especially with males), you have to keep them gently in their place. If the puppy does something you want it not to do, emulate the mother who would grab it by the loose skin behind the neck and give it a shake hard enough for it to look surprised. A rolled-up newspaper as a castigator may also help as a shock-tactic, without hurting. For walking to the left heel, I believe that training is best by a fine-link chain strangler collar. This is used just once for the dog to realise that if he pulls too tight, it is he who can suffer; thereafter, the noise of the links rubbing will be sufficient to make him realise that he has started to pull and he will back off. Do not use a long-link collar (25 - 40 mm links) on anything but a very recalitrant adult large-breed dog with strong neck muscles, as that can be very tough on puppies or smaller breeds. NEVER, EVER use a collar with internal spikes, no matter the circumstances. I'm against attaching a lead to a leather collar or harness on an untrained puppy. You will have difficulty communicating with him as to what you want him to do. Worse, most puppies are adept at slipping their leather collars by a sudden backwards pull and they will run off, possibly into traffic. I use a titbit in my closed left hand when training to walk to heel (and give it to him at the end of the session). Whenever I stop, he automatically sits, especially at a kerb-side.
Another thing: I abhor long leads for walking. If a dog must be attached, he walks to heel. It serves no useful purpose to have a long lead, under most circumstances. The most important command to be obeyed is 'Come!' and, until he obeys that implicitly and instantly, the long lead may be useful, just to prevent him from escaping while out of your reach.
Another thing: I abhor long leads for walking. If a dog must be attached, he walks to heel. It serves no useful purpose to have a long lead, under most circumstances. The most important command to be obeyed is 'Come!' and, until he obeys that implicitly and instantly, the long lead may be useful, just to prevent him from escaping while out of your reach.
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