Tethering

Purpose:

Establishing pack order, maintain constant view, reduces stress in a non aggressive manner.

Application:

To settle dog in a situation that is overwhelming to the dog. During housetraining or training no biting/nipping. Can be utilized when a gentle reminder of pack order is needed.

How To:

1. Slip a 6-foot leash loop through your pant belt loop or around your waist, attach leash to the dogs flat collar.

2. Move around as usual. Where you go, the puppy goes. Don’t coax or call the puppy to come when you start to move, just move. Puppy will come.

Very little talking needs to occur. The puppy will respond to body movements.

Most puppies do not need to be tethered constantly; time may be for 15 minutes several times a day during the Socialization Period and may be extended as the puppy matures.

Periods that tethering might be useful:

Socialization Period (7 - 12 Weeks)

This is a good way for you know exactly what your puppy is doing at all times. Prevents him from wandering into areas of the home where he can get into trouble can also provide you the opportunity to make quick corrections. Tethering also allows you to take a mental break – if you know where the puppy is without having constantly “remember” you have a puppy, you are more incline to relax and show your calm side. It also teaches your new puppy his role in the family is to be very much a part of the family, but not the alpha. If children in the house, having the puppy tethered will prevent the chase/attack game. Most puppies are very happy with this position in the family pack order.

Seniority Classification Period (12-16 Weeks)

It is during this critical period that your dog will begin to test you to see who the pack leader is going to be. He'll begin to bite you or others in the home, in play or as a real challenge to authority. Having the puppy tethered to you will provide you with both hands to correct the behavior, by either providing a diversion (toy, chewy) or going a quick leash correction with a “no bite!” If you find that the puppy is being aggressive to children, tethering will maintain a calmer environment and it will teach the puppy a running child is not an invitation to chase/attack. Tethering is a gentle reminder you are the pack leader.

Flight Instinct Period (4 - 8 Months)

This is the age when puppies become more independent of their owners and are likely to venture off on their own. Tethering the puppy during this phase will keep the puppy out of harms way and will also be a gentle reminder that you are the pack leader.

Adolescence Period (7 - 10 months)

Adolescence is a very difficult time for pet owners. They are surprised when their cute little puppy becomes a free and independent thinker. You may find that your puppy actually regresses in things that he was taught. He may regress to nipping/taunting or demonstrating many of the other behaviors of a 4 month old. This is a good time to tether for a while, as a gentle reminder you are the pack leader. During this period, to make your point clearly, be a little more active than usual. When the puppy gets comfortable, get up and get a drink or go get something from another room. But remain calm and quiet.