At What Age Should I Start Teaching My New Puppy Loose Leash Walking

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed reads a viewer’s question about a skittish dog who hesitates when being called to have his leash put on. The owner has been using the recall command to bring the dog over, but the hesitation and slow response raised concerns about whether corrections or adjustments were needed. Cindy explains why it’s best not to use a formal recall command in this situation, and instead teaches viewers how to create a positive association with leashing up by using a new verbal cue, pairing it with rewards, and practicing inside without the added stress of going outside every time. She also shares tips for helping nervous dogs build confidence and avoid rehearsing avoidance behaviors, like hiding under furniture. | Links mentioned: Getting Started with Reward Based Training Bundle - https://leerburg.com/reward-based-training-bundle.php

In this episode, we break down the key differences between Leerburg Prong Collars and Herm Sprenger Prong Collars. From materials and craftsmanship to design and functionality, you’ll see what sets each brand apart and what is the same. This video will help you determine which option may be the best fit for your dog’s training.| Links mentioned: Leerburg Stainless Steel Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/leerburg-prong-collar-stainless.php | Leerburg Quick Release Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/quick-release-prong-collar.php | Herm Sprenger Stainless Steel Prong Collar: https://leerburg.com/hermsprenger_stainlesssteel_prongcollars.htm | Herm Sprenger Small Prong Quick Release Collar: https://leerburg.com/smallprong-easysnap-kit.php

In this straightforward Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed Frawley addresses a common question from a new Golden Retriever puppy owner about the right age to transition from harness to collar for loose leash walking training. The owner plans to use a harness initially for taking their 8-week-old puppy outside and exploring, but wants guidance on when to begin formal loose leash walking with a flat collar. | Links mentioned: Leash Skills: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/89 | Loose Leash Walking: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/17

In this practical Ask Cindy Q and A session, Ed Frawley addresses a common but frustrating challenge with an 11-week-old Mastiff puppy who constantly bites the leash, grabs at handlers during collaring, and shows zero food motivation despite being underweight. The owner has tried standard redirection techniques with toys and treats, but the puppy drops toys immediately and returns to biting, making even basic handling like putting on a harness nearly impossible. Cindy provides targeted solutions including upgrading to extremely high-value food rewards like cheese, chicken, and steak in tiny pieces to break through the puppy's disinterest in training. She explains the critical difference between toys the puppy has constant access to versus special redirection toys that only appear during handling sessions, recommending soft stuffed toys with paracord attachments that can be yanked away to increase the puppy's commitment to holding them. Cindy emphasizes that this biting phase is temporary and will fade after teething if properly managed, directing the owner back to Michael Ellis's puppy material for detailed redirection techniques.

In this essential training discussion, we address a common but critical question from a Malinois owner: "Is my training work being undone when my fear-reactive dog practices reactive behaviors in our own backyard?" A 3-year-old spayed Belgian Malinois displays fear-reactive behavior both on walks and at home behind the fence. When dogs or people pass by the yard, the dog reacts, and when these "threats" move away, it reinforces the dog's belief that their reactive behavior "worked" - creating a cycle of self-reinforcement that undermines all training progress. | Links mentioned: How We Manage Dogs in Our Home: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/14 | Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/137 | Leash Reactivity with Michael Ellis: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/165 | Leash Reactivity with Tyler Muto: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/15 |  Remote Collar Training for the Pet Owner: https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/94

Does your Schutzhund-trained dog bark excessively outside the training field? In this video, Cindy answers a common question from a GSD owner: How can I stop my dog from barking at strangers and other dogs without ruining her protection work? Learn why this behavior is often a sign of reactivity, not aggression, and how to manage it without affecting your dog’s drive and performance in IGP. Cindy shares practical tips for leash walking, car rides, and at-home management, plus a resource that covers effective reactivity training. If your working dog struggles with barking in everyday situations, this advice will help you create balance without sacrificing success in the sport. | Links mentioned: Leash Reactivity and Loose Leash Walking Bundle - https://leerburg.com/leash-skills-bundle.php

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, we answer an important question from a Rottweiler puppy owner: Does jumping in and out of the car affect a puppy’s bone development? Cindy explains how repetitive impact can impact growth plates and joints in large breed puppies, and shares practical tips for minimizing wear and tear throughout your dog’s life. If you own a large breed puppy or travel frequently with your dog, this advice is essential for long-term joint health. | Links mentioned: Getting Started With Your New Puppy Bundle - https://leerburg.com/puppy-bundle.php

Bringing an adult dog into your home and need help getting started with training? This course bundle is designed for dog owners who want to build reliable obedience and create a better relationship with their dog—no matter their age or background. It includes four of our most essential online obedience courses for adult dogs—plus a practical slip lead to help you apply what you learn right away. | Links mentioned: Basic Obedience for Adult Dogs Bundle - https://leerburg.com/basic-obed-bundle.php

In this video, Ed Frawley shares a video clip from our new online course, Sport Skills Master Class with Michael Ellis. In this clip, Michael addresses how to teach fronts to your dog for competitive retrieves.| Links mentioned: Sport Skills Master Class with Michael Ellis - https://university.leerburg.com/Catalog/viewCourse/cid/241

In this Ask Cindy Q and A, Ed shares answers to a common question: Should you let your puppy sniff on walks? Learn the benefits of sniffing, how it impacts training, and when it’s okay to set boundaries. Perfect advice for new puppy owners looking to balance structure and fun on walks. | Links mentioned: Leash Reactivity and Loose Leash Walking Bundle - https://leerburg.com/leash-skills-bundle.php