Most people know that crate training your pup is a great idea, but not as many know about tethering. Similar to crating, tethering your pup helps keep your pup out of trouble and helps with house training. It’s a little different from crating in that a tether is nothing more than a short(er) leash that you can attach to anything sturdy no matter where you are.
See that curved line that looks like it’s coming out of Siena’s hind end? That’s a tether! It’s not really connected to her hind end, but rather her collar. The other end is connected to the gate that separates the kitchen from my office.
Today’s her first day on a tether. I like to use a tether because it gives me more freedom to move with Siena throughout the house. It also keeps her out of the crate. AND, most importantly, it keeps her safe and in an area where I can constantly watch her — which is helpful when you’re house training a puppy!
If you’re having trouble potty training your pup because he wanders away from you, a tether will help. It’s a plastic coated wire that’s about 3′ or 4′ long and it has a clip on each end. You simply attach your dog to one end and secure the other end to something sturdy. Voila! You now have a tool that will help keep your pup out of trouble and doesn’t mean that he’ll be crated for hours at a time.
Tethers are to be used only when you can actively supervise your pup. I would never leave Siena alone while she’s tethered – she could become entangled and severely injure herself. But it’s great for days like this one, where I’m spending most of my day in front of the computer. She’s right here in the same room, close enough that I can even pet her, and I don’t have to crate her, and most importantly — she can’t get into trouble or sneak off and pee in the house! The tether is the perfect solution!
Tethering is something I never really heard (or read) much about until more recently. I see it discussed on blogs where guide dogs are being raised, and also in conjunction with some styles of obedience class. It sounds like a great tool to utilize!
I have my puppy people use the tether method when they are (HOME ) working at a seated desk or chair. I have them use a 6ft leash and tuck it under their leg. Puppies don’t really roam until they have to potty. As they get the need to go and find a place to potty, the leash gets tugged, and outside your puppy goes. I still find that using a crate when puppies are overly tired will help keep both two ledgers and 4 ledgers sane. Some times over tired pups really won’t settled down until all distractions are gone.
This is definitely something I need to adopt with foster pups. I’ve relied on baby gates across doors but a puppy can get out of sight pretty quickly. And it keeps me from being able to leave the room either.
I really like tethering. It’s more flexible than crating — you can take the tether anywhere in your house (or to someone else’s house!) much easier than lugging a crate! 🙂
Yes, indeed! It’s really nice for house training when you’re with the pup. I love the tethers!
Yes, it’s impossible for the little pup to sneak away when they are tethered to you or to a piece of the house! 🙂
In my point of view, successful dog training is not only about getting your dog to understand you—it’s about how much you understanding your dog. Dog training will improve the relationship and interaction between you and the dog, once your dog was well trained, you will have fun with the dog.