Have you been considering dog adoption?

That is great!

Currently, animal shelters and rescue organizations are overwhelmed by the number of pets coming through their doors. In fact, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter US shelters every single year. The good news is many puppies and dogs do get adopted.

But bringing home a new four-legged best friend is not always wet kisses and bum wiggles…

Today on the Leash Links blog, we explain why adoptive families should buckle up and be prepared to do a lot of serious leash training!

Why Rescue Dogs Need Leash Training

There is a famous saying in the dog rescue community.

It goes, “You can’t change a dog’s past, but you can rewrite their future.”

By choosing to adopt a puppy or dog, you are (sometimes quite literally) saving its life. Rescue dogs can be loving and loyal pets. And contrary to widespread belief, we absolutely CAN teach an old dog new tricks.

It is important to understand that many rescue dogs often lack basic training or have never received obedience lessons. Research has shown that due to neglect and abuse, a significant number of rescue dogs exhibit stress, anxiety, over excitement, and fear-based behaviors. For example:

• Struggling to walk calmly on a leash
• Chewing the leash
• Lunging reactively
• Running away or hiding

At Leash Links, we know firsthand how frustrating this can be.

After all, it was our own English bulldog named Walter who inspired us to begin Leash Links in the first place.

So, why do so many adopted dogs struggle on leashes?

To understand this unwanted behavior, think about the situation from a rescue dog’s perspective. In some case, this could be their first introduction to wearing a collar and leash. Stray dogs who are accustomed to roaming freely are more likely to pull. A leash restrains movement, and it can take time for them to get comfortable with this new and odd feeling.

Similarly, many adopted dogs bite their leash.

Imagine only getting several minutes of outdoor time each day. In a shelter, dogs wait for volunteers and staff to walk them. Often, they are under exercised. As a result, dogs’ pace, rush out the door, and get over stimulated when taken on walks.

All that pent up energy needs to go somewhere!

Chewing on a leash is an outlet. Understandably, this can make walking a dog less than enjoyable.

Fortunately, Leash Links offers innovative solutions to do some serious leash training!

Remember, all dogs are trainable.

By adopting a dog, you are committed to being their teacher. Dogs want to please. They are eager to make us happy. Learning how to walk on a leash is a skill. Just like human babies who figure out how to crawl, a dog will learn right and wrong behavior during “walkies.”

Do not give up!!

Even adopted puppies and dogs can learn how to walk on a leash.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, dog fans!

Be sure to check out the Leash Links online shop for all your difficult doggy walking solutions and training needs.

Happy Walking,

Demetra, Joe, Nancy & Rick

Co-Founders of Leash Links