A Leash in the House?
Many dogs, especially puppies, realize very quickly that they can run faster than you. They learn that it is very easy to grab something important to you like shoes or another piece of clothing and run off with it and you can’t catch them! Sometimes, dogs will even try to mouth or nip you if you try to take something away from them, or if you try to stop them from doing something they want to do.
While prevention is always the best option, meaning teaching a very strong “come” command in the house, or “leave it” command early in puppyhood, sometimes in order to stop a behavior that can lead to generalized disrespect and even a potentially deadly behavior – suppose your dog grabs your cell phone or swallows something toxic – we must find extra tools to help us end the behavior.
A six foot leash worn by your dog in the house can put an end to running off. It can also help resolve housetraining issues, furniture sleeping, and even food possession/aggression. Stepping on the leash as your dog attempts any of those behaviors automatically puts you in control and gives you the option to stop, immediately, potential problems. It allows you to set the dog up for good behaviors instead of always feeling overwhelmed about disciplining.
The leash should be an inexpensive and preferably cotton one. If it is cotton and your dog chews it, it is not usually harmful if small pieces are swallowed. It can also be tied back together and used longer. Of course a good leash that could be ruined should not be used.
A word of caution; a leash should only be used in your presence. If your dog gets the leash caught on a piece of furniture, you need to be there to untangle your dog so he/she doesn’t choke.
If you are having housetraining problems, using a leash and attaching it to you can end sneaking off behind the sofa to leave you a present. Just tie it to your belt. When you see your dog starting his/her indication, get her/him outside immediately no matter what you are doing. The importance is that you can learn your dog’s indication/signal. Most dogs do not want to go potty in front of you so they learn to hold it until they get outside.
One of the most important things to remember is that too much freedom too fast is a very good way to teach your dog that their behaviors are up to them, many of which can be destructive. Having a simple tool, like a house line on a dog is an excellent, passive way to let the dog know that there are things that are off limits and boundaries. Having limits and boundaries is an excellent way to have an emotionally happy dog and an intact household!
Caption: Mariah was the Queen of grabbing things and running off with them, especially my slippers and socks! A house line/leash put a quick end to that!
