So I keep a leash on my 11-week Australian Shepherd all the time; either a 20' cotton lead line or a 6' nylon lead. I usually just hold the leash in my hand, but sometimes let the dog just drag it behind her.

I've read you guys talking about tethering your puppy to you. Does that mean like clipped to your belt loop? There are a couple of things I don't understand about this.

First, she doesn't always want to stay that close to me. If I'm in the kitchen doing dishes or fixing coffee I'm moving around quit a bit as I get things out or put them away. She's more inclined to find a spot and sit. More likely, she wants to go off and explore (we're still on like day 3 in my house). Seems like there'd be a lot of pulling on the lead as I zig and she zags.

Second, I'm very attentive to her lead getting tangled up in her legs. If it's tied to me, seems like that would happen a lot and be a constant battle to keep her untangled.

So what do you guys mean by "tethered" and how do you address that above?

Doug, I used a short leash. She had enough room to lay down if I was standing still. Other than that, she moved when I moved.

I'm sure some of the experienced handlers will comment. When I did training exercises with her (marker) I left the lead on her. Playing fetch, same thing. (Of course, it wasn't attached to me during those times.) But other than those times, she was attached to me or in her crate.

I kept my dog tied to me on a short-ish leash. I will still do this in situations that are new or in places where my dog is still learning the rules (like at my Mom's next week:-)

At this point in your dog's life, it isn't about what your dog wants. It's about gently establishing rules in ways that your puppy readily understands. Tethering keeps your dog with you, keeps your pup out of trouble and automatically puts you in a leadership position in a way that strengthens the bond between you and your pup. It is your dog's job to follow you and wait patiently with you while you move through your day.

Doing this now can prevent a lot of problems later.

The close tethering also fosters a critical bond between dog and handler.

Additionally, dogs need to learn, as early as possible, to be comfortable in close proximity to their handlers.

I see a LOT of dogs that are very uncomfortable sitting or downing in the heel position during training. They tend to throw their hips out, sit crooked or just flat refuse to come to the proper position. Had they been tethered as pups and kept close, it would actually be a position of safety to be so close to the handler. Instead, they are anxious and uncomfortable in that "bubble".

Generally with tethered dogs, I would only have them out and tethered when I'm more or less stationary. Working on the computer, reading, watching TV, etc.

If I'm doing a lot of moving around, putting things away, etc, the dog probably needs to be in the crate.
First, because it is a hassle to have the pup trailing behind you.

More importantly, your attention isn't on the pup, who can find mischief in less time than it takes you to put your coffee cup in the dishwasher.

If the pup would prefer to be laying down while you move around, that is an ideal time for the pup to be in the crate.
If a puppy is going to lay down in rest, they should do it in their cozy crate.

Sleeping loose in the house, on a dog bed or on the floor, is for older, house-trained dogs, IMO. Puppies belong in crates when they are sleeping. It helps the crate training process dramatically, and it also prevents any "Oops, I thought she was sleeping... I guess she woke up and piddled when I was looking away for a minute."

Great question, Doug. I thought it was just keeping the pup on a 6' leash at all times. Yet another thing I'll have to rework from new info.

Here is another spot for me to plug tethering for an adult or senior rescue too.

What a jump-start for bonding! And what a terrific way to learn the dog's potty body language as well as not allowing an unwanted habit to form.

I use a piece of an old LB 20' cotton line.

We should probably always clarify "tethering to the handler" so no one gets the idea (which has happened here) that we mean tethering to something stationary. No ... that's the job of the crate.

Thanks, Alyssa, for a thoughtful reply. Since I'm a work from home tech guy, I spend about 80 - 90% of my working day sitting at my desk in front of my computer. My aussie's crate is right her next to me. Is there value in having her out, tethered to me instead of just in her crate next to me? Eventually (like when she's an adult), I'd love to have her laying here out of her crate next to me while I work. That's like 50% of my desire for my own dog. However, when I work I tend to be really focused on the computer screen. Having the pup out of her kennel seems more likely for her to get into trouble than not.

My only time when I'm not staring at a computer screen is when I get up to do house stuff: go upstairs for fresh coffee, put dishes in the dishwasher while I'm there, potty breaks for me, check the mail, etc. It's all just moving around for a few minutes before I dive back into my work.

I watched this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6bX1zq5HBg) about leash training a puppy and it really opened my eyes. I feel like I've been doing too much pulling on the leash to get her where I want her. I am trying to switch to coaxing her where I want her with treats, but it requires a lot of energy and patience. It's only the first day though. My hope is a few days of high energy coaxing and she'll respond really well and not require so much coaxing/treats.

I really appreciate all the advice. I really want my pup to respect me and I'm nervous that I'll fall back to "yank and crank".

I concur with tethering a senior. It can and should be done. I would suggest, like Alyssa said, only if you are going to remain stationary. Older ones really dislike getting up all the time!

It makes a world of difference. Trust is established, routine, body language learned (both for dog and human), bonding occurs, and fairness is almost guarenteed.

You can't forget a dog that is tethered to you and he/she can't forget you. Bonding does occurs. Manners occur. Mishaps seldom.

Go, Connie! Keep plugging!

 Quote: doug alcorn

Since I'm a work from home tech guy, I spend about 80 - 90% of my working day sitting at my desk in front of my computer. My aussie's crate is right her next to me. Is there value in having her out, tethered to me instead of just in her crate next to me? Eventually (like when she's an adult), I'd love to have her laying here out of her crate next to me while I work. That's like 50% of my desire for my own dog. However, when I work I tend to be really focused on the computer screen. Having the pup out of her kennel seems more likely for her to get into trouble than not.

I got to bring Oscar to work with me as a pup - he didn't have a crate there, but I set up a "space" for him under my desk, which ended up feeling a lot like a cave I'm sure. He always had something to chew on, and he was most always tethered to my chair (which I was sitting in). If I got up to go somewhere, I'd grab the leash and he'd come too. I didn't even know about "tethering" as a proper method back then, it just seemed appropriate. I definitely think Oscar learned good things about always being by my side, and he certainly didn't get into trouble that way!

Today, I work from home, and Oscar spends all day, every day asleep on his bed right behind me in the office. I actually have multiple "work" rooms, but each one has a dog bed, and he just follows me from room to room and finds his "place" to chill until we go for our walks. It's pretty great having a well trained, calm, adult house dog to keep you company - especially when you're isolated from the social nature of a company workplace. Starting this pup out on the right foot will benefit you 100 times over once she's grown...

~Natalya