My husband challenges me when I say Ed F. & the Leerburg community advocate tethering. We've not done it since the pup arrived in our home 8 Jan '10.

What is the rational behind tethering? Any specifics as to how to tether (length of; expected movements of owner; expectation of interacts between owner & pup; how to determine if tethering is frightening the pup).

Tethering isn't a negative experience, when I start out if the puppy isn't quite into following yet I will pick them up until they get there. I will usually spend some time trying to get them to follow but if someone is at the door, or I need to move fast I'm not against picking up puppy.

For practical reasons tethering accomplishes control of environment for both housebreaking and destruction control. A puppy on a leash has a hard time digging in the trash, pooping, disappearing into the bedroom with someone's underwear, etc without being noticed.

For training purposes it establishes the bond with me as their primary caretaker, affection provider, leader, playmate, and the general source of all that is wonderful. At this age this is huge to establishing how things go later in life.

Melissa outlined all the reasons why perfectly.

Specifics--use the puppy's 6-foot lead and tie it to your belt. Then just do what you do. This could be watching TV, doing dishes, folding laundry, sitting at the computer--you know, ordinary household stuff. If you are doing anything that is either so vigorous that the pup can't keep up with you, or it is impractical (showering?, mowing the lawn?) then put the pup in his crate.

There's no reason that the tether itself should frighten the pup. You're not dragging him. The idea is that you are making yourself (literally) the center of his world. When you walk from one room to the next, talk to him and encourage him to follow. Use your puppy voice. Use his name. Use treats.

If he's sitting quietly next to you, talk to him in calm tones and tell him how good he is. If he starts chewing your shoelace, redirect and give him a toy. This is babysitting 101.

What you don't want is to sit at the computer and think you can watch the pup as he roams around the room. Because he'll squat behind a chair and you won't know it. Or he'll chew a lamp cord.

And you also don't want to have to keep him in a crate ALL the time. When you are home and can babysit you should be interacting with each other. It's important for him to share in all the stuff you do. The tether just makes it easier for both of you.

is tethering when you tie the puppy to you when you first get them

Thanks for all the explanations. Today I tried to tether, but was finding that the pup was not coming thank you very much! I called, offered rewards, etc., and still he did not move.

In an earlier post (a different thread topic), i was advised to "just move" if I needed to and the puppy would come. I did end up dragging him a foot or two - not harshly, but it still felt uncomfortable.

I'm so grateful for all this wisdom & experience being shared (hope that comes across as sincerely as it's intended).

It might take a few days for both of you to figure it out, but it is wonderful once you do.

A pocket or treat pouch full of dry non messy treats goes a long way towards coaxing a pup to follow.

I like the zukes minis, they aren't greasy or soft but they are small enough that you can use a lot of them during the day. If you have a washable treat pouch little pea size bits of cooked chicken are a great treat

I'm still looking for treats he'll accept - no to hot dogs, liver bites, shredded chicken or beef jerky treats.

But, just noticed he's gassy, so maybe his tummy isn't accustomed to the new food.

B

Wait until he is hungry and hold the treat on the palm of your hand, while you are sitting down, letting him come to the treat, sniff it, etc.

We can't tell if there is a hovering issue, a slightly threatening (not deliberate) hand, or a puppy who is interested in everything else and not hungry. This will take care of all three.

 Quote: debbie dibble

is tethering when you tie the puppy to you when you first get them

Yes.

I do it with "new" adopted dogs of all ages, too. Nothing like it to teach us the dog's potty body language, so if we do make a handler mistake by having the dog indoors when he needs to be outdoors, we see the signs and are able to get the dog outdoors and praise like crazy for going outside (or at least finishing outside).

Bonding, supervision, leadership, potty -- I wish I had known about tethering-to-me way before I did.

I still do it with my 2 year old husky some days when he is being a handful, it keeps him out of trouble and me sane!