There are many factors that go into dog training, including consistency, knowledge, and experience. But every once in a while, we can integrate a fun little trick or two that helps dogs do a better job adapting to the needs of the household.

One example is a drag line, and it is an essential dog training tool that is especially effective for new, young puppies.

Introduction to Dog Dragline Training

The term “drag line” refers to a simple leash that you or your dog trainer places on the puppy. Yet instead of holding the leash and walking the dog, the puppy is allowed to run around your home with the leash on the ground. Your puppy runs around dragging the “line” behind it.

Meant to only be used indoors and with owner supervision, drag lines are an important puppy training tool, and one that has long term benefits for both you and your dog.

Benefits of a Drag Line for Puppy Training

Drag lines have many benefits. These benefits extend beyond dog training, as they can actually help your dog acclimate to your home and live a happier and less stressful life. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Leash Exposure – Although not its primary benefit, drag lines do provide pets with leash exposure. As your new puppy runs around inside, attaching the leash to their collar helps them get used to the idea of being on a leash. This, in turn, makes leashing your pet to walk it outdoors less stressful and strange.
• Comfortable and Fast Control – Puppies have a lot of behaviors that you may not want in your home, such as jumping on furniture or trying to run outdoors. With a dragline on its collar, owners can grab the leash immediately and comfortably prevent the puppy from the unwanted activities. Without the dragline, the puppy may find it easier to engage in unwanted behaviors, as it becomes difficult to stop them in time to prevent the behavior.
• Keeping it Close – Similarly, there will be situations when you need your puppy to stay put. With a drag line, you can easily grab the leash and tie it safely to a stationary object in the home, keeping your puppy near you but preventing it from exploring where you may not see it.

Dogs can also be less stressed when they are limited to where they can go. Dogs may like exploring, but they also have discomfort with open spaces. The control you have over your dog with a drag line can reduce your pet’s stress, limiting where they can go while still letting them move around comfortably.

These are only a few of the benefits of a drag line, as they allow you to more easily control your pet’s behaviors and potentially help your pet’s mental health as well.

If you’re looking for help with your pet, contact Chicago Dog Trainer today at 224-407-2131.