How to Train Your Dog to Use a Leash

Hello Kien, You did the right thing by creating a chew proof leash. Seven months is a heavy chewing period because of jaw development. You can also purchase chew-proof leashes here: https://www.amazon.com/VirChewLy-Indestructible-Leash-Dogs-Medium/dp/B004HIM590/ref=asc_df_B004HIM590/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=218543830990&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12356904543524668648&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9010518&hvtargid=pla-353603998053&psc=1 If he is still attempting to chew the chew-proof leash, then purchase "Bitter Apple" or "Bitter Mellon" and spray it on the leash so that it tastes bad. Also be sure that he has access to his own chew toys. For the markers, work on teaching him a "Leave It" command and once he can leave food alone when told to, practice the command with the markers also. Check out the article below and follow the "Leave It" method. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-shih-tzu-puppy-to-not-bite You can also booby trap places like desks, that he tends to jump up on to steal markers from. To do this, set something up that will make some noise or quick movement on the desk so that when he jumps up he is surprised, even when you are not there. There are several products on the market designed to discourage counter surfing, which is where a dog jumps up to steal things. You can also stack lots of metal things, like pot lids, run a string through them, and attach the string to a marker, so that when he jumps up and grabs the marker, he will pull the string and cause the lids to crash together, surprising Lucky. When you do this, go to the next room over and listen for him to trigger the booby trap, so that you can run back in there and pick up the marker to keep him from going back to it after he triggers the booby trap. You can also attach a string to the lids and to something secure behind them to keep the lids from falling off of the desk all of the way, to avoid any of them hitting him. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello, First, know that puppies tend to get more excited about the world around them at 4-5 months, and also become a bit more independent and test more boundaries as they approach 6 months - it's essentially the beginning of puppy teenage period. Walking with another dog is also a huge distraction and encourages pulling in many dogs because they compete to be out front, or to keep up with each other at least. Check out the article linked below and follow the Turns method found there. Practice this method in an open area like a big grassy area or unoccupied parking lot at first. Pay special attention to turning directly in front of pup at a ninety degree angle like the method mentions. Your timing needs to be good for this to work. Require pup to walk with nothing more than their muzzle beside your leg, a bit behind you in other words. As soon as their head starts to move past your leg, turn directly in front of pup at a ninety degree angle. This helps pup learn that they should walk slightly behind you to avoid being cut off. Turning abruptly away from pup or picking up your speed can also help pup learn not to lag too far behind, tune out, or range away from you. In your case, the turns in front of pup will be the most important. If the dogs will be continuing to walk together, practice with just pup at first, then see if your roommate would be up for practicing with them together once both are good separately, before trying to go on long straight walks with them again. Turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Hello! I have a link to a wonderful, in depth article for making leash walking a bit more peaceful. There are quite a few steps, so I am sending a link instead of putting all of the information in this box. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-puppy-walk-leash/