TETHER TRAINING #BLOGGING FROM A-Z

Tether training! I can’t say enough about it…

T

I did it three times and three times it worked like a charm.

This gem of a technique became an intricate component in my life probably two weeks after Harley joined our family…

IMG_0205

Completing those gazillion “after work” tasks while keeping one eye on him required a plan. #mosdef

Foods that shouldn’t have, were often served “blackened-cajun” style because I was chasing Harley around the house making sure he didn’t eat, bite or pee on something.

It didn’t seem fair to re-crate him after he’d been in there while I was at the office.

One evening Doodle Dad said –

He needs to stay with you so you can keep an eye on him.

As a novice pet parent, I got creative!

KITE STRING –

Yep, I looked in my ole man’s tool shed and found some kite string.

Here was my logic – if it can hold a kite hundreds of feet in the air, it can certainly hang onto an 11lb puppy.

We started off with about 7-8 feet, one end tied to his collar and the other to either my belt, pants loop, or sometimes around my waist!

IMPORTANT –

The string was there only to keep us connected. I never used it for correction. I only used it in the house. It’s sole purpose was to keep him within eyes reach.

THE BENEFITS –

  • We bonded instantly  – had no choice!
  • Constantly had my eye on him, while giving him access to move about
  • Learned his habits quickly, I knew when he started to twirl – that meant “potty
  • He learned my voice tones, my “looks” and I was there to give instant praise as he learned
  • Easy to correct bad behavior – I used a unusual phrase, “shame on you” when he reached for cords, shoes, or anything I didn’t want him to touch, bite or swallow.

THE PITFALLS –

  • They are forever the ying to my yang
  • We’re like velcro – it’s impossible to get next to me #askmyhusband
  • It’s been 7 years since I’ve had the bathroom to myself…

ttAnd I’ve learned how to cook with sous chefs in the kitchen…

IMG_7508

After my first experiment with this form of training, I’ve used it on Leo (who came to me at 6 months and 60lbs) as well as Jaxson.

Deterring bad habits such as –

  • counter surfing
  • table hopping
  • half eaten shoes
  • nibbled up table legs

– has made the “pitfalls” bearable.

Because of tether training – whenever they were out of the crate, I was able to correct the action before it became a bad habit. #Iwasthere

I’ve since learned there are actually “umbilical belts” you can purchase – but for me, kite string does the trick. #cheapertoo

Reference:

Dogster Plans for Puppy Tethering

*I am not a breeder nor a veterinarian. I am a Doodle Mom searching and sharing a better understanding about everything Goldendoodle.

This year over 500 bloggers from across the world will participate in the A-Z blogging challenge.

We will attempt to blog everyday during the month of April (minus Sundays) completing the entire alphabet in one month.

Our Theme? – “Everything Goldendoodle” ❤️

Signature

18 Comments
  • Lauren Miller
    April 22, 2016

    Tethering is a great strategy for helping to keep dogs out of trouble! I recommend it all the time! 😀

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 24, 2016

      It’s a genius idea for so many reasons Lauren, especially for adults like me who never grew up with a dog in the house. I learned more than Harley.

  • Emma
    April 23, 2016

    My mom tried the same thing with a regular leash attached to her, but she tired of it faster than us puppies ever did, so it was never successful. Congratulations on your sticking with the program as it is supposed to be a good way to train.

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 24, 2016

      Kite string is the way to go! It’s light, yet sturdy and I never really had any problems with it. After a few weeks I even forgot it was there. I just knew I have this little fur ball following me around. Who knew he didn’t have a choice! 🙂

  • Monika & Sam
    April 23, 2016

    Seems like a terrific idea, then again, I’d be worried I’d step on the pup and hurt ourselves (yes, I am that klutzy). ღ

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 24, 2016

      Actually Monika you learn your dance partner’s moves very quickly. I was surprised we didn’t have any collisions. I never tried to do steps, just scooped him up when I was going to another level. And we managed to hop and swerve with pretty good timing LOL

  • Bernard Lima-Chavez
    April 23, 2016

    I’m a huge proponent of tether training too! With a deaf dog, this technique allows me to do intensive training on hand signs, especially the all important “watch me”. Thank you for sharing this!

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 24, 2016

      I never thought about that Bernard. You are absolutely on point. It was such a perfect fit for me because I wasn’t familiar with dogs and it gave me plenty of time to observe and bond with Harley. I truly believe that is one huge reason I have these unique relationships with each one. We know one another well 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, come hang out with us again soon!

  • Jan K
    April 24, 2016

    I’ve never tried that but it seems like a great idea. Hopefully I don’t forget by the time we get another puppy! 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 24, 2016

      Trust me, after you run behind a new puppy for a few days, you’ll think “kite string!” 🙂

  • Lindsay
    April 24, 2016

    Oh my goodness, little Harley!!! He’s soooo small.

    Tethering works wonders! It’s so convenient. I’ve used it before as well when Charlie is being a rotten little nuisance.

    I like to call my crew my little fan club. Lol! It’s like group bathroom dates. Hahhaa. We never are alone. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 25, 2016

      LOL – Lindsay, I wouldn’t know what to do in the bathroom by myself! I’m doodle serious, tether training made me feel like the dog whisperer. I loved it, and the bonding experience is indescribable. They “get” me, and I understand them.

      • Lindsay
        April 25, 2016

        Who needs the bathroom to themselves?! Certainly not I or you.
        The boys have been at my mom’s since Saturday and were picking them up in a moment after being up north this weekend. It sure isn’t a home without a dog or two… Or 20. Hahah! Someday I’d love to have an entire house full! 🙂

        • Cathy Bennett
          April 26, 2016

          You’re so right Lindsay – extra bathroom space is highly over-rated!!! I know the feeling of emptiness when we’re away from the Boys. It’s like my rhythm is off. Can’t get right! Enjoy the reunion!

  • Kimberly Gauthier
    April 24, 2016

    This is such a great idea. I know a local trainer who suggests the same thing when you bring a dog or puppy home. Not sure how well this would have worked with littermates, but I would have loved to give it a try.

    • Cathy Bennett
      April 25, 2016

      You’d probably get tangled a lot 🙂

  • Crystal
    December 10, 2019

    I just read your post. I’m currently tether training our goldendoodle. I’m wondering how long you think tethering is needed?

    • Cathy Bennett
      January 6, 2020

      From what I can remember Crystal, I tethered until I felt comfortable with their understanding not to bother things and not to potty in the house, so I would say at least a few months.