Puppy tethering

[Sara]

I have been reading about puppy tethering lately: attaching the puppy to a long leash, like 15', and attaching the leash to your belt while he's not crated. I don't have a puppy, but just interested in this. Has anyone used this method to help housebreak a puppy? It just doesn't seem like it would do much good unless you were watching the puppy, which you have to do in housebreaking anyways. What's your views on this topic?

[Cheetah]

I use both crating and tethering in conjunction. I have found that if you are actually watching the puppy, it's very helpful, and it keeps them from running off and chewing on things, having accidents without you being able to catch them, and generally getting into trouble. I can't crate my puppy 24/7. He needs exercise... and I have things I have to do. So I just tie him to me while I do whatever I have to do.

[Sara]

Do you think the tethering works better than just putting up baby gates?

[Cheetah]

Yes. Because if you're busy doing something, unless you gate yourself in with the puppy in a VERY small area, that puppy is going to try and sneak off and get into trouble (people get distracted very often and that's what causes most accidents). Plus, baby gates don't prevent accidents. They just barricade the pup in, but he can still walk around and have accidents inside that gate, especially if he's not being watched. The only gate I have is on my stairs, and that is just to keep my puppy from going down the stairs right now because he is still growing.

[Sara]

Oh, okay. Thanks for your insight!

[Doberman's]

Never heard of this type of housebreaking. Interesting.

I just watched my dogs and when they messed I put them outside and praised when they did their business outside.

[Cheetah]

Tethering basically just keeps them from wandering off. You still have to watch them, but at least you don't have to follow them all over the house. I is also a good way to teach them to follow you, because you're the leader.

[nancy]

I have never heard of this and personally could not be bothered with having puppy under my feet when busy. Watching puppy and putting it outside every 30-60 mins to have a wee when you are not busy they soon get the message and a wee reward when they go to the loo works wonders they will be at the door to get out in no time.

[Sara]

I read a book that said puppy tethering isn't a good idea in older puppies, like around 5 to 6 months old. This book says it's better to use baby gates in every room you're in and just keep a watchful eye. Why wouldn't it work when they're this old?

[Cheetah]

I've never heard of that... I've always heard that you can tether for as long as you need to... I'll have to look into that...

[Becky]

I used the tether technique when Maddi relapsed back into messing in the house at about a year old, although I used a much smaller leash (5 footer) because she could get out of my site with a 15' leash w/ the type of house plan we have.