Tether Leads

Many of RAGOM's foster families use a device called a "Tether Leash."  It is simply a short leather leader - about 4 feet - that clips to the dog's Gentle Leader AND to the belt loop on your trousers.  An ordinary leash can be modified to do the job as well.

Murphy 02-281 using his Gentle Leader and tether leash

What it does for you and the dog is it keeps him close to you and in your sight at all times.  From this he learns the rules of the house.  If he exhibits undesirable behavior you simply "pop" the tether leash (a quick tug - totally painless, but a bit startling) and he thinks that the Gentle Leader is correcting him.  It is amazing how quickly he unlearns bad habits like counter surfing or people jumping.

The proximity and constant training also help solidify the bond between you and your dog.  He will look to you more as a leader and less as an equal or subordinate.  With your place in the pack established, he will then learn to trust you and to take cues from you.  This is the foundation of a lifetime of training and good behavior.

RAGOM highly recommends the tether leash approach for our foster families as well as our newly adoptive families.  Ask any of our volunteers for a demonstration of how the tether works.  Our volunteers would also be happy to sell you a tether leash and a Gentle Leader at a very good price.