We started preparing for this before Fabian got the OK to go outside. He's a companion, so we're not training for competition.
We played the "follow me" game around our first floor. He got lavish praise when he stayed close by. Then we did the same with a kitten harness, but no leash. Once he was comfortable with the harness, we added the leash. More lavish praise and attention for staying inline with us. Once outside, he got distracted by all the smells and sounds, so we took things at his pace. Once home, he gets rewarded with an onleash romp in the front yard. (He loves running more than anything.) Now the only thing that slows him down are people coming up to meet him: he's very gentle and friendly and it's puppy kisses for all! |