Puppy Development - The Chain Gang

An important development tool is the "Chain Gang" or "Stake out Chain", the pups pictured have accepted and are completely comfortable on the "Chain Gang". The pups pictured are about 4 months old. The chain needs to be long enough for the pup or dog to stand comfortably but not so long that they can be injured by running to the end of the chain. They will fight the chain at first and possibly vocalize their objection to the restriction. The key is to let them work it out on their own, it may require you to wear ear buds and listen to your favorite music. They will soon learn being still and quite is much better than fighting the chain. Once again this is a point of contact on the neck that teaches them that being calm by either standing still or laying down relaxes the point of contact on the neck.

I start my pups out on the chain gang while I am training other dogs. The "Chain Gang" is the establishment of the classroom, they must be quiet and somewhat still just like we were required to be when we started school when we were pups. One thing to remember is when taking the pup off the chain, they will be excited and jumping and moving around in anticipation of getting off the chain, you need to stand next to them until they stand calm. Keep moving them with a foot until you get them in the heel position standing calm at your side. Then reward them by petting a little, if they start moving, start over until they comply at the heel position. Once they remain calm you can remove the chain easily. By doing what was just described you are establishing yourself as the pack leader, that is they have to comply by your rules to get the chain off. Use the "Command" lead to walk the dog to the chain gang and to walk off the chain gang. Remember to never leave the dogs unattended while on the "Chain Gang" for long periods of time.

And remember 1 Cor. 10:31 .......... "what ever you do, do all for the Glory of God.