{Leash Training Tips and Advice
Pulling on the leash is most likely something dogs have been doing from the first time a human tried to walk one. They just do not like being held back. So the more you try to keep them in check, the more they pull.
In most cases, the dog isn’t being dominant, or trying to make you mad. It’s just that there are so many interesting sights, sounds and smells to explore. He can’t wait to see what’s up ahead, so he pulls to get there faster.
And therein lies the secret to stopping your dog pulling. Start to teach your dog that, until he calms down and stops his pulling, he’s going nowhere. Here’s how;
Teaching the Rules of the Walk
Dogs are creatures of habit so they are very observant when it comes to routines. You’ve probably noticed that, even before you pick up his lead, your dog is already getting himself worked up. I’m sure you’ve wondered how he knows what’s coming.
The probable answer is that he’s picked up on some routine you go through in preparing for the walk. A routine you probably aren’t even aware of yourself.
To change your dog’s “walk behavior”, start by addressing the pre-walk issues. Don’t allow bad behavior. If the dog barks, jumps up and runs around when you try to put his lead on stop, wait for him to calm down, then try again.
To begin with you may have to do this several times. It can be trying, but stick to your guns. It will pay off later on.
When the dog is calm, and you’ve attached the leash, leave the house right away. If the dog gets over-excited again, make him sit, and wait for him to calm, before proceeding.
The dog will likely want to relieve himself as soon as he’s outdoors. Allow him to do so. Once he’s done, control and limit the amount you allow him to sniff around and mark territory. Ideally you do not want to allow this at all for large sections of the walk. Allow him to explore only when you say so.
The Best Way to Stop Your Dog Pulling
If you want to stop your dog pulling, you need to stop pulling back. The way to control this behavior is to teach the dog that pulling has a negative rather than positive result. When he pulls, stop the walk and get him to sit. Only carry on with walking when he has calmed down.
You’ll find this very challenging at first, but stick with it and your dog will soon learn what he needs to do. He’ll soon realize that pulling only succeeds in stopping his walk.
Once he breaks the pulling habit start getting him to walk beside, instead of in front of you. This will also help to curb the inclination to pull, especially if a cat suddenly darts across his path!
It is also a good idea to take some of his favorite treats along while he is in training. Give a treat whenever he is walking calmly beside you and you’ll further re-enforce his good behavior.
If you want to read more about dog training tips, dog care, dog anatomy and other interesting dog info pay a visit to dogsanddogtraining.com
Tags: dog obedience training, dog training, dog training tips, dogs
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