How to stop your dog from pulling on the leash?
Learn how to help your dog walk properly and stop pulling on the leash.
Walks can be the most exciting time of your dog's day. It's easy to understand why your dog may start pulling on his leash to get to his destination faster.
To prevent him from pulling on you, it is important to teach him to walk calmly.
One of the most common reasons dogs pull on their leash is because they have learned that this is how they can move forward. Every time your dog pulls, take a step with him to make him understand that pulling is not helpful.
Teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash takes a lot of patience and time. But the effort is worth it when you're out walking with your best friend.
Walk gently on a walk
Follow these steps and your dog should be walking nicely and calmly on a leash in no time.
Choose comfortable and safe equipment
A quick internet search will show you equipment that promises to “cure” pulling, but some equipment causes pain or discomfort when the dog pulls by creating tension in a sensitive area. This is unnecessary and can be unpleasant and confusing for the animal.
Walk your dog using the most comfortable equipment for him, such as a flat harness or collar. If you choose to use a harness, be sure to introduce him in a gentle and positive manner.
Reward your dog when he is by your side
You need to teach your dog that it is helpful to be near you.
Start in the house or yard, where the climate is quieter, and reward your dog when he sits or stands next to you. It is much easier for your dog to learn new behaviors in quiet places where he will not be easily distracted.
Start with off-leash training
First, train your dog off-leash. You can then begin to introduce it when your dog is reliably following you.
You may need to hold something your dog wants, such as a treat or a fun toy , to entice him to stand and walk beside you at first.
You will have to do this less and less often, but remember to always praise him when he stays close to you.
Then add movement
Gradually, reward your dog every time he is by your side. As he begins to understand, slowly increase the time and distance between rewards.
By changing direction every now and then, you teach your dog to watch you closely.
Gradually increase distractions, but remember to go at your dog's pace. If he struggles, go back to a step he was successful at and go more slowly.
At first, you will probably need to use a lot of treats, but as your dog improves, you can reduce the amount of treats you give him, eventually reducing the amount of treats you give him to just the occasional treat or compliment.
Consistency is essential.
Be consistent with your training every time you go out with your dog.
It may take time, but it is worth it.
You should expect walks to be longer as your dog learns. But if you stick with it, you will be rewarded with enjoyable walks with a calm, happy dog who no longer pulls.
Stop walking when the leash becomes tight
Teach your dog that walking alongside you on a loose leash means he can move forward—and that pulling means he can't. As soon as the leash starts to tighten, stop walking.
As soon as the leash starts to tighten, stop walking. Do not move, remain silent and do not move forward until the leash is slack.
Do not pull on the leash or tell your dog to stop - stand still and wait calmly.
If your dog doesn't turn to face you, try taking a few steps in the opposite direction to get him to focus again.
What to do if you can't be completely consistent?
If you can't be 100% consistent (for example, if you're running late but still need to take your dog out), it may be easier to have two different harnesses .
You can use a harness when you don't have time to train, to give your dog "permission to pull" when he's wearing it. Use another harness, or attach the leash to your dog's collar, for training sessions and daily walks, once he's stopped pulling.
Your dog will learn the difference between the two and will know that he can pull on one, but not the other. But be aware that it will probably take longer for your dog to learn to stop pulling with this method.
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