When you take your dog for a walk, you should be guiding him and not the other way around. In addition to being embarrassing for the owner, a dog pulling unnecessarily on the leash can pose a risk to himself and others. For example, the dog could take off his collar and the owner would no longer be able to stop him from running towards a dangerous area, such as the road. For this reason, learning to control a dog while on a leash is a wise decision for all owners.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: "Stay still"
Step 1. Whenever your dog pulls, stop and stand still
No matter how hard your dog throws, don't let him go where he wants. This is because if you follow your dog every time he tugs on the leash, he will learn that it is a very effective method of getting where he wants to go.
Step 2. Wait for the dog to do something that loosens the leash
The dog may stop pulling by slowing down, sitting down or changing direction. As soon as the leash comes loose, go back to walking.
Step 3. Repeat for the duration of the walk
This method requires a LOT of patience! You are teaching your dog that pulling gets him nowhere. You have to be consistent and timely.
- You can encourage your dog to loosen the leash by pulling it back towards you.
- It may help to attach the leash to your belt. This prevents the dog from pulling you by extending the angle of your arm. It is also easier to stay still if your hips are being pulled and not your arm.
- A variation of this method is to walk in the opposite direction each time the dog pulls.
Method 2 of 3: Clicker Training
Step 1. Get started with the basics of clicker training
Step 2. During the walk, drop a treat on the ground and walk straight
Step 3. As the dog reaches you, click and drop the treat before the dog reaches you
Step 4. Keep repeating this move throughout the walk
This teaches the dog to pay attention to you and to stay near or behind you.
Method 3 of 3: Provisions
Step 1. Get a harness for your dog
Using a collar on a dog that pulls increases the risk of a tracheal collapse in the future. Look for a harness that closes over the dog's back so that when the dog pulls, it is forced to turn towards you. You can also consider a halter collar that wraps around the muzzle to redirect the dog's attention towards you.
Step 2. If you can, get your dog tired before the walk
Although difficult, it can help a lot. For example, you can have the dog play with the ball in the garden for about 10 minutes before the walk. A tired dog is much easier to manage.
Advice
- Praising the dog is very important during all stages of training.
- At home, walk the dog in the garden, or around the house to practice; if he rolls say "No". When you think it's ready, take it out.
Warnings
- Do not "punish" the dog by yelling, hitting, yanking or pulling. This out-of-control behavior shows him that you can't handle the situation and may pull even harder.
- Don't train him for long periods. The first training sessions should last 30 minutes or less. It ends when you are successful and not in failure.
- Never put your dog in a basket with a choke collar.
- If you use training collars, do not leave them on the dog unsupervised. The dog could get tangled in the leash and even choke.
- Do not use pinch or pinch collars without proper instruction from a professional trainer or veterinarian.
