Pulling on the Lead
Recently one of my clients asked if I had any material and advice on how to stop her dog pulling on his lead. Well this is an all too common problem that many of you dog owners out there suffer, so let me try and help you fix that.
The problem with a dog pulling on the lead is that it might be manageable if a small dog is involved but if it’s a big dog then this could lead to problems where you are pulled over, drag to a dangerous situation etc.
To sort this problem it helps to understand that pulling on the lead is its own reward; that is, dogs associate the pulling sensation with getting where they want to go. In their mind, pulling gets them to a fun destination more quickly. Therefore, the answer is to turn things around so they link NOT pulling with getting where they want to go. To do this takes patience. Start training when you aren’t in a hurry and it doesn’t matter if you don’t get where you want to go (you have be prepared not to move far).
Below are 2 methods that you can employ to help stop your dog from pulling on his/her lead.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Method A
Involves stopping every time the dog pulls and walking in the opposite direction. The dog pulls again, you stop, turn around, and walk until the dog pulls again. Basically, you go nowhere. The dog will eventually realise that when he pulls, you stop and get further away, rather than achieving what he wants. As he starts to walk on a slack lead, praise him, and keep walking. Help him understand that less is more in terms of getting to the park.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Method B
You can do in the back yard. With the dog on the leash, set a totally tasty treat on the ground a few feet away, let the dog see it and walk towards it. If the dog pulls, then make a disapproving noise and return to the start. Repeat. Set off, and as soon as he pulls give a signal that he did wrong and then return to base. This helps him understand that he only gets to the treat when he walks without pulling.
Once he gets the message, then practice in other locations so that he learns to walk on a loose lead in different places, not just the back yard.
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