Dog Pulling On Leash Training: How to Train Your Dog to Stop Pulling on the Leash
A behavioral rehabilitation specialist explains three methods.
Walking your dog provides both mental and physical stimulation that your dog requires to stay healthy. It’s also a great time for you to get some fresh air and bond with your canine companion. However, if your dog pulls on the leash all the time, it can be difficult. “Teaching leash manners can be difficult because dogs move faster than we do, are often high-energy, and eager to explore the outdoors,” says Monica Body, a behavioral rehabilitation specialist at the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center. Some dogs are adamant about running around as fast as they can. Other dogs want to stop, sniff, and urinate on everything they come across. “
While walking on a leash may not feel natural to your dog at first, you can train your dog not to pull. You can train your dog using a variety of methods. “Consider all walks training sessions until your dog learns to walk without pulling,” Body says. “Make training sessions for your dog frequent, short, and enjoyable.” Allow your dog to sniff and explore his surroundings. The ultimate goal is to be able to walk with a loose leash rather than one that is taut from start to finish.
Allowing your dog to play before going on a leash walk is recommended by Body. This will release pent-up energy and make your dog’s walk more enjoyable. During the training sessions, you’ll also need to give your dog. It will give him positive reinforcement and make the behavior enjoyable for him. Then, as explained by our expert, use one of these training techniques.
Related: How to Pick the Best Dog Leash
Red and green light are the first two methods.
Your dog should already be able to respond to the commands “come” and “sit” for this to work. Stop walking and wait whenever your dog pulls on the leash. Call him toward you and tell him to sit when he no longer pulls on the leash. Say “yes” and give him a treat. Say “yes” once more and give another great Continue walking while rewarding good leash behavior. Stop and repeat this process whenever he pulls on the leash.
Lure and Reward (method 2)
“Begin by placing your dog on your left side. Hold your left hand in front of your dog’s nose (within an inch of it) with several treats in your left hand. “The body speaks.” Say the command, ‘Let’s go!’ and take one big step to begin, then give your dog a small treat and praise her for walking with you for that one step. “
Continue to lure and reward your dog for taking big steps alongside you by repeating these steps. As your training progresses, you can increase the number of steps between treats. If he pulls ahead, come to a complete stop, call his name, and tell him to sit. Restart the walk after rewarding him for his obedience and allowing him to smell the treats.
Catch Me If You Can is the third method.
Begin your walk in one direction. Stop walking and wait if your dog pulls on the leash. When he no longer pulls on the leash, call for him and say, “Let’s walk!” when he returns your gaze. When your dog catches up to you, turn around and say “yes” with a treat. Walk-in a different direction. “Praise and reward your dog frequently as you walk,” Body advises, “for every step they stay next to you or slightly ahead of you, and for looking up at you.” “If you do this consistently, he’ll learn that staying close to you is a lot more fun.”
