Your dog pulling you down the street on your daily walks is both embarrassing and annoying. Here's everything you need to know about this behavior problem.
Leash Training
Leash training a dog is an essential part of teaching your dog to be an obedient and well-tempered pet. The training should begin as early in the dog's life as possible, before he develops bad on-leash habits.
Chain collars and prong collars, also known as choke collars and pinch collars, are designed to help owners maintain control of a dog during leash training. Both collars tighten around the neck when the dog pulls the leash too hard. These types of collars should only be used when walking the dog. Another option for dogs who have a tendency for excessive pulling is the head halter. This wraps around the nose and behind the ears. It teaches the dog to be submissive and obedient to the owner.
To begin leash training, wait for your dog to be calm before even putting on the leash. Most dogs become overly excited at the sight of a leash; teach him that you are the dominant party in the relationship. This routine will set a precedent for the rest of walk.
Uphold the same expectations of obedience once you have the dog on the leash. It can be helpful to walk the dog around the house or yard before hitting the sidewalks. Every time the dog begins to pull or jump around, stop and wait for him to calm down. Repeat this process until the dog appears sufficiently calm to proceed with your walk.
Stop every time the dog begins to lunge or pull. Continuing to walk when your dog misbehaves only reinforces and rewards that bad behavior.
This method may mean you will go shorter distances the first few walks. Regular practice of obedient heeling will eventually result in longer and more enjoyable walks.
Reward Your Dog For Good Behavior
Reward your dog with treats and verbal praise every time he obeys. Reward training has been shown to be highly effective in all types of dog training. Bring treats on the walk and be prepared to reward your dog when he sees, but successfully and calmly bypasses, a rabbit in your neighbor's front yard.
If you are committed to leash training you will soon be taking the dog for walks instead of your dog pulling you.
