Hi Dog Lovers,
Today we talk about a topic that almost all my clients bring up as their #1 problem: Pulling on the leash. This is a very common problem with dog owners, I see more issues when the dogs are larger or the owners are older. It can be a safety issue for both the owner and the dog. Below I have created some tips to teach loose leash walking if training classes or privates are not an option.
Off Leash Work
This exercise is great to do outside in a fence in area, but if you do not have access to one you can do it inside the house, in the hallway is best. I first walk around and ignore my dog. Then, I will call my them while being very excited. When they come to my side, I will reward with a small treat or praise if you don’t want to treat or your dog does not enjoy them. While I continue to walk, I will talk to my dog in an upbeat voice encouraging them to stay at my side. Every couple of steps I reward the dog with a small treat. After 10-15 steps, go back to ignoring the dog and allowing them a mental break. After 1-2 minutes try again and repeat the same process. By allowing them a mental break you are teaching the dog that great things come when they are walking with you at your side.
Out on a Walk
This is done when you are on a walk with your dog. This exercise works best with a 4-6 ft flat buckle collar and leash, a harness is okay as well. Please refrain from using a extendable leash as it does not teach them discipline it only encourages them to not listen and allows them to do what they want. When your dog pulls they are doing so because they want to move in the forward direction. When this happens, STOP and take several steps backwards. As you arr doing this you are taking the dog away from the forward direction in which they were trying to go. Start moving forward again, if they continue to pull repeat previous drill. Your dog will learn that in order to move forward they must not pull on the leash. As your dog gets better at this exercise, start increasing the number of steps taken before giving the reward for staying at your side.
Remember, in order for this training method to work, you must do it EVERY TIME your dog pulls. If they are allowed to pull on some occasions then it will only confuse themselves.
Make sure to check back weekly for Training Tuesdays and Thursday Thoughts!
Next week on Training Tuesdays we discuss: How to Put on a Dog Harness
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