Stop Your Dog From Pulling On The Leash – Top Expert Discloses Method
There is nothing worse than being pulled by your dog while you are walking him and people are laughing at you. Well now you can stop your dog from pulling on the leash and be a proud owner of a well trained dog.
First, let’s look at some reasons. Well for starters dogs actually walk faster than we do and our pace is just to slow for them. They get very excited when taken out and can’t contain themselves when they see another dog or animal in front of them. Their hunting instinct kicks in and you don’t have a chance when they spot their chase.
Naturally it’s best to start with your training when he’s still a puppy, but if this is not possible you can teach an old dog new tricks. A word of advise, it’s better for the dog’s health if you don’t use a choke collar. They are known to cause damage to the throat and vocal cords.
It is best to commence with training indoors and in the house where there are no distractions. You need undivided attention from your dog. He will not need his harness and leash right away because you are first going to teach him to follow you on your command. Firstly, hold out the palm of your hand and place a small object in the center. Let your dog see this and let him touch it with his nose when you say the command word “touch”. Once you get him to touch the object with his nose, then walk away for a few steps and let him follow you. Hold the object at a height which is comfortable for him to touch with his nose. He must now follow you and touch the object with his nose and stay behind you every time you walk further. Give lots of confirming hugs or rubs as he will now identify what you want from you. This will take a few lessons with lots of patience and love from your side.
Take into account that he is now learning a completely new command and a new behavior so it will take a few days practice for both of you. Treat and give hugs and rubs when he has mastered his command.
Once he understands then you can start putting a harness on him and doing the same command indoors. This should go quickly. Gradually take him outside and let him practice in the garden. Monitor his behavior and if you are happy, then take him out onto the road or into a park. He should now know that when his harness is on he must walk next to you or behind you.
Always keep in mind that to stop your dog from pulling on the leash is something that must be taught with great patience and lots of love and understanding, this will be so rewarding when you walk on the street and your dog is well behaved.
About the author: Remco van Reenen is an expert on dogtraining and on his website hondentraining.nu you can read a lot more articles. You can also get all sort of tools to help you with dog training in the section puppycursus