Teaching a dog not to pull on its leash can be tough. Dogs are full of energy and seem to have places to go and things to do. They are faster than we are and excited to explore when they are outside. Dogs want to mark their "territory" by urinating on trees and bushes, and they want to meet other dogs, run and play and learn the dog "news" by sniffing everything. Still. owners should teach dogs good leash behavior for the dog's safety and the owner's comfort.
Things You'll Need
- 6-foot lead (not a flexible lead)
- Training harness or nonchoke collar
- Treats (optional)
Instructions
Exercise the dog in a safe off-leash environment so that it uses up some energy. It is easier to have a training session with a dog that is not full of energy. Take the dog to a low-stimulation environment after the exercise session. Conduct all training sessions in a low-stimulation environment where there are no other dogs and few people or vehicles.
Put the lead on the dog and begin walking. When it pulls, stop, turn and walk briskly in another direction. When it follows you, praise it but keep walking. You might say, "Good boy. Let's go." Do this consistently each time it pulls throughout the entire walk. Continue the exercise on each walk until the pulling ceases.
Take the dog to the training-session location. Begin walking. When the dog pulls, stop. Do not walk again until the dog stops moving or ceases pulling on the leash. Repeat this many times. It might take several sessions before the dog understands that pulling means you will stop, but it eventually learns that you are the leader of the walk. Some people use treats to reward the dog for not pulling.
Place something that the dog desires at a distance of about 50 feet. This can be toy or treat or even a person it loves. Make sure the dog knows it is there. Begin walking toward it. When the dog pulls, return to your starting point and begin again. Repeat this until the dog can move toward the object without pulling. Then let it have the object. This is not an easy exercise and requires persistence. Do not use other rewards except praise while working on this exercise.
Practice these exercises with the dog until it learns how not to pull on the leash. Each dog learns at its own pace. It learns that you don't want it to pull only if you put in the time to teach it with consistency and reward.