No More Leash Pulling!

By Dirk Gruenberg


Leash behavior is one of the main topics of dog training. Of course, a dog that walks by his owner's side, without pulling on the leash is every dog lovers' pride and joy. It simply is a great feeling when one's dog causes no trouble walking on the leash.

Having your dog walk past other people and other dogs without a problem will be quite an accomplishment. Having him stop on command and sniff only when it is okay for you are added bonuses.

Leash training can be quite a challenge if you do not go about it consistently. It does require patience and it will take a fair amount practice. Just look at it this way: The leash is a tool that connects you to your dog, like a seat belt in a car.

Why am I bringing up the seat belt example? Well, a seat belt exists so that if there is an emergency, we will be okay. And it really should be the same with the leash. It should be there if needed. But it is not meant to be used in order to steer our dog.

The earlier you train your dog the better. This creates good behavior in puppies and prevents it becoming a problem in the future.

With that being said, if your dog already pulls on the leash like crazy, it will, of course, take even more time and patience on your part to teach him not to do so. But do not make the mistake to just drag your dog along, because this will only make it worse.

Along those lines, do not punish your dog, if he gets it wrong and pulls on the leash. Punishment does not usually do a lot of good. Instead, reward him when he walks on the leash as you want him to. This will motivate him.

Consistency in dog leash training is vital and the only way for your dog to understand what you want him to do. Any other person who is walking with your dog must follow the same rules that you use when training your dog.

Once understood the process is really quite simple: When you and your dog are walking along, and he pulls on the leash, you stop walking. He needs to understand that the only way for him to walk anywhere is to do so properly.




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