How to teach a dog not to pull on a leash? This question has been nagging at the back of many dog owners for years. When owning a dog, we always want our pet to do everything we ask of him. Sometimes this means getting pretty aggressive if necessary. But did you know that your dog might be pulling on something without you knowing about it? There are some dog training tips that can help you figure out what is going on so that you can stop the behavior right away.
Dogs, just like people, have a natural tendency to follow a scent. Pulling on a loose leash, or running in front of it, promotes that very same scent. The good news is: that you don t need to live with that behavior forever. With a bit of know-how and effort, you can effectively train your dog not to pull on a loose leash.
One of the dog training tips experts will share is to take your dog for a walk at least once a day. It is important that he (or she) get outside to experience the outdoors. That way, he (or she) will develop the walking habits you want to see. Some experts believe walking your dog stimulates his (or her) brain activity that helps him learn to be aware of his surroundings.
When you walk your dog, he (or she) needs to get used to wearing the collar. To begin, attach the leash to the collar. Be sure the leash is loose, so your dog has a chance to get used to walking with the collar on. Take a few minutes to practice the walking movements with your dog. It is important that he (or she) knows how to “hang” the collar on, as well as how to release the collar.
Another one of the dog training tips experts have is to encourage your dog’s (or her) use of the leash. You may want to take turns using the leash training device, so your dog gets used to being on the leash when you are not home. Or, you may want to try to have one person hold the leash while the other person uses the device. That way, if the dog pulls ahead, someone is not behind him/her.
Some dogs are prone to pulling while wearing their collars and muzzles. If your dog seems prone to pulling, it might be a good idea to consider switching your dog’s harness and collar to a muzzle harness. A muzzle harness fits tightly around your dog’s neck and is placed securely around his/her torso, like a vest. The muzzle can either be made of nylon or leather, depending on your dog’s breed.
To continue your walking with your dog on a leash while still controlling the lead, use a head collar. A harness will also do, but you must have the lead on the dog at all times. Put a dog-walking collar around his/her neck, just above the shoulders. You can then tie another leash around his/her waist and also secure it to your dog’s harness. Walking with your dog this way will also control the distance he/she walks. Be sure you always walk with the lead tied on your dog at all times.
Another way to teach your dog not to pull on a leash is to have treats on hand. When walking with your dog, toss a treat overhand when you see him making a run for it. Continue tossing treats ahead of time so that your dog will learn that he/she will get a treat if they follow your lead. This will quickly take the habit out of the pulling behavior.
