Pulling on a Leash

Teaching your dog not to pull you down the street on a leash is tough if you don’t know what to do. First, you need to establish a new rule before you begin walking your dog. Every time the leash becomes tight, then you will not be walking. Be a tree and stop walking completely. Once your dog stops trying to pull or looks back at you say "good dog" and begin walking again. This may seem like it’s a slow process at first but your dog will begin to understand that pulling makes the fun walk stop and relaxed behavior and focused attention makes the walk start again.

To speed the process up a bit, toss your pup a food reward every so often when they stop pulling or turn back to look at you. You can also reward your dog with a treat once in awhile if they are walking with you and not pulling. Your dog will learn that nice walking = treat!

There is also a training tool out there to help you get more control with your dogs pulling. It’s called the Easy Walk Harness. This harness is different than other harnesses. The leash clips in front instead of the back. When your dog pulls, it turns them around back towards you making pulling much more difficult. This harness gives you more control.

If you are still having trouble with your dog pulling you or would like further information on loose leash walking, I would be more than happy to set up a training program for you and your dog. We also will be offering a Loose Leash Mini Classes at 2 convent locations.