It happens every day, more than once a day: you put a leash on Spot, take him outside for what is supposed to be a nice and pleasant walk. Pretty soon, however, it is clear that the dog is walking you: Spot won’t stop pulling and lunging ahead, even to a point where he is gasping and choking to get ahead. For dog owners with dogs who constantly pull on their leash, there are a few ways to have an enjoyable, loose-lead walk with your dog.
Training your dog not to pull on the leash is much, much easier said than done, but it is possible. With a standard nylon buckle collar and six-foot leash, begin walking your dog. When he begins to pull on the leash, resist the impulse to pull back. Paradoxically, dogs naturally respond to being pulled by pulling, so pulling back on the leash actually teaches the dog to continue pulling on a tight leash. So, instead of pulling back on the leash, simply stop walking when our dog begins to pull. When he stops pulling, move in your dog’s direction again, praising him enthusiastically. If he pulls on the leash again, again stop, and move only when your dog stops pulling and gives the leash slack.
Alternatively, you can move in the opposite direction of your dog’s pull, praising your dog when you feel the leash loosen. These exercises, combined with positive enforcement, will teach your dog that better rewards are to be had when he doesn’t pull on the leash, and leaves slack in the leash.
If these techniques fail, or for a solution between training exercises, try Gentle Leader’s Easy Walk Harness*. It is a painless solution for dogs who constantly pull on their leash, and many dog owners attest to its efficacy. The structure of this particular harness promotes easy walking: the harness connects to the leash via a ring located on the center of the chest strap. This connection is crucial, as it will alleviate pressure on your dog’s threat and neck, both of which strain when your dog pulls on the leash (and you pull back). As your dog pulls on the leash, he will be guided backwards, towards you, which will gently and painlessly discourage him from pulling.
Stopping your dog from pulling on the leash is a process that requires patience and time. Fortunately, there are solutions for frustrated dog owners and their dogs.
