Pulling on the leash
Have you tried everything to keep your dog from pulling on the leash, but it seems like nothing works. This is by far the most common problem I get called about. If you have this issue like millions of dog owners, try the following suggestions and remember your dog is an expert at reading your body language so don’t get frustrated.
Pulling on the leash is a behavior that has usually been conditioned over a long period of time. A few things contribute including, over-excitement, always walking the same direction, letting your dog lead the walk, etc. And while correcting these will certainly help, the real solution is a bit more complicated.
Your dog is not being stubborn, he pulls because he believes it’s the only way to get places. Think about it. How does he get access to that person or dog? How does he get to the dog park, beach or anywhere else you guys are walking? He gets out in front and leads you there. Over time the out in front walking, slowly becomes pulling, until one day you realize you no longer have control over the walk and no matter how much you try to pull your dog back he always gets right back in front. Remember you have inadvertently conditioned this in your dog over time, so in order to re-train it, it’s going to take a little time and energy. Now for the solution.
The world around your dog on a walk is a very interesting place, filled with sights, smell, dogs, people… it is basically the most interesting thing in the world to a dog that is in the house a lot. So, we need to compete with that. Pain can sometimes compete with that, a shock, or hard correction with a prong collar can sometimes compete. But there is a better more reinforcing and fun way as well. Start by figuring out what your dog likes, hot dog, freeze dried liver and don’t feed him in the morning. Start the walk and click and give a treat when ever your dog looks at you or is next to you.
In addition to the above method, you want to change your dogs mind set. Right now he thinks that when he pulls (and more specifically the feeling of tightness around his neck) that’s how he gets places he wants to go. Start the walk, and when he gets to the end of the leash turn the other way, when he turnes and commits to going the new direction, click and reinforce. Your dog will learn that he doesn’t get anywhere by pulling but instead he is able to walk freely when he is next to you and not pulling.
When he is walking nicely (even if only for a few seconds or feet) allow him to potty or sniff. When passing people or dogs, continue with the above suggestions. Then when you have passed the person or dog, and your dog walked nicely while passing them, turn around and allow your dog to meet the person, that way you have just reinforced your dog for walking nicely by getting to meet the person or dog.
This method is a safe, humane way to train. It takes some patience, but you can be happy knowing that you are truly shaping behavior and building a solid foundation.
Let me know how it works.
Joel Beckman
