Walking your dog should be a joyous bonding experience. Unfortunately for many owners, it becomes a frustrating battle against their furry friend’s wish to be walked elsewhere. There are effective methods to stop dog pulling through lead training.This guide walks you through tried and tested techniques, included in every course taught as part of online dog training in Australia, to transform your walks from a tug-of-war into a pleasant stroll. Mastering these methods will help ensure you and your dog enjoy a safer and more enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Understanding the Problem
Before diving into the solutions, it is essential to understand why dogs pull on their leash. Dogs naturally explore their surroundings through their senses, and when they encounter exciting scents or sights, they tend to pull forward. Pulling may also result from excitement, excess energy, or lack of leash training. Knowing the root causes will help you choose the right approach to curb this behaviour.
Start with Proper Equipment
To stop dog pulling during walks, begin with the right equipment. Invest in a well-fitting harness that distributes pressure evenly across your dog’s chest, avoiding any strain on the neck. Harnesses discourage pulling more effectively than traditional collars and are a more humane choice for training.
Consistent Commands
Consistency is critical in training your dog to stop pulling. Use clear and simple commands like “heel” or “walk” to signal your dog to walk by your side. Be consistent in your choice of words and tone. Practice these commands in a controlled environment and gradually transition to outdoor walks.
Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based training is highly effective in stopping dog pulling. Call praise and treats as positive reinforcement whenever your dog walks calmly by your side. This encourages your dog to associate walking close to you with positive experiences. Over time, your dog will be more inclined to stay by your side to earn those rewards.
Change Directions
A simple yet powerful technique to curb pulling is to change directions abruptly whenever your dog starts pulling. This surprises your dog and redirects their attention towards you. Use this method consistently during walks. Your dog will learn that pulling will lead to changes in direction, making walking beside you more appealing.
Short Leash and Close Proximity
Keep the leash short and maintain proximity to your dog, minimising the distance your dog can pull and reinforcing the idea that they should stay close. As your dog gets better at walking beside you, gradually extend the leash length, rewarding them for their improved behaviour.
Practice Patience
Stopping dog pulling takes time and patience. Be prepared for setbacks and understand that consistency is essential. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling. Instead, focus on reinforcing desired behaviour. With time and practice, your dog will become a well-behaved walking companion.
Conclusion
Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. Following these tried and tested methods to stop dog pulling through lead training can help you transform your walks into pleasant outings. Start with proper equipment, be consistent with commands, use positive reinforcement, change directions when necessary, maintain a short leash and proximity, and practise patience.
