Stop Dog Pulling on the Leash
Dogs especially canines are athletic animals that are drawn to the wide expanse of the outdoors. Desiring the freedom to roam is a primary reason why your dog will pull on its leash when you take it out for a walk. It wants to escape the confines of the leash. It gets excited and more eager when it confronts another dog. You must stop dog pulling on the leash by training your dog so you don’t have to strain against its robust tugs as it energetically explores the outside world.
Use The Correct Leash
To stop dog pulling on the leash, you’ll need to use a leash that is at least six feet long and attached to a dog collar. Try to use a leather leash with a fixed length. If you use a leash that can be extended like a retractable leash, you may not be able to halt your dog’s wanderlust quickly. You must wait till the slack runs out before pulling him towards you. A dog harness may not be suitable to use for this type of training.
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Commanding Your Dog
Stopping dog pulling on the leash requires you to repeat the same command – ‘HEEL’ – during your training sessions. Repetition of this command is crucial to impress upon your dog what you want it to do. By training your pet to heel you’ll prevent it from yanking on the leash.
Instructing Your Dog
Begin your training session by ensuring the leash is secured on your dog’s collar. Grip the leash firmly in your left hand with your hand through the loop. Don’t twirl the leash round your wrist. You’ll damage your wrist when your pet tugs suddenly.
Next, stand on the right hand side of your dog. Your dog’s right front leg should be close to your left. Now begin striding forward with your left leg out first. Your dog will follow your lead. The moment your pooch shoots away from you, yank the leash back rigidly to halt your dog’s progress. Take care not to drag your dog back towards you.
When you’ve stopped your dog running, always praise it with a command ‘GOOD DOG’ and throw it a treat. This will reinforce good behavior and your pet will swiftly learn what is expected of it to bring on the doggie goodies. Now continue walking and repeating the ‘HEEL’ command to your dog.
Perform this training regime for at least a quarter of an hour. Repeat the instructions several times in a day and continue for about 5 days. In less than a week your dog will be obeying your ‘HEEL’ command and stop pulling on the leash.
Walking Outdoors
Your dog needs the exercise of walking outdoors to stimulate its muscles and expend its energy. Training your dog to stop pulling on the leash in a park may be more difficult as your pet is prone to investigating strange new objects and sniffing out new smells. When that happens, stop dead in your tracks until your dog eventually stops yanking on the leash. Sound out the praise ‘GOOD DOG’ and pet your dog. Then continue walking, holding the leash firmly. If your pet tugs on the leash again, stop immediately. Repeat your regime of praising and petting when your dog finally halts its forward progress.
Your dog will be exuberant when you take it outdoors for a walk. To stop your dog from pulling on the leash, train your pet to obey your ‘HEEL’ command and follow your instructions. You’ll soon have an obedient dog that won’t tug at the leash and run in all directions.