This is such a common problem and sometimes quite entertaining, especially if you see a youngster being pulled along by a strong dog. Or even a grown up being pulled for that matter. But you love walking your dog and it’s really not a joke if he won’t listen to your commands. To stop your dog from pulling on the leash you need to know a few tricks.

Why they pull on their leashes is because they actually can walk faster than we can and they just can’t wait up. There basic instinct kicks in to chase when they see other animals or pick up strong scents. It’s natural and we have to just work around it.

Naturally it’s best to start with your training when he’s still a puppy, but if this is not possible you can teach an old dog new tricks. A word of advise, it’s better for the dog’s health if you don’t use a choke collar. They are known to cause damage to the throat and vocal cords.

Do your initial training indoors and in a room where there are no distractions. He does not need a harness at this stage of his training as you will first teach him to follow you. Step one – To get him to follow you, place an object small enough to fit on the palm of your hand. Get your dog’s attention by showing him the object and saying the trigger word “touch”. Let him come up to the object and he must touch it with his nose, but not be in front of you but behind you or next to you. Once he has done that, then walk away some and let him follow you. He must touch the object again with his nose when you say touch. Remember to give him a treat if he touches the object but stays behind you every time.

Do take into consideration that you are teaching your dog a completely new and strange behavior and it will take a while before he gets what you want from him. Persevere and you will be rewarded as well.

Once he understands then you can start putting a harness on him and doing the same command indoors. This should go quickly. Gradually take him outside and let him practice in the garden. Monitor his behavior and if you are happy, then take him out onto the road or into a park. He should now know that when his harness is on he must walk next to you or behind you.

Always keep in mind that to stop your dog from pulling on the leash is something that must be taught with great patience and lots of love and understanding, this will be so rewarding when you walk on the street and your dog is well behaved.

About the author: Remco van Reenen helps people to train their dog and on his website hondentraining.nu you can read a lot more articles. You can also get lots of accessories to help you with dog training in the section puppycursus

categories: pulling on the leash,leash training,puppy training,dog training,dogs,pets,animals

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