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.
It is best to commence with training indoors and in the house where there are no distractions. You need undivided attention from your dog. He will not need his harness and leash right away because you are first going to teach him to follow you on your command. Firstly, hold out the palm of your hand and place a small object in the center. Let your dog see this and let him touch it with his nose when you say the command word "touch". Once you get him to touch the object with his nose, then walk away for a few steps and let him follow you. Hold the object at a height which is comfortable for him to touch with his nose. He must now follow you and touch the object with his nose and stay behind you every time you walk further. Give lots of confirming hugs or rubs as he will now identify what you want from you. This will take a few lessons with lots of patience and love from your side.
You will obviously show a lot of patience with your dog as he is learning a completely new command and behavior - this takes some time. Remember to give him a treat and a hug every time he manages to touch the object but stays behind you.
If you are happy that he can now follow you on command, then put a harness on him and let him follow you and touching the object again. He now needs to get used to the harness while following your command. Gradually take him outdoors into the garden and keep on practicing. Once he is used to the harness, clip on the leash and now he has to follow you, touch the object and stay behind or next to all the time. Give him a treat intermittently. He will soon realize what you want and will then happily walk with you in the garden. You are now ready to take him on a walk outside of your yard.
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.
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.
It is best to commence with training indoors and in the house where there are no distractions. You need undivided attention from your dog. He will not need his harness and leash right away because you are first going to teach him to follow you on your command. Firstly, hold out the palm of your hand and place a small object in the center. Let your dog see this and let him touch it with his nose when you say the command word "touch". Once you get him to touch the object with his nose, then walk away for a few steps and let him follow you. Hold the object at a height which is comfortable for him to touch with his nose. He must now follow you and touch the object with his nose and stay behind you every time you walk further. Give lots of confirming hugs or rubs as he will now identify what you want from you. This will take a few lessons with lots of patience and love from your side.
You will obviously show a lot of patience with your dog as he is learning a completely new command and behavior - this takes some time. Remember to give him a treat and a hug every time he manages to touch the object but stays behind you.
If you are happy that he can now follow you on command, then put a harness on him and let him follow you and touching the object again. He now needs to get used to the harness while following your command. Gradually take him outdoors into the garden and keep on practicing. Once he is used to the harness, clip on the leash and now he has to follow you, touch the object and stay behind or next to all the time. Give him a treat intermittently. He will soon realize what you want and will then happily walk with you in the garden. You are now ready to take him on a walk outside of your yard.
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:
About the author: Remco van Reenen is an expert on dogtraining and on his website positieve hondentraining you can find all sorts of tips. You can also get lots of accessories to help you with dog training in the section puppytraining
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