To do this, whenever your dog walks on the leash without pulling, reward them every few paces with tasty treats and continue walking. If your dog starts to pull, stand still temporarily so they learn this behaviour means no walkies, and don't continue until they return to your side!
Make use of the 'leave' command
Be sure to use this if your dog starts pulling when they see another dog — as soon as your dog spots them, give the 'leave' command, then engage your dog with a reward in your right hand, such as a piece of kibble or simply some praise.
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Harnesses bring fewer health risks
In general, harnesses are easier on dogs than collars. For example, a good harness can alleviate back pain. They're also far less likely to pull on your dog's throat, causing injury. If you have a dog that loves to pull hard while walking, you'll want to consider a harness.
The time it takes for your dog to be trained not pull on the leash will vary. However, for most dog parents, working 5-10 minutes a day for 5-7 days will get them results. Remember, start inside. Once your dog is walking calmly next to you inside, start to take them outside.
One of the most common reasons dogs pull on their lead is because they've learned that's how they get to move forward. Whenever your dog pulls, taking just one step with them gives a clear signal that pulling works. Teaching your dog to walk with a loose lead takes a great deal of patience and time.
It's a misconception that dogs can only enjoy off lead exercise – plenty of dogs need to be kept on lead for health or behaviour reasons and they still get the exercise and mental stimulation they crave.
Walking on a leash is an essential skill which can be learned by puppies as early as eight weeks old. Some master leash training quickly, while others take a little longer.
In reality, there's no right or wrong way to walk your dog. If anything, the only rule is that the leash should always have some slack, meaning your dog shouldn't be pulling the leash as you're walking.
Put your dog on his lead and head out for your walk. Once some of your dog's energy has been used, take off his lead and walk. Don't let your dog wonder aimlessly, keep him close. Call him dog using the same come command and walk backwards, when he comes close to you give him lots of praise/a treat and a pat.
Start inside the house and walk around a spacious room or up and down a hallway. Call your dog's name and point to the side that you want him to walk on (whichever side you choose but left is in the traditional heel side). As soon as your dog comes alongside you, use a clicker or say “yes,” then reward.
Choose a route that avoids their triggers as much as possible, then walk the same route every time. Keep walks brief at first. Until your dog feels more comfortable, don't overstress him. Treats are a great distraction, so buy some small treats for positive reinforcement.
Harnesses don't put unnecessary pressure on a dog's neck and trachea. Even if a dog pulls while wearing a harness, it won't hurt him or her or cause life-long damage. If your dog is a serious puller, invest in the right training tools to teach him to walk properly.
Some dogs pull strongly on the leash no matter how much training you put in, and some owners are unable to invest the necessary time to teach their dogs loose-leash walking with a collar and leash. The most appropriate management tool in these instances for most dogs is a front-attach harness.
Being off leash allows a dog to move more freely and at their natural pace. A dog can develop more confidence when they feel they have more choice in how they explore. Plus, they tend to burn more energy when off leash than on leash as they run this way, that way, and back to you.
Leash biting and tugging is a phase that many puppies go through and usually grow out of, but it can also develop at any time in a dog's life.
Walk in Front of Your Dog
Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he's the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.
How Do You Introduce Dogs Properly? Greetings are most likely to go well when dogs do not feel trapped, so if possible, introduce the dogs off-leash. When dogs are on-leash, the greeting is not on their terms because they are being forced to be close to each other and lack the freedom to move away.
Some dogs will never be reliable off-lead. While your dog is still in-training, you can give them a bit more freedom with a very long lead or a few leads tied together. This is a safe way for you to practice recall at a distance without risking losing your dog.