Lack of proper training methods, distractions and aggression are a few causes of leash pulling. Understanding how dogs learn (hint: repetition and reinforcement) will help even the most frustrated pet owners (including you!) teach their dogs to walk nicely.
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.
When he pulls, immediately stop and stand completely still until the leash relaxes, either by your dog taking a step back or turning around to give you focus. When the leash is nicely relaxed, proceed on your walk. Repeat this as necessary. If you find this technique too slow you can try the reverse direction method.
Why do dogs pull on the leash? Dogs pull to get where they are going. Dogs want to engage with the environment, and humans, to a dog, can be slow. Wearing a leash and being tethered to a human is not a “natural” behavior for dogs.
Short-term treatment of leash reactivity
Take a different route, walk on the opposite of the street or walk at different times. Avoidance can become a short-term or long-term solution. Punishment can be unintentional but is still punishment by definition.
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.
If he's a puppy he should be keen to please. This means you could see results in just a week or so. However, if he has years of pulling under his collar, then you may need a couple of months before training proves successful.
From your dogs' point of view, he has been rewarded for pulling you all the way to the park. Unfortunately pulling on the lead is so rewarding for dogs that it is not something they grow out of. Indeed, the more opportunities they get to pull, the better they become at it!!
Challenge Your Dog During Leash Training
If he pulls toward the object, say "let's go" and turn and walk in the opposite direction. If he walks beside you while you walk towards the object, allow him to continue towards it until he reaches it and can take it as his reward.
A simple first step to preventing leash aggression is to create distance from the trigger or avoid the trigger BEFORE the dog starts to react. The long-term solution is committing to helping your dog change the way they feel about the triggers. That process takes time and commitment with a good trainer.
A leash aggressive dog, or leash reactive dog, will show some common behaviours when leashed and meeting other dogs, such as: Lunging toward another dog, jaws open and/or teeth bared. Attempting to tear off their collar or bite at their leash. Nervous barking or growling.
Dogs exhibiting frustration-based reactivity tend to interact well with people and other dogs off-leash, but may bark and lunge at them when on-leash, behind a fence, and/or at windows. Owners often describe these dogs as “desperate” to get to people and other dogs.
The good news is you can train your dog to walk nicely on the lead using reward-based training. Dogs will pull on the lead if they're excited or if they have lots of energy, so it may be worth making sure your dog has some playtime and a chance to run so they pull less when you're out walking them.
Nervous System Damage
Your dog could end up with peripheral nerve or neuromuscular junction damage. You'll see signs of these issues in your dog's legs. If your dog starts licking or sniffing their paws in confusion, it could be a sign of nerve damage. As you can see, pulling on your dog's leash can cause serious harm.
Offering Alternative Behaviors
For these dogs, a simple way to shift your dog from trying to bite their leash is to give the dog something to hold while walking like a ball or other toy. For dogs who love to tug, carrying a tug toy can be an effective way to eliminate leash biting.
Methods such as alpha rolls and physical corrections (via the leash and a choke chain or by smacking the dog on the nose or by shaking their scruffs) were often recommended as a way for humans to establish dominance over their dogs.
As soon as you clip the leash on, give a treat, then un-clip it when your dog is done eating. The clipping sound becomes a cue that a treat is coming! Once your dog enjoys having the leash snapped on, snap it on before mealtime and then unsnap it once he is done eating.
Sadly, they do not. The only way to counter reactivity is through consistent and positive training. You should never punish a dog for reactivity or it will only become worse. Especially if you own a young dog who suddenly shows reactive behavior, you should see professional help.