How to Leash Train Your Dog
Walking a dog that constantly pulls and tugs on his leash can be both tiring and stressful. If you have a dog that constantly drags you around when you go for walks you are probably green with envy when you observe other dogs walking calmly with their owners while yours literally pulls your arm out of its socket. Dogs that pull on their leash are also dangerous to themselves as well as others as your dog may unexpectedly break free from you and attack others or even worse, get run over. Passersby will feel menaced by an out of control dog and it is your responsibility as a dog owner to make sure your dog walks well when on a leash.
The best way to cure obsessive pulling is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Once a dog gets used to pulling when on the leash, it can be a difficult habit to break so be sure not to allow it to happen in the first place. To being your leash training secure the leash to your dog's collar and simply stand still allowing your puppy to wander around you. Allow him some slack to sniff and explore and whenever the leash goes slack give him lots of praise. This will teach your puppy that a slack leash is a good thing. You can even give a treat when he sits and gives you his full attention while on the leash.
Begin to move forward and if your dog starts pulling stop immediately and wait till he settles. Under no circumstances must you allow your dog to drag you forward. Once he's calmed down and gives you his undivided attention and you've praised him profusely, you can move forward again. Keep doing this until he understands what's wanted of him. The leash must never be allowed to become taut, always encourage and praise your dog when he walks on a slack leash.
Another method you can use with your pup is the carrot and stick method. Place some peanut butter on the tip of a dowel and keep it slightly above your dog's head and allow him to lick at it whenever he keeps walking next to you. Keep the dowel at the right distance to avoid your dog from pulling.
Some dog owners resort to using choke chains in their frustration but this isn't a good idea. Choke chains can cause tracheal damage to your dog if he pulls so avoid using them at all costs. Choke collars don't stop a dog from pulling; they aren't a solution, it's far better to train your dog to walk properly on a leash than resorting to harsh and cruel contraptions that won't address the problem properly. Time and patience is all you need to cure most behavioral problems in a dog, remember all your dog really wants to do is to please you, so give him the time to understand what is needed from him and he may surprise you!
About the Author
Amber Contant is a featured adviser and author discussing the issues that all pet owning families will experience. Amber works with Pet-Super-Store. Visit her site for a great selection of pet beds.
Dog Training Tip- Leash Walking: Go Sniff and Marking
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