Pulling dogs make walks unpleasant.
So owners do all sorts of things to try to prevent the misery.
They go through increasing numbers of all sorts of contraptions, harnesses and head collars, most of which then moulder gently in a dusty cupboard.
They try keeping the lead really short so they are almost lifting the dog along beside them – which may manage the walk to some extent, but it’s only good for building muscle. It does nothing to stop the dog pulling.
They avoid the problem as much as possible, by only taking their dog to places where they can let him off lead – frequently this involves them opening the car boot and allowing the dog to leap out and charge off.
Or they avoid taking the dog out unless they absolutely have to. Here’s a range of common excuses we hear: “It’s not a problem – we’ve got a large garden he can run around in to his heart’s content.” “I throw his ball for him for half an hour in the backyard so he doesn’t need a walk.” “He’s quite happy cuddling up to me on the sofa. He doesn’t need to go out.”
He DOES need to go out.
Yes, there are ways to give your dog
physical exercise at home. But all dogs need to have the mental stimulation of
new smells, sights, and sounds at least once each day. Which means they need
that walk.
So here’s my next tip to help stop your dog pulling.
TIP 2: Stop – Start
It’s very simple – STOP as soon as your dog pulls and START only when the lead is loose.
Simple, but not easy.
If you only stop once he is already pulling it’s too late and then the method doesn’t work.
The trick is to stop BEFORE your dog hits the end of the lead.
That has the effect of (literally) stopping him in his tracks. The momentum he has will turn him back round towards you, giving you the opportunity of calling him back to your side.
Give him a fuss and a treat then START your walk again.
Enjoy your walks and keep training,
Carol