Lead pulling

A habitual problem, lead pulling by dogs can make walking time a complete nightmare. Knowing how to stop your dog pulling on the lead is invaluable advice. A dog pulling, tugging and dragging you along is unacceptable behaviour, it's also annoying, plus, a little embarrassing. You know the old joke, so who's taking whom for a walk? If this is the case for you, right now, there are things, which can be done about it.

As with any training, putting an end to lead pulling starts with persistency and consistency, on your part. With the emphasis on praise for good behaviour, not physical punishment, or anger, the second your dog starts that lead pulling, he must be corrected.

With a dog, the fundamental principle in learning how to stop the lead pulling is to be consistent, every time the head goes down and he thinks he's off, stop him and take control, tug the lead short and sharp. Do not choke the dog; simply respond quickly and consistently to the lead pulling. Just get his attention, and most of all, stay calm, having a verbal correction to use, when he does this, is also an option.

As it is with many training techniques, when your dog is being disobedient, lead pulling, stopping to sniff, tugging etc Give the lead a short sharp tug and say 'no', or even 'shush', your dog will associate this word, and the tug, with the lead pulling.

Be consistent and it probably won't be long, before tugging on the lead is no longer necessary. Simply saying 'no' will do. If you are not comfortable with tugging the lead, touching your dog can also work. It will place his focus upon you, and away from whatever is distracting him. This is the key to stopping lead pulling, place the dog's attention back to you.

If your dog's lead pulling is very bad, another option is to stop walking, make your dog be still, and sit down. Stopping that walk he's enjoying will soon make him come around. Whatever technique turns out to suit you and your dog best and remember, punishment does not work, correction and praise do. Stick to the basic principles of the training and your lead pulling days will be over.