Dogs pull on leash because it works!
They learn very early in life that they can drag
humans around. It begins innocently enough. The owner clips the leash onto Fluffy's little collar and off they go. The puppy
strains at the end of the leash and the owner follows.
The owner isn't concerned because the
puppy is just a baby! He's not very strong, and after all, we wouldn't want to hurt his little neck. On occasion
the owner may tug on the leash to get the pup to follow, but basically the pup goes wherever he chooses.
Six months later, that cute six pound puppy
has grown into a gangly seventy pound adolescent dog, coughing and sputtering as he strains at the end of the leash,
his front feet only occasionally touching the ground.
How did THAT happen?
Dogs are learning all the time,
even when we aren't deliberately involved in teaching them. The puppy has learned that the way to get to where
he wants to go is by pulling as hard as he can. Out of frustration, the owner may choose to use a chain or prong
collar in an effort to get better control. The dog learns to pull harder, seemingly indifferent to the increased discomfort
of the new device. The owner, struggling to get control, may try jerking on the leash and/or scolding the dog to 'heel'
or 'stop pulling'. That may work briefly, but only if the owner is continually reminding the dog how to behave.
The best solution would be never to allow
the pup to pull in the first place. That being said, if you are the owner of that seventy pound furkid, there is still hope!
When looking to change your dog's behavior, keep
in mind that dogs do whatever works to get the things they want. When you are walking your dog on leash, the thing he
wants is to GO somewhere. That 'somewhere' is probably farther down the sidewalk or to the nearby tree to sniff or to relieve
himself.
Your job is to teach him that the only way
to get to that tree is by NOT pulling on the leash. When you are working with your dog, remember that straining on the
leash has worked for him in the past, so it may require some time and patience on your part to eliminate
the behavior.
Let's get started...
Use a buckle type collar and a leather or nylon leash
(no flexi-type leads please). A four foot leash is ideal because it is short enough to prevent your dog from walking
out ahead of you. If you are using a six foot leash, gather up about two feet of it in your hand so that you can kep your
dog close to you. Put the leash on your dog. Put some tasty dog treats in your pocket. Step out your front door and
begin walking. If your dog begins to pull on the leash, stop and plant your feet. Wait for your dog to back up so
that there is slack on the leash. Be silent, it's up to your dog to figure out how to get what he wants. The instant your
dog gives you slack on the leash, begin walking forward. Praise him and give him a tasty treat or two. If you feel the tension
on the leash, again stop and wait for a slack leash. Repeat this process throughout your walk. The first few times you try
this, you may decide to keep your walk short. It could take you a LONG time just to get around your block!
This method will take some patience on your
part. Remember that you are teaching your dog that the only way to go forward is by NOT pulling. Be consistent. If you
sometimes allow him to pull, he will be confused and frustrated. Be generous with praise and treats when he is doing a good
job.
For your first few training sessions you may want to practice in your back
yard or on a quiet street.
Some owners may have trouble
with this method if their dog is extremely determined or powerful. There are training aids such as head halters
and harnesses. These devices are meant to provide the owner better leverage and control while your dog learns not to pull. If
not used properly, the dog may learn to pull in spite of the device. You will need some guidance from a qualified trainer
to help you to learn how to properly fit and use these devices.
