Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult dog, pulling on the lead can be a frustrating experience when you are walking your dog. So, it’s important that you can get to grips with some techniques that will allow you to train your dog to stop pulling on the lead.
It can take time for you and your dog to master these simple steps, but it will be worth the effort when it comes to walk time.
When Should You Train Your Dog to Stop Pulling on The Lead?
As with most dog training, it’s easier to train your dog when they are a puppy. Much like children, they seem to pick things up quicker and it’s easier to teach them from scratch rather than correct any bad habits they have picked up.
This isn’t always possible, though, for example, if you have adopted an older dog they may need re training to help them walk on the lead without pulling.
How to Train Your Dog to Stop Pulling on The Lead?
Most dogs only pull on the lead because they are excited or they want to get where they are going a lot quicker than us. But there are simple steps you can take to stop this behaviour.
Step 1
If you allow your dog to go where they want when they are pulling on the lead you are reinforcing that this behaviour is ok. When your dog pulls on the lead try changing the direction of your walk so that you take back control of the walk.
If you need to, then stop the walk as soon as they start pulling on the lead and make them wait to start again. The aim is to break the habit of your dog pulling on the lead.
Step 2
A long lead allows your dog much more freedom and choice where they walk. If you keep a shorter lead you can keep them walking at your side. Reinforce this by treating them for walking close to you.
Step 3
Keep talking to them and make sure they are focused on you and where you are walking rather than where they want to go. Words of encouragement in an upbeat voice can help keep them by your side.
Step 4
A harness or a Halti is a great way to stop your dog from pulling. Both are great aids to help stop your dog walking.
What Not to Do When Teaching Your Dog to Stop Pulling on The Lead?
Dog training can be frustrated for owners when their dog doesn’t immediately ‘get’ how to do something. So, patience is important. Treat this as extra time spent with your dog and focus on how great your walks will be once they have stopped pulling on the lead.
It goes without saying that positive reward based training is the best way to train your dog. Never shout at your dog or tell them off. Instead, reward all their great behaviour with lots of yummy treats.
Don’t spend hours trying to train your dog. Short periods of training are much better for both of you. You are both less likely to become frustrated if you are setting small goals and achieving them.
Why Won’t My Dog Stop Pulling on The Lead?
Your dog could have some bad habits when it comes to walking on a lead. It’s important to practice the different techniques to find which will work for you and your dog.
You may need to spend more time than you thought to keep repeating the training steps before they start to walk without pulling.
You possibly need to invest in a harness or a halti if you have not done so already. These can help stop your dog pulling.
I found the Halti a much better option for my Pointer as she can’t pull with it on. It doesn’t hurt her and it makes our walks much more fun. For Coco, the harness seemed to give her more power to pull. Joey, who is a much smaller Pointer reacts well to treats and talking to him.
It’s all about testing the different methods and finding one that works for your dog. Every experience will be slightly different.
