How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash. for Questionland Seattle

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How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash.

I have a 10 month old Golden Doodle that pulls like crazy when I walk her. How can I train her to walk next to me. Please help!

Marty Unger asked in Pets about 1 year ago | Report

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AhimsaDogTraining

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Walking well on leash is something that is hard for people to practice because you have to be very consistent about never allowing your dog to go where they want by pulling.

Dogs do what works, so if they have to drag you to get where they want to go, so be it. If you make it so that they only get where they want to go when the leash is loose, you're set.

I agree with the rest of the people that said a class is a great way to become a walking team with your dog. Ahimsa has ongoing training classes , so you can start whenever you want.

Here's some free info on teaching a dog not to pull on leash: http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/leash-walking

I also really like the Freedom Harness, which allows you to clip the leash in the front (now Physics is on your side) and yet it doesn't mess with the dog's shoulders. The head collars are also good if you take the time to get your dog used to it.

There are also some videos on leash walking here: http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/2008/10/12/silky-leash/

AhimsaDogTraining answered in Pets about 1 year ago | Report

2 comments by Marty Unger and AhimsaDogTraining…

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Thanks so much for your answer. The post on your site is great. Can dogs learn proper leash walking at any age? My dog is 10 months old so I want to make sure I set my expectations accordingly.

Marty Unger commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Hi Marty,

It's easier to teach young puppies that haven't had a big history of pulling, but any dog can learn!

There are a lot of different ways on the website because not every is perfect for a particular dog, person, or situation. Give them each at least several weeks to see if it's improving your situation - at first, you're looking for progress, not perfection. Remember it is teenage dogs' job to try to pull and your job not to let them. So no matter what method you use, it is essential not to let them get where they want by pulling.

Good luck.

AhimsaDogTraining commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Walk faster! Just kidding. Try stopping until she looks back at you, and changing directions often so that she has to follow you instead of leading. Keep some small treats in your pocket and feed her them when she walks close to you. Walk with confidence and stop with confidence if she tries to pull you along. Wrap the leash around your hand a few times so she can't ever be very far from your side. You can keep her close!

I also highly, highly recommend taking obedience classes with her. A professional will help you train her to walk with you and follow basic commands. If she knows sit-stay-come, it will be so helpful for going out with her during her whole life-- she'll be able to sit at crosswalks and stay if there is danger and come if she gets away. Hopefully someone can recommend an obedience school in Seattle!

Vanessa N answered in Pets about 1 year ago | Report

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You might also try changing from a collar to a harness for walking her. My folks' boxer does very well on a Gentle Leader (which is like a halter for dogs) but goes berserk on her collar. One of my friend's mutts has a basic anti-pull harness that goes under and between her front legs and keeps her in line.

Also, more walking (counter-intuitive, I know) will help. Tired dogs are good dogs.

Griffin answered in Pets about 1 year ago | Report

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I've heard this before about using a harness-- and you should try it-- but I've also heard that a collar is much better for correcting bad behavior than a harness (because you can pull the dog's head away from things/focus his attention). And a collar is pretty much required for training. It probably depends on the dog and who you talk to. :)

The part about tired dogs being good dogs is so true! Well said. If she's tired she'll walk slower and that's the perfect time to reward good walking behavior.

Vanessa N commented about 1 year ago | Report

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That's why my folks use a Gentle Leader. It goes around the dog's skull so that any corrections are immediate in refocusing the dog's attention. That, and it keeps them from following their noses, which usually helps improve the walk.

Griffin commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Oh, I see! Interesting! I can totally see that being helpful for an eager and excited little dog. :)

Vanessa N commented about 1 year ago | Report

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It was amazing how much easier it was to walk my roommate's dog with a harness rather than a collar. It was like doggy power steering.

keshmeshi commented about 1 year ago | Report

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Begin by teaching the dog not to pull away from you when ever the leash is on. Put the leash on the dog and stand still. If the dog attempts to pull away from you, jerk the leash. As soon as the leash is loose, praise the dog by saying "good dog." Each time the dog pulls away, jerk a little harder. After you jerk and the leash is loose , say "good dog." Eventually, the dog should learn that he can do whatever he wants EXCEPT pull away from you. Some dogs will sit or lie down, others will stand and sniff, others will walk in circles - all of which is acceptable, as long as the dog does not pull away from you. If you have a small dog, remember to bend over before jerking. All jerks must be parallel to the ground, otherwise the dog will be lifted off the ground. Praise, praise, praise every time the leash is loose. You may look goofy walking him/her, but it will pay off in the end.

jladec13 answered in Pets about 1 year ago | Report

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