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More Enjoyable
Dog Walks Through Leash Training
 One
of the most common problems for many owner's is walking a dog on
a leash without the dog pulling. Unless the dog is old or is a low
energy dog, the natural thing for a dog to do is to rush out and
explore it's surroundings. We receive more emails about this than
any other single issue. Without exception, the complaint is the
same. My dog pulls so hard that my arm gets sore within a few blocks of
home! How can I get my dog to stop pulling?
Pulling is not just aggravating,
it can also be dangerous for you and your dog. This makes it a very
important issue and something that needs to stop as soon as
possible.
In most cases, pulling occurs
because the dog is excited or over stimulated. I've actually seen
people pulled off of their feet and injured by a dog that wants to
chase a rabbit, a squirrel or the neighbor's cat. I've also seen people dragged
into the street and both the dog and the were owner almost been hit by a
passing car when another dog is passing by.
Many experts agree, that there are
several basic and valuable tips that can be applied to make it
easier and safer to walking your dog on leash.
They are:
Your dog will learn quickly
where you want him/her to walk if you use a lure and the word
"heel". A lure can be
anything that your dog likes. We suggest using a small piece of
food. (A treat or a small bit of chicken). Put the small piece of
food in your left hand and hold it close to your dog's nose. When
you have the dog's attention, move the food to your side and have
him/her follow the lure, reward the dog for following it. It may
only be a few inches at first. Then every five or ten feet. As the
dog gets better, you can increase the distance between treats.
When your dog has been lying around
waiting for you all day, it builds up energy. Before you begin your
walk, let the dog burn up some of that stored energy. Throw a ball
or frisbee,
play a little tug-o-war, or chase it around the back yard to burn
off some of the pent-up energy before the walk begins.
When you pull back on the
leash, your dog will naturally resist it. If you
keep pulling back on the leash, the dog will resist and pull even
harder...This is know as an opposition reflex.
The Gentle Leader Head Collar is
one of the best tools on the market to help control stubborn or
strong-willed dogs. The collar works by controlling the dog's head.
If the dog starts to pull, the collar is designed to turn the dog's
head back toward you. When you control the head you can control the
body. It is designed to work in the same way as a horse bridle does
with a horse. When using this tool, it is VERY important that you do
NOT pull or yank on the leash. Injury to the dog's neck and spine
may occur if you do.
The
secret to leash walking is: don't ever allow the leash to become
tight.
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