Dog Training Leash Pulling: From Basics to Advanced Walking

Leash pulling is one of the most common issues dog owners face, and it's not just about the dog being stubborn. In fact, studies show that up to 90% of dogs exhibit leash pulling behavior at some point in their lives.

The good news is that leash pulling is a learned behavior, and with consistent training, it can be unlearned. This means that even if your dog has been pulling on the leash for years, it's never too late to start training.

To begin with, it's essential to understand why dogs pull on the leash in the first place. One reason is that they're naturally inclined to follow their noses, and with all the interesting smells and sights around them, it's no wonder they get distracted.

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To start training your dog to walk nicely on a leash, you'll need the right equipment and approach. A reward-oriented approach is key, as the American Kennel Club supports training that reinforces good behavior.

You'll need a few basic tools: a collar or harness, a leash (4-foot or 6-foot length, not retractable), and treats. The type of collar or harness you choose is up to you, but options like a buckle collar, Martingale, head halter, or front-clip harness can be effective.

To begin, fill your pocket or treat pouch with treats. Decide which side you'd like your dog to walk on, and hold a few treats on that side of your body. This will help your dog learn to associate walking on that side with rewards.

A leash with a "J" shape is ideal, as it allows your dog to walk beside you while keeping the leash loose. Hold the leash in the hand opposite your dog, and let the rest of it hang loosely.

Here are some essential steps to get you started:

Remember, the goal is to teach your dog that walking on a loose leash is a positive behavior that gets them rewards. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog learn to walk nicely on a leash.

Leash training a puppy to heel is useful for short periods when you need him very close to you and attentive to you. It can be very helpful when walking him past distractions like other animals.

Begin by practicing in your home with a treat in your fist. Say "let's go" and take a couple of steps while leading him along with the treat in your fist near your thigh. Praise and reward him with a treat when he is following your fist with his nose.

Stop moving forward when he pulls on the leash, and reward him with treats when he walks by your side. A treat bag for your waist can be very helpful in the training process.

To challenge your dog during leash training, outfit him in a standard harness attached to a 6-foot leash. Toss a ball or treat 20-feet away from you and your leashed dog. If he pulls toward the object, say "let's go" and turn and walk in the opposite direction.

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Here are some essential tools for leash training:

Fill your pocket or treat pouch with treats and hold a few on the side you'd like your dog to walk on. For example, if you'd like your dog to walk on the left side, hold treats in your left hand.

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As you progress with your dog's leash training, it's essential to increase your standards to help them stay by your side in distracting situations. Practice in various locations, such as parks or busy streets.

To take your training to the next level, try practicing with your dog in different environments, including outside and in areas with more distractions. This will help them learn to focus on you despite the surroundings.

In your training sessions, remember to start with short periods and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more comfortable and attentive.

Leash training a puppy on the street requires extra control and patience. Consider using a front-attachment harness or head collar for added control.

On neighborhood walks, there will be additional distractions and challenges such as friendly strangers, squirrels, and other dogs. Fresh meat or cheese can be used as treats to keep your puppy engaged.

Say "let's go" and start walking. If your puppy forgets about you or pulls, say "let's go" and turn and walk in the opposite direction. Reward them with treats when they walk beside you.

Don't forget to give permission for sniff breaks when leash training a puppy. This will help prevent frustration and keep your puppy engaged.

If your dog lunges or starts chasing something, stop walking and hold steady. You can try calling their name in a cheerful tone, making kissy noises, or stamping your feet to get their attention.

In a perfect world, your dog will come with you on a verbal cue, but if you can't get their attention, you'll have to gently pull them away. This should be done calmly, with steady but gentle pressure on the leash.

To avoid jerking the leash, anchor your hand against your belly button and walk away with the leash held firmly at your abdomen. Direct your gaze, shoulders, and hips in the direction you're walking to imply that you're heading towards something, which might spark their curiosity.

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If your puppy is crossing in front of you, a simple stomp or shuffle of your feet can help make your presence more obvious. This can help them stay by your side during leash training.

If your puppy is lagging behind, they might be feeling frightened or not well, so use lots of encouragement instead of pulling them along. Gentle pressure on the leash is okay if they're lagging to sniff or potty.

To curb leash pulling, stop rewarding your puppy for coming back towards you after they pull, and focus on rewarding them for taking a larger number of consecutive steps by your side.

Troubleshooting leash training can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can help your dog learn to walk by your side without pulling on the leash.

If your puppy is crossing in front of you, stomp or shuffle your feet a bit to make your presence more obvious. This will help your puppy stay focused on you and not get too excited about what's on the other side of the road.

If your puppy is lagging behind, they might be frightened or not feeling well, so use lots of encouragement instead of pulling them along. Gentle pressure on the leash and rewards for walking with you can also help.

If your puppy is alternating between walking beside you and pulling, stop rewarding them for coming back towards you after they pull. Instead, concentrate on rewarding them for taking a larger number of consecutive steps by your side.

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

If your dog continues pulling, it's likely because they're getting a reward for it, whether it's to urinate, smell something, or meet another dog. To encourage a loose leash walk, don't let your dog get to where they want to go until they've stopped pulling.

Never pull the leash away from your dog if they're biting or playing with it, as this can make the leash a tug toy.

Pulling back on the leash just makes it more fun for your pup.

Move the leash gently toward your dog to release all tension and make walking more appealing.

Use two leashes on walks, so if your dog grabs one, you can let it fall to the ground while keeping your grip on the other leash.

Most dogs quickly decide that walking with you is more fun than tugging on the leash.

Once your dog has dropped the leash, start walking, praising, and rapid-fire treating to make the experience enjoyable.

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Training your dog to walk nicely is essential for a enjoyable walk without a sore arm. Your dog doesn't mean to pull, they're just excited and don't know any better.

Dogs learn best with positive training methods, so keep that in mind. Positive reinforcement will help your dog understand what behavior is expected of them.

Your dog's safety and the safety of others on the walk are top priority, so it's essential to use positive training methods.

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