Teaching your dog not to pull on the leash
Walking time is an exciting opportunity for a dog. It allows him to discover new smells, to see dog friends walking down the street and most importantly, to stretch his legs after a full day of waiting, probably alone, for you to come back impatiently. Walking is an opportunity for him to establish his territory and let loose.
When we were training him, walking meant walking against the flow of traffic so that you could see the oncoming traffic. Continuing with this, you should always keep the dog on your left side. This way, he will be able to walk on the grass and it will be an extra safety feature for him, especially if he decides to cross the street and is not paying attention to the traffic. It is important to be consistent, this way your dog will learn faster.
To maximize the chances of success, outdated methods, such as using a choke collar or even a spike collar, are not recommended. Everything must be done with respect, so opt for a harness instead. The training harness will not necessarily prevent him from pulling, however, unlike the choke collar, the animal will not have bodily injuries. The use of a leash with a maximum length of two meters is recommended. Just like teaching a dog to do a trick, rewards are the best way to achieve this. Conversely, if the dog does not listen and pulls to go towards a scent, for example, do not pull in turn and do not succumb to his whims. Stop until you regain his attention. When he stops pulling and looks at you, give him a dog treat. The work is long and sometimes painful, but if there is consistency, your dog will eventually stop pulling.
The final goal is that the leash always remains relaxed. It is essential that the dog understands that if he pulls, he will not get what he wants, so he must listen. To achieve this, here are some simple steps to follow.
No. 1
Start by walking him on a leash in the house for a few days where there is less distraction and he recognizes smells.
No. 2
When the time comes to go outside, bring a good bag of treats, because the first few days will be longer. It is normal for the dog to want to smell everywhere, it is in his nature. If he starts to pull, make him sit near you. You have his attention: a treat. Afterwards, when the leash remains loose, give him the chance to go and smell the much sought-after scent, he has earned it.
No. 3
If it's time to go, but he has no intention of following, don't pull on the leash, because you'll confuse him. That is, you train him not to pull, but when you want his attention, you tighten the leash. Instead, get his attention with a treat and by calling his name. That's how he'll change his mind, and at that moment, you change direction.
No. 4
The cadence should vary during learning. A moderate, high and then medium flow alternately. He will then keep his attention on you.
Continue the same exercises throughout his education and every day. It will become a routine, and eventually the dog will no longer need treats. This is why after having educated him not to pull on the leash, the outing will become a joyful moment for him as well as for you.
When we were training him, walking meant walking against the flow of traffic so that you could see the oncoming traffic. Continuing with this, you should always keep the dog on your left side. This way, he will be able to walk on the grass and it will be an extra safety feature for him, especially if he decides to cross the street and is not paying attention to the traffic. It is important to be consistent, this way your dog will learn faster.
To maximize the chances of success, outdated methods, such as using a choke collar or even a spike collar, are not recommended. Everything must be done with respect, so opt for a harness instead. The training harness will not necessarily prevent him from pulling, however, unlike the choke collar, the animal will not have bodily injuries. The use of a leash with a maximum length of two meters is recommended. Just like teaching a dog to do a trick, rewards are the best way to achieve this. Conversely, if the dog does not listen and pulls to go towards a scent, for example, do not pull in turn and do not succumb to his whims. Stop until you regain his attention. When he stops pulling and looks at you, give him a dog treat. The work is long and sometimes painful, but if there is consistency, your dog will eventually stop pulling.
The final goal is that the leash always remains relaxed. It is essential that the dog understands that if he pulls, he will not get what he wants, so he must listen. To achieve this, here are some simple steps to follow.
No. 1
Start by walking him on a leash in the house for a few days where there is less distraction and he recognizes smells.
No. 2
When the time comes to go outside, bring a good bag of treats, because the first few days will be longer. It is normal for the dog to want to smell everywhere, it is in his nature. If he starts to pull, make him sit near you. You have his attention: a treat. Afterwards, when the leash remains loose, give him the chance to go and smell the much sought-after scent, he has earned it.
No. 3
If it's time to go, but he has no intention of following, don't pull on the leash, because you'll confuse him. That is, you train him not to pull, but when you want his attention, you tighten the leash. Instead, get his attention with a treat and by calling his name. That's how he'll change his mind, and at that moment, you change direction.
No. 4
The cadence should vary during learning. A moderate, high and then medium flow alternately. He will then keep his attention on you.
Continue the same exercises throughout his education and every day. It will become a routine, and eventually the dog will no longer need treats. This is why after having educated him not to pull on the leash, the outing will become a joyful moment for him as well as for you.
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