11 week old yorkshire terrier.

Question
Hi,
My 11 week old Zoey is always pulling on her lease to go the other way then where I want to go.
I can not pule to hard because she is only 1.8 lb.
How can i tech her to come with me?

Answer
Hello Ellen,

You're right. You shouldn't pull at all. Not because of her weight but because you should be correcting and not playing tug of war.

Zoey is pulling because you are teaching her to pull. Every time you allow her to go "the other way" and you do not correct her behavior, you are training her that this behavior is permissible. The problem will grow progressively worse unless you change your behavior and stop allowing Zoey to lead you around.

It is common to think that your little Yorkie is a delicate creature that may "break" if you give her a good leash correction. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your dog was bred to go out and ferociously kill little animals. Zoey will not break if you correct her with authority.

Have your dog walk at a heel by your side. Praise her lavishly when she is in the proper heel position and correct her with authority when she strays. In other words, offer her a clear cut choice. I assure you, that with practice, Zoey will choose to go with you.

Good Luck!
Sandy