Stop Dog Pulling - 7 Simple Steps to Leash Training

     Dog pulling is a very common problem all over the world, but it can be cured. It will take patience and consistency. There will be some repetition for a while, until your dog understands clearly, the correct behaviour you want from him. He has to be taught in a gentle way. Shouting or physical punishment should never be used, as it is only counter-productive.

1. You are in charge.
Your dog may see himself as the dominant animal in your pack and is ignoring you. You need to do more alpha dog training with him to show him you are in charge. He must obey your commands first time. Make sure he knows sit-stay and is calm and relaxed before you attempt to put a collar and leash on him. You can only start the walk when he is calm.

2. No tension.
Always keep the leash slack with no tension in it. Your dog will feel this tension through the leash and will resist by pulling against it. The more you pull, the stronger he will pull. Keep a relaxed, but proper grip of the leash so your dog cannot pull it from your hand and run away.

3. Change direction.
Keep changing direction on the walk so he does not know which direction he is heading. If he pulls and you turn and walk the opposite direction he will find himself walking behind you. An over excited dog cannot pull if he unsure which direction he is going.

4. Reward for good behaviour
When your dog is walking quietly and politely by your side it is a real pleasure, so reward him. As you walk along with him on your left side, carry a food treat in your left hand just in front of his nose. Reward him when he is doing the right thing. In time you will not need the food lure.

5. Leash training.
Do not take your dog for a walk in public if you have not trained him on a leash at home. Make sure your dog is comfortable with wearing a collar and leash around the house. Leave the leash on him at meal times and play. If he pulls inside the house then he will definitely pull in public. Walk him around your yard or garden, ensuring he is not pulling but walking quietly by your side. Use food treats to reward him.

6. Exercise.
It sounds like a vicious circle but your dog will be better behaved if he is getting enough exercise. A leash pulling dog can be very frustrating and hard work for the owner, which can result in the dog being walked less or not at all. You must walk your dog every day for at least an hour. Lack of exercise causes your dog to have too much pent up energy, so when he does get outside, he bursts into a frenzy of out of control excitement.

7. The collar
Use the correct collar on your dog. Collars and leashes have been greatly improved with a huge variety of styles and sizes. Use a plain wide one for comfort. A badly fitting collar can cause a dog to misbehave. The leash should be about 5ft or 6ft in length. Your pet store will advise you on the one to choose and how to fit it correctly.

Your dog pulling on the leash doesn't have to be a lasting and unpleasant experience. Put in the work now and you will soon enjoy wonderful, controlled walks that will bring pleasure to both of you.