Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, but it can quickly become a frustrating battle if your dog constantly pulls on the lead.
Walking politely on a lead without pulling is one of the most basic skills all dogs should learn as soon as possible. It not only makes the walk easier and less stressful for the person walking the dog, but also for the dog themselves. Making sure your dog walks calmly next to you rather than frantically zigzagging all over the place also keeps walker and dog safe along roads and in other risky areas.
Additionally, if you’re using a collar, constant pressure on your dog’s trachea can cause damage in the long run. If you’re using a harness, your dog may not feel much discomfort, but it’s definitely not healthy for the walker’s back, knees, or shoulders to be pulled constantly.
In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies to stop lead pulling and emphasise the importance of maintaining a calm demeanour throughout the walk.
Why Calmness Matters
Before diving into the training techniques, it’s crucial to understand why your dog should be calm before and during the walk.
Dogs understandably get really excited when it’s time for their Walkies. Owners tend to hype dogs up before a walk by repeating the “W-Word” in a high pitched voice and / or excitedly dangling their leads in the air, thinking they are doing their dog a favour by letting them know something really good is about to happen.
What this does, however, is put the dog in a state of stress (excitement is a stress response, even if it is positive). A stressed (over-aroused) dog is more likely to throw caution to the wind and zigzag around the pavement, pull on the lead, and completely ignore you and what you have to say. This not only makes for a frustrating walking experience, but it can also be dangerous.
This is why it’s generally much better for both dog and walker if the dog is in a relaxed state when starting the walk. A calm dog is more focused, responsive to commands, and less likely to exhibit unwanted behaviours such as lunging or barking.
Here’s why calmness is key:
Enhanced Focus: A calm dog is more attentive to your cues and less distracted by external stimuli.
Safety: A calm dog is less likely to dart into traffic or react unpredictably, ensuring a safer walk.
Stronger Bond: Walking together calmly strengthens the bond between you and your dog, fostering mutual trust and respect.
Positive Associations: Calm walks create positive experiences, making future walks more enjoyable for both of you.
Pre-Walk Preparation
1. Burn Off Excess Energy
Before heading out for a walk, engage your dog in some playtime or a quick training session to burn off excess energy. A tired dog is less likely to pull on the lead.
2. Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Establish a pre-walk routine that includes putting on the harness or collar and lead, and then waiting calmly before heading out the door. This sets the tone for a controlled walk. Desensitising your dog to their lead and collar over time can help keep their excitement (stress) levels at bay when it’s time for your walk.
3. Use the Right Equipment
Choose a suitable harness or collar that provides you with better control. A front-clip harness or a head halter can be particularly effective in reducing pulling.
Please note that these tools are fine to use when first starting to train your dog to stop pulling. However, they should not be used for too long, or in place of training, as the discomforts these tools bring only suppress the dog’s instinct to pull because they want to get rid of the discomfort. Suppressing behaviours indefinitely will cause frustration in your dog. What we want is to teach them a better way, and encourage them by positive reinforcement when they are walking calmly.
Ideally, your dog should walk calmly beside you with some slack on the lead. They’re focused on you at least part of the time and / or check in with you regularly in between sniffing and exploring. Using positive reinforcement whenever they’re close and / or check in with you will communicate to them that they’re doing the right thing, and teach them that being close to you pays off.
Training Techniques To Stop Your Dog From Pulling
1. Start Indoors
Always begin training indoors or in your backyard where there are fewer distractions. Practice walking a few steps with your dog by your side, rewarding them with treats and praise for staying close.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is key to teaching your dog new behaviours. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or their favourite toy whenever they walk beside you without pulling.
3. Stop and Go Method
When your dog starts to pull, stop walking immediately. Stand still and wait until they come back to you or release the tension on the lead. Once they do, resume walking. Repeat this consistently to teach your dog that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
4. Change Directions
If your dog pulls ahead, change directions abruptly. This technique teaches your dog to pay attention to you and not to forge ahead. Reward them when they follow you in the new direction.
5. Practice ‘Heel’ Command
Teach your dog the ‘heel’ command to encourage them to walk beside you. Start by holding a treat by your side and walking a few steps. Reward your dog for staying close and gradually increase the distance.
Maintaining Calmness Throughout the Walk
Stay Relaxed Dogs are highly perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. Stay calm and composed during the walk. If you’re tense or frustrated, your dog is likely to mirror that behavior.
Frequent Breaks Take regular breaks during the walk to allow your dog to sniff and explore. This keeps them mentally stimulated and less likely to pull out of excitement or curiosity.
Consistency is Key Consistency in training is crucial. Ensure that everyone who walks your dog follows the same techniques and rules to avoid confusing your dog.
End on a Positive Note Always end the walk on a positive note, with your dog calm and satisfied. This leaves a lasting positive impression and sets the tone for future walks.
Teaching your dog to stop pulling on the lead requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. If your dog is used to getting their way on their walks, teaching them to walk calmly might take a while, but it definitely pays off. By ensuring your dog is calm before and during the walk, you create an environment that promotes learning and enjoyment for everyone involved.
Remember to always set your dog up for success when you try and teach them something new. Help them understand what you ask of them, and make it as easy as possible for them to succeed at each step. Increase the difficulty slowly and steadily, and if your dog is struggling with a new step, go back to the previous step until they are more confident.
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