Leash Manners: Techniques to Stop Pulling

Leash pulling is a natural behavior for dogs, one they won't outgrow without guidance. From puppyhood, dogs pull to get where they want to go, often from excitement, curiosity, or out of reaction to overwhelming environments and stimuli. Although common, leash pulling can lead to stressful walks and outings for you both and puts a strain on outdoors time. To address this habit, consider these tips to prevent your dog from pulling on their leash.

Quick Tips:

1. Stop and Wait

If your dog begins to pull on the leash, pause your walk and stand still, keeping your feet planted until they return to your side or there's slack in the leash. Continuing to walk while they pull reinforces the habit, as they learn it helps them reach where they want to go.

2. Rewarding Behavior

By reinforcing positive behavior, you're teaching your dog to repeat desired actions. Dedicate time each day to practice stopping and waiting whenever your dog pulls on the leash. Bring along their favorite treats to reward their progress and maintain their motivation. Start training in a mellow, distraction-free area to help your dog focus better on your commands. Gradually introduce more challenging environments with light foot traffic as they improve, enhancing their ability to listen despite distractions.

3. Learn from a Professional

Training your dog is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. While these tips can be beneficial in shaping your dog's behavior, it's important to remember that every dog is unique. Your dog may not respond to the same training methods as others, which is normal. It's essential to observe your dog's behavior, temperament, and personality to adjust your training approach accordingly. Seeking guidance from a professional trainer ensures that your training is effective and aligned with your dog's needs. Contact Pat’s Pack to explore our training program and achieve your 2024 training goals with expert support!

Happy Training!