A dog pulling on the leash has to be one of the most annoying parts of having a dog. It also makes walking a dog hard, complicated, and unsafe. How to stop dog pulling on leash? This is probably the question most of you have on your mind right now. Well, there are 6 methods you can use. We will discuss and explain each one right here.
Why Dogs Pull On A Leash
Before looking at some methods to stop them from pulling on a leash, we should understand why they exhibit this kind of behavior. We have identified a couple of main reasons that could be why your dog is pulling you in different directions:
Excitement
One of the first reasons could be attributed to excitement. Many dogs don’t have the opportunity for walking every day. Once they get outdoors, they tend to be excited and want to go in different directions. The farther you walk and the more often you walk, the bigger the chances of them settling into your rhythm.
Different Scents
Dogs have sensitive noses and compared to humans, they have 50 times more olfactory receptors in their noses than humans. You might not smell something, but your pet can smell something from a mile away. If they smell something interesting, they might be drawn to it and pull you in a specific direction to find it.
Untrained
Finally, most dogs that go for casual walks are simply untrained. Not everyone sends their pets for professional training or training them at home. Due to the lack of training, your pet might not understand the difference between good and bad behavior. As you teach them to walk with a leash, the problem should dissipate.
6 Methods To Stop Dog Pulling On Leash
Here we have 6 simple methods that have been used by many owners. These are effective but rather simple things you can do. The best part is that you can use these on all dogs at any given moment.
1. Get chest-led harness
This is the simplest method and the one that has been known as the best. You will have to replace the collar with a chest-led harness. As a result, the dog will stop pulling the leash.
See, dogs will push against the pressure. When you pull him back, he will pull forward. When you push him to sit he will resist. The chest-led harness works in the same way and it is an effective option. But, this doesn’t work with all dogs. Some are just too stubborn to obey you and they will still pull you because they want to get where they want.
2. Be patient
Yes, this is the thing you must have if you want to make this work. Remember that this behavior is in his nature and he can’t change that in a matter of days. You will also want to be calm when training him. You do not want a dog who does something because of fear. There is no need in telling you that you should be careful about the things you use, equipment, and the treats.
To make the training as effective as possible, start as soon as you can. With puppies and smaller dogs, the training is more effective and will take less time. Never lose hope. If you want, you can get professional help. But, most of you don’t need that. You can use these methods.
3. Use smell stops
A dog doesn’t really like to walk where there are things he can smell. This means that walking him on the street in the city is boring. This also means that he will pull you even more because he wants to end up with this task.
You can and you should allow him to stop and smell the things, areas, and places. Dogs have a powerful sense of smell and they can even learn about the world using this sense. When he is done, you can issue commands such as ‘’let’s go’’ and similar. Reward him for positive behavior.
4. Don’t reward pulling
Here we have one method that acts as the solution for the problem. Yes, it is that powerful. When a dog pulls your leash and you walk behind him you are rewarding him. He will want to pull even more.
Instead, you will have to stand still and wait. Once the dog stops and sits, you can reward him. Repeat this all the time and as many times as needed. Eventually, he will figure out that if he doesn’t pull, he will get a reward. But, if he does pull the leash, he will stay in one spot.
5. Reward him when he does something good
Always reward your pet when he does something good. In this case, scenario, when he stops pulling on the leash, reward him. When he does something that you don’t like, don’t reward him. This is an essential part of this particular training and almost all others. Just keep in mind to use small treats.
Rewarding a dog when he does something positive is essential due to a simple reason. He will want the treats. He will know that a specific thing will give him the treat hence he will do it. He won’t realize that you need him to do that thing.
6. Your dog must not predict your intentions
If you always walk your dog on a leash in a straight line you are predictable. Instead, you want to be unpredictable. When you are walking him, stop and turn to the left. Then turn to the right. The goal is to help your pet understand that he should walk beside you and now pull you where he wants to go. This is a very slot step here and it can last for weeks.
When the dog obeys you and he starts following you again, reward him. You will also want to stop and take a pause before you change direction.
Frequent Asked Questions
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What if my dog still pulls on the leash even after training?
Training takes time and consistency. If your dog still pulls after several training sessions, it might be worth considering hiring a professional dog trainer. Remember, every dog is unique and some might take longer to train than others.
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Is using a special leash or harness necessary to stop my dog from pulling?
While it’s not absolutely necessary, using a no-pull harness or a head halter can make the training process easier and more effective. These tools provide better control over your dog and can discourage pulling.
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My dog pulls excessively when he sees other dogs or people. What can I do?
This could be a sign of over-excitement or reactivity. You might need to incorporate additional training techniques such as distraction, redirection, or positive reinforcement when your dog remains calm.
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Is it okay to let my dog pull when we’re in a hurry?
It’s best to stay consistent with the training. Allowing your dog to pull sometimes can send mixed signals and make the training less effective.
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Is pulling on the leash harmful to my dog?
Yes, it can be. Excessive pulling can cause strain on your dog’s neck and potentially lead to injuries. That’s why it’s important to address this issue through proper training and possibly the use of appropriate tools.
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How long does it usually take to train a dog to stop pulling on the leash?
The time it takes can vary widely depending on the dog’s age, breed, personality, and previous training experience. Consistency is key in training – be patient, and remember that progress may be slow but is definitely worthwhile.
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Can I train an older dog to stop pulling on the leash?
Absolutely. While training an older dog may present its own challenges, it’s never too late to teach your dog new behaviors. With patience, consistency, and the right techniques, an older dog can learn to walk nicely on a leash.
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My dog seems anxious and pulls on the leash during walks, what should I do?
If your dog seems anxious, it’s important to find out what’s causing this anxiety. It could be due to a new environment, loud noises, or even past traumas. Seek advice from a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist to understand and manage your dog’s anxiety better.
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Should I punish my dog for pulling on the leash?
No, punishment is not an effective method for training and can harm your relationship with your dog. Instead, use positive reinforcement methods, rewarding your dog for desirable behavior.
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Can all breeds of dogs be trained to stop pulling on the leash?
Yes, all dogs, regardless of their breed, can be trained to walk nicely on a leash. Some breeds may require more training and patience than others, but with consistency, every dog can learn this important skill.
The Final Word
A dog will always have an animalistic instinct in them. However, keeping them inside all day will not be best for their health. It is recommended that you take your dog walking often, especially if you don’t have an outside yard for them to enjoy. Let us know how you approach dog walking and which tips we might have missed.
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