Training your dog not to pull on the leash

If your dog pulls when it is on the leash, you are not alone. This is one of the most common problems that people have with their dogs.

The reasons for this are varied, but it can quite often just be a case of the dog being over excited. If this is the case with your dog, then try allowing the dog a couple of minutes to simmer down before you take him on his walk and this can often stop the pulling.

One of the basic things that your dog must learn is that you are the leader of the pack, not him. Your dog must learn that you are master, failure to achieve this basic dog training can and will lead to many problems with your dog training. Once you have it established with your dog that you are the leader you can start the process of having your dog walk quietly and calmly beside you with, or without a leash.

The first step in dog leash training is to have your dog sit still while you put on the leash, not until this has been mastered can you get on with the training not to pull on the leash. If this is proving difficult then perhaps re-visit the more basic commands with your dog – he will need to sit quietly while you slip the leash over his neck or attach to his collar.

Once this is been established you can start the process of getting your dog to walk calmly beside you with or without a leash. This like any other aspect of dog training will take patience and practise until you have both perfected it.

You can use treats just in front of your dogs nose to encourage him to walk well, and it is best to have the dog walk on either your right or left with the leash travelling through both hands and across your body. You will have much more control this way.

Many people use “gentle leaders” to help with dog leash training, and as long as you give a command such as “heel” when they are successfully walking beside you, and praise them for doing it properly, these can be very helpful. Often you will be able to dispense with the gentle leader when your dog is walking beside you quite happily all of the time.