Does your dog take you for a walk rather than vice-versa?
Many dog owners find themselves being pulled down the street by their dog, as the canine excitedly runs to and fro. Although you may think this is simply annoying behavior, it can actually cause harm both to you and your dog.
If your dog pulls too hard, it can do damage to your wrist, arm, or rotator cuff – while the dog’s windpipe may be damaged by a constant tightening of the collar. Loose leash walking – walking along next to you while leaving the leash slack – is not a natural behavior for a dog, and so must be taught.
Common Ways to Teach Loose Leash Walking
- Act like a tree: This is one of the most common methods of teaching a dog not to pull – but is generally only effective on puppies. Every time the dog pulls on the leash, simply stop walking and refuse to move. It takes patience, but soon your pup should learn that pulling on the leash causes their walk to come to a halt.
Why doesn’t this work as well on older dogs? Usually because they have the strength to keep pulling you even if you want to stop.
- Reward a Loose Leash: Stand away from your dog with the leash taut. When he moves to release the tension, click and place a treat on the ground next to you. Move away in order to make the leash taut again, and repeat.
Add eye contact as a requirement for the treat. Soon just go with the clicks, and eventually your dog will understand that he is to move next to you and keep the leash loose. - Training on the Go: Walk for a bit with your dog, then begin to walk in another direction. Wait for the dog to catch up to you, then drop a treat next to your foot. Continue changing directions as you walk, always dropping the treat next to you, teaching your dog to stay close during the walk. Doing this on a regular basis will actually turn into a fun game for your dog, as he will always be looking for the unexpected move, and the chance to catch up and walk with you again.
Many people also choose to use a gentle leader to train their dogs. A leader is a harness which slides over a dog’s head and muzzle, and allows you to turn the dog’s head gently. When their head turns, their body will follow.
Many leaders now have features which allow the dog to feel pressure on the back of their neck instead of on their throat. This is more comfortable for them, and will prevent any long term damage to their throat or windpipe which a choke collar may cause. A no-pull harness is also a popular option for many dog owners.
If your dog is older and has pulled you down the street for most of its life, it may require more time and patience to re-train him – but yes, an old dog can learn new tricks! If you are looking to teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash, need advice as to which leader or no-pull harness is best for your dog, or don’t even know where to begin – give the Sarasota experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training a call. In just two short weeks, we will have your dog walking next to you calmly with no pulling.
Training your dog to walk on a loose leash will result in a much more comfortable and enjoyable walk for both you and your dog. We would love to assist with this or any other dog training needs you may have.
