Transforming walks: How to stop lead pulling from your dog

Owning a dog brings joy, but the daily walk can become a challenge when your pup insists on leading the way. Aside from teaching your dog the basic commands of sit, stay, down and drop it/leave it, lead training is just as important. If you're ready to regain control and transform your walks into enjoyable experiences, this guide is for you.

1. Choose the Right Equipment:

Opt for a no-pull harness or a front-clip harness to discourage pulling behavior. Additionally, consider the effectiveness of slip leads and figure 8 slip leads in training to provide gentle yet firm control.

We recommend the Ezydog d clip harness, Luca slip lead or Luca slip lead turned into figure 8 correctly. Each time your pup pulls you, give the lead a sharp quick tug or "pop" and say "uh no" in a low calm voice to correct the behaviour. When they ignore the item they're pulling towards, reward them.

2. Training with Positive Reinforcement:

Employ positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for walking calmly beside you, reinforcing the desired walking etiquette. Find out what your dog is pulling you towards and learn to read their body language and correct them before pulling starts, correct them as soon as they even look at the distraction e.g tree to pee on. Use a swift tug or pop to the leash to correct. Correcting before pulling is important for long term success. Reward as soon as they ignore the item and focus back on you.

3. Master the Stop-and-Go Technique:

When your dog starts pulling, especially if they're pulling so hard their paws come up off the ground, bring them to a halt/stop. Only resume walking when the leash slackens. This technique reinforces the idea that pulling doesn't get them to their destination faster and only receives negative correction. Reward the slack lead with praise and start again. Eventually this stop start technique will annoy your dog (and you) so much that he will start to listen and be less stubborn.

4. Change Directions: U-turns

Keep your dog engaged by altering your walking direction frequently. Walk doing u-turns while holding a treat to keep your pet focused on you again. Each time a u-turn is completed with their full focus on you, reward them. This not only adds an element of excitement but also discourages pulling as your pup must stay attuned to your movements.

5. Be Consistent:

Consistency is vital in dog training. Stick to the same rules and commands during walks. Dogs thrive on routine, and a consistent approach helps solidify positive behavior. Walk your dog twice per day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon for at least 10 minutes for best results. This will help burn that morning energy after they've slept, and will burn the afternoon energy to avoid bad behaviour at night.

6. Practice in Controlled Environments:

Initiate training in less distracting environments at first, progressing to busier areas as your dog becomes adept at walking without pulling. Desensitisation is important for dogs to get used to distractions and working well under pressure to continue focus on you.

7. Use Verbal Cues:

Teach your dog specific commands associated with walking behavior, such as "uh no", "leave it", "stay/wait", "come" and "good boy." Paired with hand gestures. These cues aid in communicating when your dog should walk calmly beside you and avoid distractions.

8. Exercise Both Body and Mind:

Ensure your dog receives ample exercise and mental stimulation. A tired dog is more likely to exhibit well-behaved walking habits, reducing excess energy that may contribute to pulling.

Conclusion:

Make walking your dog a pleasurable bonding experience by investing time and patience in training. Alongside using the right harness, consider incorporating slip leads and figure 8 slip leads to provide effective and gentle control,

ultimately transforming your walks into enjoyable outings for both you and your furry companion.