If you have a dog that you frequently take out for a walk you would quite definitely have experienced him pulling on the leash forcing you to go where he wants. Guess you have tried several means of putting an end to this, but have you been successful yet? If not, here are some tips that you could still try out and be assured of success.
One of the best ways to stop dog pulling at his leash is to train your dog in the heel command. The first step is to adorn your dog with a collar and a leash. Make it a point to position yourself at the right side of your dog, which will make both of your heads in the same direction.
Start walking in a straight line ensuring that you put your left leg forward first. If your dog tries to pull you do not attempt to pull him back towards you. What you should do then is abruptly stop walking, making him understand that you will not be pulled.
Gradually your dog will come to realize that you do not like getting tugged at and will stop walking when you stop. In fact, in this way you have no need even to teach him to listen to any commands. It’s just understood. This should, by and large, stop dog pulling.
If you ensure that your moves are sudden, your dog will be conscious of your every move. To stop dog pulling, when he starts pulling on the leash, make sudden twists and turns, totally contrary to one another, to flounder him. Now he will focus on where you are headed.
But remember never to twist the leash when it is already taut. As an alternative twist it before he is at the end of it and then coax him to come to you. Do not forget to reward him with good words and a loving pat that will make him happy that you approve of him. Take care never to scold him; patience is the best way out.
Once you’ve decided that you are going to take a firm stand to stop dog pulling, make sure you never relax any methods adopted. Each time he tries to pull you to him, take some steps, which prevent this from happening. On the other hand, your occasional lenience will only bring confusion into his mind. So, the best policy is to stick by your rules.
If you have started the process of teaching your dog to stop dog pulling, see that you complete the training before you stop, because a break in between will only make him feel you are playing around. Let him get to understand that dog pulling is taboo. Be extravagant with love, praise and rewards when he listens to you and you will soon find that you have a very obedient dog on a leash.
If none of the above mentioned tactics are effective, then it is best to resort to a training tool to aid you. The market is flooded with a variety of such equipment, which includes head halters, gentle leaders, prong collars, easy walk harness and so on to help. You can get the advice of a professional trainer who will be able to tell you which device will suit your dog best.
Still having problems with your dog pulling? Check out how to Stop dog pulling. Alex Benson is the chief editor of Secrets of Dog Training guides a dog help site which gives free dog training tips and covers some of the best dog training guides available on the net.