| Leash pulling is your dog exerting dominance over | | | | steps and change direction again. Continue to |
| you. Remember that you are the alpha dog and you | | | | randomly change direction and pace frequently and |
| dictate when you walk, what direction you take, | | | | for different durations. This makes your dog watch |
| when you turn and the duration of your walk. Your | | | | you in order to know which direction to go. As he |
| dog follows you and your instructions. For some | | | | walks by your side praise and reward by dropping a |
| reason known only to dogs, they receive pleasure | | | | treat. Go to sit/stay and start again. If he pulls and |
| and motivation from pulling on a leash. You must not | | | | does not respond, end the session and walk away. |
| allow this. By pulling on the leash and dictating pace | | | | A variation of the random walking technique is called |
| and direction, your dog is establishing dominance over | | | | the drop leash method. As with all the methods start |
| you. In the wild within a pack the alpha dog decides | | | | with a calm dog in the sit/stay position. Use an eight |
| when, where and what direction the pack goes. If a | | | | foot leash and hold it two feet from the collar with |
| subordinate dog does not comply or challenges, there | | | | your right hand if your dog is on your right side and |
| is a consequence to be paid. | | | | visa/versa. With your other hand hold the loop end |
| There are several tactics that we can use to teach a | | | | of the leash. Choose a word that will mean good bye. |
| dog not to pull on the leash. This method is called the | | | | I use the word "bye". Start the session as described |
| reward technique. First of all you need to start with a | | | | previously and as you walk, watch your dogs body |
| calm animal. Just the sight of the leash can make | | | | language for the moment that he starts to loose |
| your dog excited. Have your dog sit/stay and let him | | | | attention, ie. turns his head, starts walking ahead or |
| calm down before you apply the leash. This may | | | | behind. When this occurs give the "bye" command |
| take a few minutes but be sure he has calmed down. | | | | drop the leash from your lead hand, hold to the end |
| Stand beside him as he is in the sit/stay position, hold | | | | of the leash, turn and walk in a different direction. |
| the leash a foot from the collar and give the | | | | Your dog should hurry to your side and watch you |
| command to walk. You want him to walk your pace, | | | | for instruction. When he does this, heap praise and |
| direction and at your side. If he pulls or goes in a | | | | reward upon him. Continue this method until he learns |
| different direction STOP! Do not allow him to dictate | | | | to stay with and watch you. If he refuses to comply |
| to you. Call him back and put him in the sit/stay | | | | end the walk session. |
| position and praise him for the sit/stay. Once he has | | | | Another method that works is the "Pot of Treats". |
| calmed down, grab the leash 6 inches from his collar | | | | Set a bowl of several treats out where he can see |
| and give the walk command. Your goal is to keep him | | | | them and he knows that they are there. Move thirty |
| by your side for a couple of steps and then drop a | | | | feet away and place him in the sit/stay position. |
| treat on the ground in front of him rewarding his | | | | Make sure he is calm and hold the leash about two |
| leash walking behavior. Place him in the sit/stay | | | | feet from his collar. Give the walk command and |
| position and start over again. If he pulls on the leash, | | | | head towards the bowl of treats. If he walks ahead, |
| tell him no and put him back in the sit/stay and start | | | | give the "bye" command, turn him around and start |
| again. Gradually work up the number of steps before | | | | again from the original start area. This may take |
| the reward. With this method your dog will want to | | | | several repetitions. Once you and the dog reach the |
| stay by your side. Never tolerate pulling on the leash, | | | | treat area without him walking ahead or pulling, have |
| if your dog continues to pull, stop the session, put | | | | him sit and give him the treats. What you are |
| him up and walk away. Eventually he will learn that | | | | teaching is that pulling does not get him where he |
| pulling means no walk. | | | | wants to go. |
| Another technique that is fun for you and your dog | | | | Remember that you are the leader the alpha dog and |
| is called random walking. This teaches your dog to | | | | you control all. Your dog likes structure and responds |
| watch you for instruction. Start with the sit/stay | | | | best when he knows what the limits and boundaries |
| position and a calm dog. Give the command to walk | | | | are. |
| and after a few steps change direction, take a few | | | | |