Adult dogs pull on their leashes because the habit was never discouraged when they were puppies. The behavior is instinctive; canines are naturally curious. They enjoy exploring new territory and marking it before others arrive on the scene. This can be frustrating for owners. Rather than taking their pooch for a leisurely stroll, they end up being pulled at the whim of their pet.

As with all canine behavioral problems, it’s always easier to prevent a habit from forming than to curb it down the road. This is also true when it comes to pulling. Fortunately, the habit can be modified with the right approach. This article will provide a proven strategy for doing so.

Using A Head Halter

Long ago, choke collars were used to discourage dogs from pulling on their leashes. The collar would tighten around the trachea, creating discomfort. The problem is, dogs can be stubborn. Many will continue tugging on their leash even if doing so harms them. This is the reason most professional trainers now recommend using a head halter.

Rather than going around your dog’s neck, a head halter is placed over his head and nose, under his chin and around his ears. He’ll be able to breathe easily. He’ll also be able to chew, lick, and bark. The leash is attached to the halter at the point nearest the ground.

This design makes pulling difficult (though still possible). If your pooch tries to tug on his leash, the halter causes his head to turn to one side. Lacking the ability to see in front of him, he’ll be less inclined to pull.

It will take time for your canine to grow accustomed to the feel of the head halter. He may even attempt to remove it. Be consistent by placing the halter on him whenever you take him for a walk. He’ll soon learn to connect it with something he enjoys: his walk.

Give Him A Little Slack

Even though the halter is valuable for discouraging leash pulling, dogs are often willful. Many will continue to do it until they are trained otherwise. One of the most effective methods for curbing the habit is slack training.

Use a six-foot leash whenever you take your canine for a walk. Make sure it is slack during the walk. In the beginning, he will likely bolt forward until the leash is taut (despite his head being pulled to one side). If you continue to walk forward, you’ll send a message to him that pulling is acceptable. You’ll reinforce the behavior. Instead, stop in your tracks.

Your dog will eventually realize that he is unable to move forward. Given a lack of options, he’ll backtrack a bit, creating slack in the leash. When he does, provide him with his favorite dog treat.

Use Treats To Reinforce Desired Behaviors

Giving treats is a positive reinforcement technique proven to be effective in shaping behavioral problems in canines. So too, they are invaluable for encouraging dogs to stop pulling on their leashes. The key is to provide treats immediately and then, slowly wean your dog from them.

The first time your dog returns to you after you have stopped, give him a piece of cheese, chicken, or other food he enjoys. Do this as quickly as possible to help him make the connection between a slack leash and receiving a reward. Continue providing treats each time he slackens the leash until he begins doing so more quickly. Then, give him a treat every second time. Then, every third. Then, fourth.

By slowly weaning your canine from the treats, he’ll perceive them as a reward rather than a bribe. Eventually, you’ll be able to swap his head harness for a collar and provide treats sporadically – if he pulls at all.

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Category: Pets
Keywords: pets, dogs, dog chews, dog treats, dog behavior