Leash Training Without the Struggle
Stop the pulling. Start the walking.
Walking your dog shouldn't feel like a workout. But for many people, it does. Because their dog pulls.
Here's how to fix it.
The Setup
Get a short leash. Not a retractable one. Those make pulling worse. A standard 6-foot leash is perfect.
The Method
When your dog pulls, stop walking. Wait for them to look at you. When they do, mark it with a "yes" or a click. Then reward with a treat.
Then continue walking. If they pull again, stop again.
What you're teaching them is this: pulling = walking stops. walking nicely = walking continues.
What NOT To Do
- Don't drag them along. You're just pulling them forward, which reinforces pulling.
- Don't wrap the leash around your body. Dangerous.
- Don't punish them after the fact. They won't connect it to the pulling.
Make It Worth Their While
Bring high-value treats on walks. Reward frequently at first. Every few steps when they're learning.
As they get better, space out the rewards. But always reward good behavior.
Be Patient
This takes time. Weeks. Sometimes months. Especially for excited puppies or strong breeds.
But it works. Stay consistent. Every walk. Every time.