How to Stop a Dog From Pulling on the Leash

Training your dog to stop pulling on the leash is a simple process. The key is patience and consistency. Many training techniques exist to help you on your way, but the following tips work well for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Place a regular snap or buckle collar on your dog. When he is calm and relaxed, attach a 4 to 6 foot leash. Until your dog consistently does not pull or tug, every walk is a training exercise. As a general rule, every time the leash is attached, these steps should be followed.

2. Hold the leash loosely and begin to walk. If your dog pulls or tugs and tightens the leash, immediately stop where you are. He may continue to pull for a few seconds, but eventually he will turn around to see why you are not moving.

3. Praise or treat the dog as soon as he allows slack in the leash and turns his attention to you. You will be conditioning both the slack in the leash and his attention on you which is helpful when training the "heel" command. You may also choose to call him back for a "sit". Resume walking after the reward stopping again when he pulls.

4. Repeat the above process every time your dog pulls on the leash and tightens it. For many dogs it will take quite a few exercises to learn the behavior. Most dogs pull on the leash because they have been inadvertently rewarded for doing so (they get to move along, go for a car ride, get that treat from the neighbor). You are not only teaching a new behavior, but breaking and old one.
   
   

Tips & Warnings

• Patience is the key to this training exercise. It must be done consistently to reinforce the behavior.
• Use a special treat for training as a power reward. Your dog will be more likely to follow commands and learn faster if the reward is something extra special.

[pianistic]

on 12/4/2008 Thanks. I needed help with this.