How Do I Train My Dog Not to Pull on the Lead?

H&h dog’s lead advises that leash training is undoubtedly one of the challenging training you’ll offer your dog. How do you get your dog to walk beside you, take your lead, and respond appropriately to your requests and commands? Of course, it’s a bit of a challenging task to work out, though profiting once your dog gets in line. If you successfully manage to leash your dog, he will walk when you walk, stop when you stop and turn when you take a turn.

Why Dogs Pull on the Lead?

Dogs have a burning excitement to explore the neighborhood whenever you decide to take them for a walk. They are excited to play new games, hear new voices, smell new aromas, to mention a few. However, you are not ready to walk as fast as they are. Maybe you like keeping a slow pace or leisurely taking your time than they do. That way, there is a mismatch in your pace, with the dog getting the first lead. The following are ways to stop your dog from pulling on the lead. 

Warm Up your Dog Before Walks

Warming up your dog can include a simple massage. That way, you get to properly bond with him besides relaxing his muscles, calming his stress and tension, and preparing him for exercises. To effectively massage your dog, start from the neck area, moving towards the rest of the body. This practice also prepares your dog for the critical training you’re going to offer him. 

Use Rewards to Motivate your dog From Pulling on the Lead.

First off, select the right environment with less distraction, where your dog can focus better on the training. For example, your home can be better and calmer than a general public place. In addition, we suppose you understand the best treat your dog loves. Examples of treats you can use include a boiled chicken, a carrot slice, or a turkey breast, of course, considering whether or not they like it. This treat will be your rewarding chips whenever your dog responds positively to your instructions. You may also prefer toys like squeaky toys, tug toys, or a tennis ball.

In their first phase of training, start walking your dog and notice their behavior. If the dog starts pulling on the lead, stop walking immediately and stand still while holding the leash handle by your side. Observe whether he turns towards you, then reward him if he does. If not, try walking in the other direction without forcing him to follow.

Until your dog starts noticing the advantages of him responding to your instructions, keep training for a couple of sessions. With time, your efforts will surely pay off.

Encourage your Dog to Walk Beside you.

While walking your dog down the sideway or in your backyard, you can teach him to stay by your side all the time. You will also need some source of motivation for this practice, whether it’s a toy or a delicious treat. You can start by calling his name and instructing him to take the side you want him to stay on. Although your left side is often the traditional heel side, you can train him to stay on whichever side you see fit. If he stays on that side, use your hand on that side to reward him. This practice encourages your dog to stay where the reward keeps coming from. 

As time goes by and your dog adapts to this behavior, you can eliminate the reward element. You can then carry on walking your dog around, signaling your dog to maintain your side. Meanwhile, your dog should keep coming by your side whenever you give instructions to or after encountering other distractions. If you want these amazing experience with a dog there are very adorable puppies for sale.

Use a No-Pull Harness Rather Than a Leash 

Several studies prove that a no-pull harness works best to prevent injuries on dogs than a leash or a regular harness. These studies respond to the safety hazards of dog leash pulling, which has raised concerns from multiple pet owners and professionals alike. According to these studies, dog leash pulling worsens if your dog has a thin cornea or suffers glaucoma and has seen many dogs damage their body parts. 

For this reason, experts suggest that you opt for a no-pull harness, especially if your dog tends to pull a lot. In addition, you need to attach the leash to the front of the harness rather than the back to increase control over your dog. Besides, the harness spreads the pulling pressure to other body parts contrary to a collar, concentrating the entire pressure on the neck alone. 

Also Read- Help the Shy or Reserved Dog