BEHAVIOUR
Is Your Dog Pulling on the Leash? Master these Leash Handling Skills!
Is your dog pulling on leash constantly? Canine expert Sabine teaches you essential leash handling skills for smooth, full-free walks with your dog.
Table of contents
Does it ever feel like your dog is taking you out on the walk instead of the other way round? We get it. We see so many pet parents struggle with getting their dog to walk nicely without constantly pulling on the leash, left and right.
But do not despair! Walking on a leash may not come naturally to our dogs but it is a skill that can be taught to them, no matter how young or old they are. But before we teach them this essential skill, it is important that we, as handlers, learn some basic techniques to guide our dogs better on the leash.
In this article, let’s look at some leash handling skills and exercises that will stop your dog pulling on leash and hopefully make your daily walks a literal walk in the parks!
But do not despair! Walking on a leash may not come naturally to our dogs but it is a skill that can be taught to them, no matter how young or old they are. But before we teach them this essential skill, it is important that we, as handlers, learn some basic techniques to guide our dogs better on the leash.
In this article, let’s look at some leash handling skills and exercises that will stop your dog pulling on leash and hopefully make your daily walks a literal walk in the parks!
Step 1: Teach Your Dog to Respond to Leash Pressure
Regardless of whether you walk your dog on a flat collar, a martingale, a slip leash* or a prong collar* (note: I do not list ”harness” here as they were designed to pull and will make most dogs pull), any dog must first learn what the leash means. The principle remains the same for all the aforementioned tools.
Our dogs must learn the concept of “pressure-release”, basically wherever the leash goes, the dog is to follow. To teach them this, apply a little pressure to the leash (with a small tug at the leash) and as soon as the dog gives in to the pressure, release.
Similarly, we teach the dog when we stop, the dog is to stop. For this, we pull up the leash gently with a little pressure, then release as soon as the dog stops.
The ultimate goal is for the dog to learn that pulling does not pay, i.e., is not rewarded: they do not get to move forward. A behaviour that is not rewarded, will eventually be extinguished. Not pulling on the leash is what keeps them moving forward. A behaviour that is rewarded, is more likely to be repeated. Remember: Behaviours are reward-driven.
*I strongly advise pet parents to consult a qualified trainer before using these training tools. Used correctly they can be safe and effective, however, without knowing how to use them correctly they can be dangerous and may result in serious injury.
Our dogs must learn the concept of “pressure-release”, basically wherever the leash goes, the dog is to follow. To teach them this, apply a little pressure to the leash (with a small tug at the leash) and as soon as the dog gives in to the pressure, release.
Similarly, we teach the dog when we stop, the dog is to stop. For this, we pull up the leash gently with a little pressure, then release as soon as the dog stops.
The ultimate goal is for the dog to learn that pulling does not pay, i.e., is not rewarded: they do not get to move forward. A behaviour that is not rewarded, will eventually be extinguished. Not pulling on the leash is what keeps them moving forward. A behaviour that is rewarded, is more likely to be repeated. Remember: Behaviours are reward-driven.
*I strongly advise pet parents to consult a qualified trainer before using these training tools. Used correctly they can be safe and effective, however, without knowing how to use them correctly they can be dangerous and may result in serious injury.
Step 2: Learn Leash Handling & Communication
When we take our dogs out for walks, the environment- new sounds & scents, other dogs and humans, etc. can be quite stimulating for them and can prevent them from responding to our verbal or visual cues. In this situation, the leash works as a vital tool of tactile communication with them.
But just as how our dogs need to learn to respond to the leash & leash pressure, it is crucial that we, at the other end of the leash, hone similar skills of handling and communicating through the leash well. Here are seven, simple tweaks you can make to how you handle the leash that can change your walks for the better.
But just as how our dogs need to learn to respond to the leash & leash pressure, it is crucial that we, at the other end of the leash, hone similar skills of handling and communicating through the leash well. Here are seven, simple tweaks you can make to how you handle the leash that can change your walks for the better.
- Decide which side you want your dog to walk on. Have your dog on that side (encourage and direct them to remain there throughout the walk).
- Maintain a relaxed posture- stand straight with your shoulders relaxed and your arms by your side.
- Hold the leash where your hand meets the leg, keeping the other hand free. Any essentials such as poop bags, water bottles, treats or mobile phones should be carried in a sling bag.
- Place the leash in either:
- The Finger Lock: The leash is looped over the index finger and comes to rest inside the palm under the other fingers, the remainder of the leash is then gathered and also enclosed in the palm or in.
- The Thumb Lock: Your leash is looped over the thumb and comes to rest inside the palm under the other fingers, the remainder of the leash is then gathered and also enclosed in the palm.
- Imagine you are holding a shopping bag. We do not lift it up in front of us, we carry it in one hand with the arm by our side. Similarly, ensure that your grip on the leash is secure but not too tight. Holding the leash too tight or up can encourage your dog to pull further…even if it is just to maintain their balance or stance.
- The more leash length you give your dog, the more likely they are to dart in front of you or switch sides. It is advisable to maintain a short leash (without holding it too tight). By keeping your dog close initially, you can help build a long-lasting muscle memory of how we want them to walk. As your dog learns, you can offer more leash length.
- Practice walking in Figure 8s, right-about-turns and left-about-turns, with the dog following the leash. This not only greatly improves leash walking but helps the dog to focus on us.
So, if your dog is pulling on leash excessively, making your daily walks a struggle, take heart! Walking harmoniously on the leash is a skill- one that takes communication and connection from both sides of the leash. With these quick, leash-handling tweaks, we hope your walks with your dog can be more seamless.
Happy Walking!
Happy Walking!
Keywords:
About the author
Get daily pet parenting tips to your Whatsapp
thePack.in
Happier together
with dogs
Copyright Interspecies Caretech Private Limited 2023