How to Get Your Dog to Stop Pulling on His Leash
- 1). Attach a 6-foot cotton leash to the dog's collar --- avoid using retractable leashes. Have the dog stand next to you. Continue to stand until the dog is quiet and sitting or standing still. This could take a few minutes, depending on your dog.
- 2). Start walking with your dog. When your dog pulls on the leash, say "ah-ah" and stop. If your dog continues to try to move forward and pull, stand still. Avoid looking at or talking to the dog while it is trying to pull you forward, as doing so only rewards this undesirable behavior. If the dog starts to walk back to you or begins to ease up and create slack in the leash, then reward it with a treat or affection. Doing so teaches the dog that a tight leash results in no movement or attention from its owner, whereas a loose leash results in walking and attention.
- 3). Bring the dog back to your side and take three or four more steps. If your dog is able to take these steps without pulling you, reward it with treats and affection. If not, stop as soon as the leash tightens up and stay still until the dog retreats and comes back to you. Continue to take a few steps at a time, rewarding or correcting the behavior as needed. Practice this technique until your dog is able to stay next to you and not pull on the leash while walking.
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