How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling On The Leash
By DB
@dgobucks226 (35762)
June 18, 2021 7:39pm CST
I remember growing up taking our family dog Sam for a walk around the neighborhood. Not that it was specifically my job, as I had other siblings, but when nature is calling out to your pet, well you know what I mean. Anyway, one problem I always had (along with not letting him pee on someone's property) was Sam's pulling on the leash and dragging me with him. Made me wonder who was walking whom? I sure could have used some tips on training my dog to stop pulling the leash.
Well, I don't own a dog anymore but thought these pointers I found might help those that do. And make that walking experience more enjoyable for you and your pet.
Dogs have a lot of energy and are usually very excited to go explore outside. I know when I mentioned the word "walk," Sam was so pent up he could hardly contain himself. One tip that helps is letting your dog have a play session before the walk to release some of that energy and make him a bit calmer. Why didn't I think of that one. 
Of course that alone won't be enough. You need to add reinforcement training too. Use treats and positive praise when your dog exhibits good leash behavior. When your pet pulls the leash stop the walk and wait. When he no longer pulls on the leash, then call him toward you and tell him to sit. Give him a treat and say "yes." You can also use this technique in training your dog to walk along side you or in the direction you want to go.
Who knew going for a leisurely stroll with your pet would involve so much detail? Hope you found these tips helpful if you have never tried them before. Beats having your arm detached from your body. 
What methods did you find useful in your training your dog to stop pulling on the leash?
Source- Martha Stewart Magazine
Photo- Mine
Of course that alone won't be enough. You need to add reinforcement training too. Use treats and positive praise when your dog exhibits good leash behavior. When your pet pulls the leash stop the walk and wait. When he no longer pulls on the leash, then call him toward you and tell him to sit. Give him a treat and say "yes." You can also use this technique in training your dog to walk along side you or in the direction you want to go.
Who knew going for a leisurely stroll with your pet would involve so much detail? Hope you found these tips helpful if you have never tried them before. Beats having your arm detached from your body.
What methods did you find useful in your training your dog to stop pulling on the leash?
Source- Martha Stewart Magazine
Photo- Mine13 people like this
12 responses
@sallypup (61646)
• Centralia, Washington
19 Jun 21
First I work with my dogs inside the house where there are less distractions. For sure treats. Dog looks at me I say yes!! and pop a bitty piece of yummy So pup and I walk around the house, pup off leash, me patting my left leg, encouraging him to follow me from the left side. (Pup has learned sit! and lie down before this.) But always and always start in the house where there are less distractions. Make it fun. Make it normal that pup works with you. I have two Cattle Dogs. They need a job. And since I don't have cows their job is to go "in" the house when told to, to "go in the gate" when told to, to go up the steps etc. Thanks for the good post.
3 people like this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
You welcome! What a different and informative way to train dogs 
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61646)
• Centralia, Washington
20 Jun 21
@dgobucks226 I don't see it as training. It's me learning the dog's language and the dog learning my language. We're partners in life.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (90477)
• Arvada, Colorado
20 Jun 21
@dgobucks226 That would be lovely to let the dog run free
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
Nice to have a large area fenced in so he is free to roam If interested I found this suggestion too...
This 3 step process has also been used to train your dog from pulling the lease:
Step 1) Walk your dog as normal.
Step 2) Anytime they start to pull, instantly pivot and start walking in the opposite direction. Do it fast enough that it jerks the dog around.
Step 3) Repeat this process every time your dog pulls.
And that’s it!
If interested I found this suggestion too...
This 3 step process has also been used to train your dog from pulling the lease:
Step 1) Walk your dog as normal.
Step 2) Anytime they start to pull, instantly pivot and start walking in the opposite direction. Do it fast enough that it jerks the dog around.
Step 3) Repeat this process every time your dog pulls.
And that’s it!1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (181821)
• United States
19 Jun 21
A light jerk on the leash also works until the dog stops pulling. Then positive reinforcement when he does what you want him to do.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (181821)
• United States
21 Jun 21
@dgobucks226 Unfortunately we no longer have any fur babies. :-(
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
Yes, very effective!
This 3 step process has also been used to train your dog from pulling the lease:
Step 1) Walk your dog as normal.
Step 2) Anytime they start to pull, instantly pivot and start walking in the opposite direction. Do it fast enough that it jerks the dog around.
Step 3) Repeat this process every time your dog pulls.
And that’s it!
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
Yes, that method is often used
This 3 step process has also been used to train your dog from pulling the lease:
Step 1) Walk your dog as normal.
Step 2) Anytime they start to pull, instantly pivot and start walking in the opposite direction. Do it fast enough that it jerks the dog around.
Step 3) Repeat this process every time your dog pulls.
And that’s it!
This 3 step process has also been used to train your dog from pulling the lease:
Step 1) Walk your dog as normal.
Step 2) Anytime they start to pull, instantly pivot and start walking in the opposite direction. Do it fast enough that it jerks the dog around.
Step 3) Repeat this process every time your dog pulls.
And that’s it!2 people like this
@snowy22315 (182240)
• United States
20 Jun 21
They just get highly enthusiastic about their walks..Jax the dog who visits here frequently, always wants to stop and sniff everything along the way. if you are trying to walk for exercise forget it..you won't be able to get much of a walk in without it taking hours. I usually end up having to pick him up and carry him...Fortunately, he is very portable..
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
19 Jun 21
I never did. Just put up with it. My baby Coco is gone now. I so miss her
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
Sorry to hear that! Pets are so much a part of the family
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223816)
• Chile
19 Jun 21
I don´t take Luna for walks. She gallops on my garden (her garden now) and I don´t have the energy to stop her from dragging me.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (71816)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Jun 21
Not letting them have such a long lead in the first place . Give a dog far to much freedom,
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
Yes, I agree with you there. I've noticed many owners who have exceptionally long leaches. Hard to control your pet that way 
@dgobucks226 (35762)
•
20 Jun 21
If you walk your dog this is another effective method to use.
This 3 step process has also been used to train your dog from pulling the lease:
Step 1) Walk your dog as normal.
Step 2) Anytime they start to pull, instantly pivot and start walking in the opposite direction. Do it fast enough that it jerks the dog around.
Step 3) Repeat this process every time your dog pulls.
And that’s it!
