Leash Pulling
Monday, 05 October 2009 12:31 | 
Author: Marvyn H | 
Being yanked around by one's dog is a common problem. Fortunately, you have multiple options for dealing with this unwanted and unnecessary behavior.
Ideally, you want your dog to walk calmly at your side, at the speed of your choosing. The dog should not be “in charge” of the walk. I know, this is easier said than done.
For starters, abandon the retractable leash until after your dog is completely trained. These types of leashes confuse your dog and can sometimes reinforce the pulling habit.
I recommend the high collar. A high collar is a snug-fitting nylon collar that sits up “high” on the dog's neck. I do not recommend the traditional choke collars, especially the metal ones. A choke collar applies pressure to the front of the throat. Pressure in this area on a stubborn dog will only encourage a dog to resist. A high collar, however, rests just behind the dog's ears, so that if the dog pulls on the leash, the collar will constrict and the dog won't be able to breathe. A high collar makes it impossible to pull and breathe at the same time. With the high collar technique, you will need to correct a dog every time it pulls by quickly pulling on the leash and popping the collar. Your dog will quickly learn that if it pulls on you, you will pull back.
Another popular option is a harness. There are many harnesses on the market designed to prevent pulling. Search for “no-pull” or “stop-pull” harnesses. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the idea is always the same. A no-pull harness applies pressure to the front legs of the dog when it pulls. The dog pulls, the harness constricts and the dog's front legs will lose all strength, and as a result, lose the muscle to pull you.
Another option is called a Gentle Leader. The Gentle Leader is a soft nylon collar that fits on over the dog's snout. It enables the handler to apply gentle pressure to the dog's nose. This way, the handler only has to wrestle against the strength of the dog's neck and head, not the strength of the entire body. The idea is, if you can control the direction of the dog's nose, its body will naturally follow. It is difficult for a dog to drag in one direction while its nose points in another.
No matter the method you choose, what matters is that you don't allow your dog to pull you. You have to be in control. Your daily walks with your dog are supposed to be fun and stress-free for both of you. If none of these methods work for you, consult a professional trainer.
Ideally, you want your dog to walk calmly at your side, at the speed of your choosing. The dog should not be “in charge” of the walk. I know, this is easier said than done.
For starters, abandon the retractable leash until after your dog is completely trained. These types of leashes confuse your dog and can sometimes reinforce the pulling habit.
I recommend the high collar. A high collar is a snug-fitting nylon collar that sits up “high” on the dog's neck. I do not recommend the traditional choke collars, especially the metal ones. A choke collar applies pressure to the front of the throat. Pressure in this area on a stubborn dog will only encourage a dog to resist. A high collar, however, rests just behind the dog's ears, so that if the dog pulls on the leash, the collar will constrict and the dog won't be able to breathe. A high collar makes it impossible to pull and breathe at the same time. With the high collar technique, you will need to correct a dog every time it pulls by quickly pulling on the leash and popping the collar. Your dog will quickly learn that if it pulls on you, you will pull back.
Another popular option is a harness. There are many harnesses on the market designed to prevent pulling. Search for “no-pull” or “stop-pull” harnesses. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the idea is always the same. A no-pull harness applies pressure to the front legs of the dog when it pulls. The dog pulls, the harness constricts and the dog's front legs will lose all strength, and as a result, lose the muscle to pull you.
Another option is called a Gentle Leader. The Gentle Leader is a soft nylon collar that fits on over the dog's snout. It enables the handler to apply gentle pressure to the dog's nose. This way, the handler only has to wrestle against the strength of the dog's neck and head, not the strength of the entire body. The idea is, if you can control the direction of the dog's nose, its body will naturally follow. It is difficult for a dog to drag in one direction while its nose points in another.
No matter the method you choose, what matters is that you don't allow your dog to pull you. You have to be in control. Your daily walks with your dog are supposed to be fun and stress-free for both of you. If none of these methods work for you, consult a professional trainer.