"How do I stop my dog pulling on a lead?"
Here are some words to explain why dogs might pull on a lead -
Excitement and over stimulation:
Dogs are naturally curious and energetic. They may pull on the lead because they are excited about exploring their environment or meeting other dogs and people. An over stimulated dog is rarely if ever focused on it's owner. This is by FAR the reason I see for most dogs with pulling issues. The outside world is way more interesting and exciting than you. Sorry.
Lack of Training:
Dogs may pull if they haven't been properly trained to walk on a lead. Without guidance, they may not understand what is expected of them. The more you pull against a dog, the more it pulls away.
Smells and Distractions:
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they may be pulled in a particular direction by interesting scents. Additionally, they can be easily distracted by sounds, sights, and other stimuli in their environment, especially if they are over stimulated and lack focus on their owner.
Desire for Control:
Some dogs may pull because they want to be in control of the walk. If they are not given clear signals about who is leading, they may take the opportunity to lead themselves. This is very common for dogs that know they are stronger than their owner.
Lack of Exercise:
Dogs with excess energy may pull on the lead as a way of expending that energy. The lack of exercise, especially "controlled" exercise often with their owner, often results in an over stimulated dog with too much energy!
Socialisation Issues:
Dogs that haven't been properly socialised may react strongly to other dogs or people, leading to pulling behavior. Proper CONTROLLED socialisation can help them remain calmer during walks. Letting you dog run around like a lunatic with every dog it comes in contact with, will not help with your dog on a lead when it sees other dogs! Controlled Socialisation.
Positive Reinforcement for Pulling:
If a dog has been inadvertently rewarded for pulling (e.g., they pull to get to something they want, and you inadvertently allow it), they will continue the behavior. If you constantly let your dog drag you around to whatever it wants, you are training it to pull on a lead to anything it wants.
Breed Characteristics:
Some dog breeds are naturally stronger or more inclined to pull due to their breeding history. For example, sled dogs and certain working breeds may have a natural inclination to pull. A working breeds focus can absolutely consume a dog if you haven't trained this dog to be calm and focused... ON YOU!
Understanding the underlying reasons for pulling can guide your training approach. Training should focus on teaching the dog to walk calmly on a lead, rewarding good behavior, and providing positive reinforcement. Consistent training and patience are key to breaking the habit of pulling on the lead.
If you have a dog that pulls on a lead on every walk you do, the best way to make sure they keep pulling is keep doing the same thing over and over. Really instill the habit of pulling so that it makes all future walks be about pulling. Repeat the same thing over and over. Do the same walk with the same overstimulated dog that pulls on a lead and do not change anything. This will surprisingly mean the dog will keep pulling.
Some words to help you with your dog and its pulling -
Start with Basic Obedience Training:
Ensure your dog knows basic commands such as "sit," "stay," and "come." This establishes a foundation for better communication between you and your dog. If your dog is an idiot at home in a relatively controlled environment, don't expect them to handle the bit world out there.
Be a nice human:
Dogs are pack animals and respond well to a confident and calm leader. Be consistent in your commands and actions, so your dog understands that you are in control of the walk.
Use a Front-Clip Harness or Head Collar:
Consider using a front-clip harness or head collar. These tools can sometimes provide more control over your dog's movements, making it easier to redirect them if they start pulling. Kind of like a bridle on a horse, if you control and steer the head, the body will follow. BUT, this doesn't always work as sometimes the dog can be so over stimulated it makes these tools irrelevant.
Train in a Controlled Environment:
Begin training in a quieter, controlled environment with fewer distractions. As your dog becomes more responsive, gradually introduce more challenging environments. This can literally be in your living room!
Practice "Focus" Training:
Teach your dog to focus on you during walks. Use treats or toys to get their attention, rewarding them for checking in with you. This helps redirect their focus from pulling. Focus can only happen with a reasonably calm dog. If your dog is not calm, it probably won't be focused. If your dog is focused it's probably reasonably calm.
Use High-Value Treats:
This is a kind of sometimes works bit of advise. I have never used any form of treat for any of my personal dogs. Okay, maybe in the first couple of weeks, but then none. NONE. I praise and pat my dogs. I train them to be calm and regulated from day one.
Most people play and have way too much exciting stimulating fun with their dogs early on and establish a permanent behaviour of "all engagement is fun and exciting and over-stimulating". Then wonder why their dogs get over stimulated by everything they engage with as they get older. You simply trained them to be this way.
Use treats that your dog finds highly rewarding. This can be a powerful motivator for maintaining loose-leash walking. Reward your dog for walking nicely by your side. If your dog is not food orientated, it is more than likely overstimulated or focused completely on something else. You need a calmer dog in this case.
Be Patient and Consistent:
Changing behavior takes time, so be patient and consistent in your training efforts. Reinforce good behavior consistently, and avoid reinforcing pulling behavior. Remember, your dog has taken this amount of time to get to this point where the pulling is now no fun for either of you. Don't expect it to change instantly.
Change Directions:
If your dog starts pulling, abruptly change direction. This interrupts the pulling behavior and teaches your dog to pay attention to your movements. Reward your dog with praise repeatedly when the lead is loose and they are gravitating to you!
Use Repetitive Verbal Commands:
Use consistent verbal cues such as "heel" or "easy" when you want your dog to walk calmly. Be positive and encouraging when they respond correctly. Calm tones. If you're using it, get rid of the stupid exciting "YES" word when your dog does something for you that it simply should just do. The more exciting your tones, the more you will stimulate the over stimulated dog. A CALM "good boy" or "good girl" is better.
Take Breaks and limit the time and distance:
If your dog is particularly excitable, take breaks during the walk. Allow them to sniff and explore within limits to help release excess energy. Don't over do it either. Your dog does not wear a watch or Fitbit and has no concept of time and distance. Shorten your walks for a little while, focus on keeping your dog calmer and focus on you.
Calm and focused dogs:
Is your dog calm and focused on you? No - take your time to calm it down so it can focus on you. Yes - it's probably not pulling.
Your dog won't grow out of the bad habits. Your dog will grow into them and instill them deep! Training starts now, and needs to be repeated!
Give your dog a pat for me!
Cheers, Scott
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