- Gemma Johnston
Does Your Dog Pull On Leash?
Updated: Apr 6, 2021
This is a very common problem a lot of owners have, so you’re not alone. Most dogs will pull out of excitement.
They know they are heading to the park or their usual location
They are excited to get out of the house
There are exciting things ahead like smells, people, other dogs and much more
Their mind in general is very hectic & has trouble settling (Can be due to breed)
You have not taught them what you’d like them to do instead of pulling
They have unspent energy
The first point of call is to teach them what we would like them to do instead!
Heel
Turn With You (Left, Right and 180)
Auto Sit When You Stop
And doing this in an area that isn’t exciting!
Have you ever tried to learn something or get a job done when you were excited & distracted by everything that was going on? Didn’t go too well did it?
Don’t expect to go for your hour walk anytime soon, that is your end goal but there are many little achievements in between
Start in a quiet place, the lounge room or back yard. Once they have mastered it here, move to the drive way or path out the front. Then try at your local park at quiet times and over tome slowly increase the distractions.
The other key point to this is food drive to be able to reward your dog for the right behaviour. Head to our Blog on “My Dog Doesn't Like Treats” to see the importance of using food & how to ensure your dog takes food rewards on walks