How to Avoid Leash Pulling?

by Andrew Garcia

Dec 28, 2022

2 minute read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Here Is Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
Stopping Your Dog from Leash Pulling
Final Thoughts

The walk becomes less enjoyable for both you and your pet when leash pulling sets in. A large number of dog owners identify this as one of the major reasons they could not spend more time with their furry friends outdoors. Fortunately, there is a solution. You can enjoy evening walks with your dog without pulling or getting pulled. Let’s find out how together.

Here Is Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

How can we prescribe a solution without first understanding the problem? No way. So, let’s start by understanding why your dog pulls on the leash and how you are contributing to this tedious situation.

The main reason dogs pull on their leash is because it forces you to go where they want to go. They are not doing it to win dominance. Instead, they do it because they get what they want every time. Imagine walking behind your dog, and he is pulling you. The arrangement favors him because he is pulling you and moving forward. After all, that is where he wants to be.

Click to learn about 6 Benefits of Walking Your Dog Daily.

Stopping Your Dog from Leash Pulling

An average dog will want to push in the opposite direction against the pressure being applied to his body. Let’s consider this situation. A dog that feels the tug of the leash on his neck will most likely pull forward. However, they resist when you push on their back, asking them to sit. This is why you must adopt the correct setup for walks - one that works for you and your pet.

The following tips will be of much help in this regard;

Chest-led Harness Is the Best

The role of the harness and leashes for dogs are to ensure the leash attaches to the clip on your dog’s chest rather than the collar around his neck. This is one way to prevent pulling. Here PAWAii No Pull Dog Harness is highly recommended for the best results.

Encourage Your Dog with Treats

The reward/behavior concept also comes into place here. Your dog will naturally walk nicely if there is a reward for doing that. Therefore, you can easily control his ability to walk forward by controlling the availability of the treat.

Here is an instance: walk with your dog until he reaches the end of the leash. Immediately the leash is taut, take a pause. Your dog will start pulling in return, but you must wait until he stops pulling. Ultimately, he will look back to see why you are not giving in. If you are with a loose leash, walk forward, then stop when it gets tight again.

Regular Practice Is Essential

Most dogs have ingrained the habit of leash pulling. Some pups have been at it for weeks, months, or even years. Getting rid of such a long-term behavior will take a lot of time and effort. This is why we recommend multiple training sessions where you practice good leash manners with your dog.

The more training sessions your dog has, the faster he can do away with the habit. More than the length of training, ensure the sessions come as frequently as possible. For example, training twice or thrice daily for 10 minutes each is better and more effective than a 2-hour session once a week.

If you are a new pet parent, click to learn some dog walking tips.

Final Thoughts

Consistency is the most important factor in correcting leash pulling in dogs. While there is no harm in trying multiple methods, it is vital that you dedicate most of the training to a single style. This ensures your dog stays focused and clear on what you are working on, which is the best method for both of you.

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