Walking your dog should be a pleasurable experience for both of you, but leash pulling can quickly turn a leisurely stroll into a frustrating struggle. Here's how you can address leash pulling and make your walks more enjoyable for you and your furry companion

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Our Top 10 Tips for stopping leash pulling

Understand the Behaviour: Leash pulling is a natural instinct for dogs, often driven by excitement, curiosity, or the desire to explore their surroundings. Understanding why your dog pulls on the leash is the first step towards addressing the behaviour.

Consistent Training: Consistency is key when it comes to leash training. Set aside regular training sessions to work on loose leash walking techniques with your dog. Be patient and consistent with your commands and rewards to reinforce positive behaviour.

Reward Good Behaviour: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in leash training. Whenever your dog walks calmly beside you without pulling, be sure to praise them and offer treats or rewards as an incentive to continue the good behaviour.

Proper Equipment: Choosing the right equipment can make a significant difference in managing leash pulling. Consider using a front-clip harness or head collar, which can help redirect your dog's attention and discourage pulling.

Stop and Wait: When your dog starts pulling on the leash, stop walking and wait for them to calm down before continuing. This teaches your dog that pulling will not get them where they want to go and encourages them to pay attention to your cues.

Change Directions: Changing directions frequently during walks can help keep your dog engaged and focused on you rather than pulling ahead. This technique helps break the habit of constant pulling and encourages your dog to pay attention to your movements.

Short Leash: Using a shorter leash can give you better control over your dog's movements and make it easier to redirect their attention when they start pulling. Keep the leash short but not tight, allowing your dog enough freedom to move comfortably.

Stay Calm: It's essential to remain calm and composed during leash training sessions. Dogs are sensitive to their owner's emotions, and getting frustrated or tense can escalate the behaviour and make the training process more challenging.

Patience is Key: Leash training takes time and patience, so don't expect overnight results. Be consistent with your training efforts and patient with your dog as they learn to walk politely on a leash.

Consider Professional Help: If you're struggling to address leash pulling on your own, don't hesitate to seek assistance from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide expert guidance and tailored training plans to help you overcome this behavioural issue effectively.

From the experts: When your dog begins to pull on the leash, stop walking immediately and stand still. Hold the leash firmly but calmly, and wait for your dog to relax the tension in the leash. Once they calm down and the leash slackens, praise them and continue walking. This technique teaches your dog that pulling will not get them to their destination and encourages them to pay attention to your movements instead of forging ahead.

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