Information Connection: Training Your Dog Not to Pull

Can your dog leave it?

Sally's Angel Training Tip: Pulling

Some people like their dogs to drag them down the street. I don't. I'm getting too old for that kind of workout. Besides when your dog is not walking nicely next to you, accidents can happen, like accidentally knocking over a small child, dog scarfing up something that could make him sick, getting run over, etc. That's why I am not in favor of a flexi-leash for walks. You have very little control of your dog. But how do you keep the pup at your side? Here are some training tips. The more you do them the better the results.

1. Keep the leash short but relaxed. If you keep the leash taut then the dog struggles to get away and pulls. You want your dog to walk willingly next to you with a relaxed leash. When the dog pulls, tightens the leash, you stop (every time he pulls, STOP). When he looks back at you like, "Hey man, what's happening?", call the dog back and praise mightily as he relaxes the leash and comes back to you to a heel position. Praise the entire time he comes back, praise any step toward you and not away from you. Use a squeak toy or treat (if you have to) to get the dog to come back to you willingly and praise, praise praise.
    
2. Also, you can try palming a treat or holding a favorite toy next to your thigh (train on heel side and on right side), the dog should be more interested in your hand than pulling.
    
3. Teach the dog to walk slowly. It's hard to drag you if he is walking slowly. Use the command or queue "slow."
    
4. When the dog walks at your side on a relaxed leash, say the command or queue "good easy." When he pulls, say "easy." And lure him back.

Check out the training tip archives at http://www.sallysangels.com.

Note: I need home video clips of puppies or dogs in action doing something funny or fun for my Puppy Power Video. I thought I'd have time with this pup to do lots of filming but . . . If you have something Email me with your address at sallysamgels@sallysangels.com and I'll mail you a release. Thanks, Sally.

Special note on Sally's Angels: http://www.sallysangels.com is a fun site about and for service dogs.  Service dogs are our passion. Service Dogs really do make a difference in people's lives. They truly are angels.

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