Read on if you are tired of being yanked around (or want to prevent this with your new puppy or rescue dog) (Photo: terrier pulling on the leash and walking in front of his owner wearing a flat collar)
Dogs aren’t born knowing how to walk on a leash. It’s our job to teach them. Whether you’re training an eight-week-old puppy or a new-to-you rescue dog how to walk on a leash, these tips will help you to communicate what you want — which is: no pulling.
As soon as you put a leash on a dog, you’re connected. Most people, especially when training a brand new puppy, immediately begin walking around behind the puppy as he pulls to sniff this, pee on that, or nibble that other thing. He has now learned that leashes mean “I pull this way, and the human follows me.”
Oops!
That pup is going to grow up and become heavier. In some cases, over a hundred pounds.
“Well you better run for cover when the pup grows up.” Any other Les Mis fans out there? (Photo: black and tan large-breed dog lunging on leash wearing a flat collar)
Here’s how to leash train a puppy or a new-to-you rescue dog: Remember that as soon as the leash is on you are having a silent conversation with your pup. Don’t follow them when they pull. They will learn that pulling against the leash doesn’t get them toward that new smell or that fancy stick they want to chew.
If you stop moving, puppies will often plop down on the ground nearby for a rest. This comes in really handy in real life when you are out for a walk and run into a neighbour or an old friend and want to pause for a chat.
If your puppy fights the leash and tries to pull away from you, try crouching down. This is often an invitation to come over for some snuggles. You may even call them: “Snowball, come.” Practicing recall while on walks is always a great idea. Remember to reward this behaviour of coming to you with “Good come.”
Teach your puppy that the leash represents calmness. Show him that when he’s wearing a leash, it means to follow you. Show him that when you stop to chat to your neighbour, his job is to be calm.
Puppies are always learning. The question is: what are you teaching in that moment? (Photo: Dachshund relaxing on the grass while wearing a harness and a leash)
These leash skills will serve you well in day-to-day life. Not only will you be able to chat with your neighbours, you’ll also be able to stroll into the veterinarian’s office calmly as well!
If you teach your puppy not to pull on leash you won’t have to worry about:
-being pulled into traffic
-getting yanked toward other dogs, people, and hydro poles while out on walks
-slipping on the ice in wintertime
Happy training, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photos by: @freestocks (terrier pulling on the leash and walking in front of his owner,) Sumeet Singh
@rolcye (black and tan large-breed dog lunging on leash wearing a flat collar,) Myriam Jessier
@mjessier (Dachshund relaxing on the grass while wearing a harness and a leash,)