Pulling on the Lead

Q. My dog has began pulling on his lead when I take him out for a walk. What can I do to stop this without hurting him?

A common problem which can cause owners and dogs great distress and sometimes physical injury. With the right training and products, this problem can always be resolved.

Solution

• The dog needs to learn that forward movement is only ever achieved on a loose lead. A short, tight lead will just stimulate the dog to pull more.

• Teach your dog to go through doors and gateways behind you, this way you are at least leaving the house under control!

• Avoid getting the dog over-excited before walks, telling him “walkies” and shaking the lead etc will just encourage him to pull.

• Injury to the sensitive throat and neck areas is a real danger with pulling dogs, often owners use harnesses to reduce the risk of this. Whilst a standard harness will be kinder to the dog’s throat, it will do nothing to actually reduce pulling (in fact the dog will find it even easier to pull). A specific anti-pull harness however, may be helpful, such as the Halti Harness or the Non-Pull Harness.

• Clicker training is an excellent way of teaching dogs to walk to heel.

• For determined dogs, the use of training aids such as a ‘Halti’ head collar or anti-pull harness (as above) may be necessary in order to give additional control.

By The Vets at Pet-Supermarket (Professional Advisor)

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