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Walking a dog should be a fun and calm activity. However, if your dog is a puller, it can turn into a game of tug-of-war between you and your dog. That’s why learning to stop a dog from pulling on a leash is necessary.
Trust me. It can be fixed by following a few tips and tricks and a little patience.
Moreover, if you know the reason behind your excessive pulling, you and your dog can cooperate to solve this issue in a better way.
In this article, you will find everything you need to stop a dog from pulling on a leash and the possible reasons behind it.
Let’s head down to the details to learn what we have in store for you!
Why do dogs keep Pulling when on a Leash?
Dogs initiate the pulling to go forward. Dogs desire to communicate with their surroundings, so they may find people to be slow. It is not a ‘biological’ behavior for dogs to stay tied to a person and put on a harness.
Several dogs will instinctively lean forward and pull forward if they sense strain on their harnesses. Plus, walking with a loose leash is a difficult technique that requires patience and determination, which dogs sometimes can’t control.
Hence, dogs tend to pull when on a leash, and it’s our duty as dog parents to correct their behavior to avoid it in the future.
5 Ways to Stop Your Dog from Pulling On Leash
It requires a lot of patience and a positive approach while teaching your dog to walk without pulling. However, achieving this with proper practice and enough effort is possible.
Here are five effective ways to stop your dog from pulling on a leash that is easy to follow.
1. Invest In a Good Quality Leash
Changing the tools you use while walking your dog can drastically improve your experience.
With the correct type of harness, your dog won’t be able to pull himself in and drag you around. Some people find elastic leashes practical since they offer a stretch.
However, I recommend a simple six-foot nylon-based material rope or leatherette leash for powerful, persistent pullers.
You can also opt for a front clip harness to stop your dog from pulling you forward.
2. Up Your Controlling Game
If you let your dog go forward, he will keep pulling, and they think of it as a way to do things their way. This might happen on repeat if you don’t correct this behavior on time.
There are two things you can do if your dog pulls excessively. First, stop at your place without moving an inch. Keep doing this until your dog learns that you’re pausing because of his constant pulling.
Second thing, you can turn around and walk in the opposite direction to be the one who leads the walk. It will result in your pup forgetting the pulling for a while.
Though these tactics require a little patience and determination, you should still do it to make your dog well-mannered.
3. Make Your Dog Do Some Exercise Before Going On A Walk
Even though we associate walking with exercising, you should have your dog worked out and tired before taking him on a walk.
When your dog is tired, he will walk calmly and will not have the strength to keep pulling.
Hence, the goal of walking should be getting your dog used to it to make the dog socialize and roam with you in the future.
Following such habits helps them learn good habits and a positive approach toward new training sessions.
4. Give your dog some obedience training.
Dogs don’t require any instructions to walk normally and can normally walk calmly; however, if you give your dog a little obedience training regarding basic things like walking, eating, or pooping.
Further, when your dog follows your training and learns new lessons like a good boy/girl, please treat them with their favorite treats.
Doing it will impact your dog, and he will believe that he can earn treats by obeying your command.
5. Prevent the Pulling by correcting your dog with positive reinforcement.
Keep it as simple as possible for your dog to follow your commands properly so that you can reward them with such tempting treats.
You can carry out other efforts and train your dog in advance to prepare your dog for progress.
A lot of dogs become more excited and energetic in the middle and late afternoon. However, they can be easier to control earlier in the early morning or sometime in the evening.
Related read;
- How To Stop Dogs From Whining
- Why Do Dogs Run Away
- When to Stop Looking for a Lost
- How To Stop A Dog In Heat From Bleeding
The Bottom Line- Stop Dog From Pulling On Leash
It’s really a nuisance when you want to go on a peaceful walk, and your dog interrupts your good time by pulling constantly. However, with the above tips on how to stop a dog from pulling on a leash, you can achieve the goal.
An effective harness, enough control, proper training, and positive reinforcements are all you need to go on a walk with a calm and non-pulling dog.
In addition, know the reasons behind a dog’s pulling so that the measures you take to prevent the pulling deliver a good result.
FAQs: Stop Dog From Pulling On Leash
This method requires a harness with a front clip. Connecting the leash to the front clip of the harness makes your dog walk by your side while moving forward. In this case, even when your dog pulls, the clip will move to a side and not backward, eventually pulling your dog to you.
Dogs tend to pull when they feel strain because of their harness or collar. So, if you are lucky enough or have the calmest dog, then you don’t have to worry about the pulling issue in any condition.
For people who are doubtful about using harnesses, No, Harnesses are not responsible for your dog’s pulling directly. It all depends on how much strain the tightness of the harness is causing the dog to pull. So, as long as you keep the harness breathable, harnesses will not put a strain.
