If your dog constantly pulls on the leash, it can not only be very exhausting and annoying, but sometimes also dangerous. In the worst case, you might end up in physical therapy with a dislocated shoulder, or your furry friend might eventually constrict their trachea with their collar from pulling on the leash. Either way, these are not rosy prospects: therefore, it is advisable to stop the pulling on the leash promptly and improve your own leash training.
We will tell you possible reasons for leash pulling and share valuable tips & exercises on how you can change your dog's behavior and make walks with your dog enjoyable again.
Why your dog pulls on the leash – the reasons
Basically, walking "at heel" is not necessarily a natural behavior for a dog, as they are freedom-loving animals more interested in moving around their territory. We dog owners know that they would love to sniff, romp, and play everywhere – while leaving several scent marks. Therefore, you first have to teach your furry friend to walk on a leash.
Often, our attitude as owners can also be to blame for walks on a leash becoming a torment for our four-legged friends. This means that if you see walking the dog as a chore that you stubbornly work through, your dog will notice that you are not enjoying it. A lack of interaction through games can also eventually lead your dog to develop their own will and pull you around on the leash.
In addition to these reasons, the following things can also be responsible for your dog pulling on the leash:
- Leash too short: First, check the length of the leash, because if it is set too short, your dog will inevitably pull on the leash after a few steps forward. You can easily avoid this problem with a long line: the length of the long line gives your dog maximum freedom, while you still have control. An adjustable leash can also offer your dog more freedom and gradually prevent leash pulling. Find your suitable dog leash in our assortment.
- Meeting other dogs: Many dogs only know encounters with other dogs off-leash – this could also be the case with your dog. So, if you meet another dog during your walk, your dog will want to make direct contact and will pull on the leash because of it.
To teach your dog that another dog is no reason to pull on the leash, it can help to increase the distance to the other dog. So-called "social walks" with other dog owners can also help against leash pulling – if your dog is used to walking on a leash with several other dogs, they will no longer pull.
The first steps: How to stop your dog from pulling
To stop your dog from pulling on the leash, effective leash training is necessary – the first step in training should be to make walks more attractive for your dog. Take time every day for a long walk, give your dog attention, and plan some off-leash time in addition to walking on the leash.
This way, you ensure that your dog associates the leash with something positive. Leash pulling can also be associated with a negative feeling or stress: it is therefore useful to also leash your furry friend when something great happens, such as cuddles, feeding, or games. In this way, your dog learns that the leash is not their enemy and there is no reason to pull on it.
To avoid injuries from leash pulling, a well-fitting dog harness is recommended instead of a collar. Not only does a harness distribute pressure better and cannot constrict the trachea – dogs with harnesses also tend to pull less and are particularly suitable for young dogs and puppies who are not yet leash-trained.
No matter what measure you take, one thing should be clear: there are no miracle cures!
You need a lot of patience and perseverance to completely stop your dog from pulling, because leash training takes time. However, if nothing helps against leash pulling and no success is achieved, it is advisable to consult a professional dog trainer.
Leash manners during walks – Exercises & tricks against leash pulling
We have listed a few effective exercises in the fight against leash pulling, with which you can improve your leash manners in the long term.
During training, you must always be consistent. This means that whenever your dog pulls on the leash, you must correct them – no matter the situation, because a dog cannot distinguish when pulling on the leash is okay and when it is not.
Change direction
If your dog suddenly pulls on the leash, simply turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Repeat this every time your dog pulls on the leash. This exercise forces your dog to concentrate and teaches them to pay more attention to you. As soon as your dog loosens the leash again and walks "at heel," it is important to reward them with a treat or strokes.
Stand still as if rooted
This exercise is also called "the tree," because when your dog pulls on the leash, you suddenly stop without a command. When your dog understands what has just happened, pays attention to you again, and the leash hangs loosely, you can praise, reward, and continue walking with your dog. Apply this method until your dog knows that they should not drag you around on the leash, but walk nicely beside you.
Draw attention to yourself
To stop your dog from pulling on the leash in this way, you can take a squeaky toy with you on your walk and press it as a command every time your dog pulls. If your dog looks at you and loosens up, you reward them with a treat and then continue walking. This method is particularly suitable for young dogs or puppies who pull on the leash – but it can also be combined with other exercises.
Blocking
When blocking, you need to be particularly attentive to react in time: when your dog pulls on the leash, you stand in their way and block them. With the help of body language, you clearly show your dog that you do not want this behavior from them. Repeat this exercise until your dog finally stops pulling on the leash.
Absolute no-go's during training, however, are aggressive and pain-inducing methods such as choke or prong collars, abrupt tugging on the leash, yelling, or electric shock collars. Owners who love their dog do not punish them for misbehavior with aggression and instruments of torture of this kind!
Conclusion: Leash manners are learnable for you and your dog
Like many things in life, leash manners are a matter of practice. Since dogs are not naturally designed to walk "at heel," but are very freedom-loving creatures who like to move freely, you first have to teach your furry friend to walk on a leash.
If, despite everything, unwanted pulling on the leash occurs, there are numerous methods and tricks to correct this behavior.
Once you know the reasons for your dog's lack of leash manners – such as a leash that is too short, negative feelings towards the leash, or distraction by other dogs – you can try to correct it with simple exercises. Switching from a collar to our harnesses can also reduce leash pulling – for puppies and dogs who still need to fully learn leash manners, harnesses are the optimal solution.
Your leash training can include, among others, these methods:
- Changing direction/walking crisscross
- "The Tree" – simply standing still
- Drawing attention with squeaky toys (ideal for young dogs and puppies)
- Blocking the path
It is important during training that you remain consistent and correct your dog until they finally stop pulling on the leash. Rewarding correct behavior is also extremely important for your dog's learning process.
You need a lot of patience and perseverance to sustainably correct your dog's behavior – therefore, be careful and by no means aggressive towards your dog, refrain from punishments and the outdated leash jerk.
Does your dog pull on the leash or has he ever pulled on the leash? Tell us in the comments how you improved your leash manners!
