Ask the Trainer: How to Stop Dogs From Pulling on the Leash

Video: how to train your dog to not pull on a leash! extreme leash pulling, barking, lunging and jumping!
Video: how to train a dog to walk on leash without pulling
Video: how to teach your labrador puppy not to pull on the leash, bay area dog trainer

Video: How to Train your Dog to NOT PULL on a Leash! EXTREME LEASH PULLING, BARKING, LUNGING and JUMPING!

Dear Kevin,
How do I stop Augie and Laxer from pulling me while on the leash — particularly when they spot something of keen interest ahead. What are some key techniques to stop this behavior? I have tried to get them to respond to the command “heel”. —- not really working.
-Phil

Video: How to Train a Dog to Walk on Leash Without Pulling

Hey Phil,

Good question, and its common one. The number one rule when training a dog to walk on leash is they are never allowed to move forward when there is tension on the line. The punishment I use is if they start to pull in a direction, we go the opposite way. The idea is that if you want to go that way, you will not be able to if you pull. In fact, if you try to pull in that direction, you will actually get further away from it. I do like to use the direction that they want to go in as a reward too. If the dog really wants to go pee on the tree, I will let him, as long as he does it on a loose leash.

This is an exercise that you really want to practice inside the house. Get your dog in the position you’d like and start to walk around. Use a lure to get him to follow in that position. ( I typically use pieces of string cheese for training.) When he is doing very well following the lure inside the house, move to the most boring part of your yard outside. When that is going well, move to the next place that has more distractions. Its also a good idea to use a cue for this exercise. I say “lets go” and then we start this process. With the repetition when you say your cue, your dog will get into position and get ready for the task at hand. I talk to the dog the entire time when training this process. I am constantly letting the dog know when it is doing the right thing, and the wrong thing.

Consider purchasing a device that will help give you more control like a head halter, or a harness that the leash hooks in the front. This will give you the most control when going to turn around. Also, when doing the turn around method, make it a fluent turn around. We don’t need to do any jerking.

Video: How To Teach Your Labrador Puppy Not To Pull On The Leash, Bay Area Dog Trainer

Thank you for the question!
Kevin Duggan CPDT-KA

Kevin is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT.org) and is a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the American Kennel Club. He currently resides in Ohio with his dog, V, a six-year-old Shepherd/Lab mix, where he operates All Dogs Go To Kevin, LLC, specializing in helping build positive relationships between humans and their canine companions using clear communication, not pain and fear. For more training tips and tricks, and to meet his amazing dog, V, follow him on Facebook by clicking here.