Alexandria, VA – This summer’s extreme heat made walking our dogs more challenging. With cooler temperatures setting in, walking your dog should be more enjoyable. Unless your dog likes to pull, lag, bark at other dogs, or chase squirrels. These walks are not much fun.
Walking nicely and calmly on leash are learned behaviors and do not come naturally to most dogs. Dogs love to be outside, and walks are stimulating and exciting. They have four legs; we have two, so they can go faster than us. Dogs’ olfactory senses are 3,000 times stronger than those of humans. They can smell someone cooking bacon blocks away. A leash, though vital for safety, can be frustrating for a dog because being “tied” to a person essentially stops a dog’s ability to be a dog. They also may feel more restricted, which can cause them concern should they encounter a threat.
That being said, I recommend changing this behavior by teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash using positive reinforcement, rather than by jerking, yanking, choking, or shocking your dog.
Always have yummy treats to reward your dog when they are by your side. This builds value in being close to you. When your dog is connected to you, they are less connected to the environment. A few training techniques you can start right away are:
The Stop and Be A Tree Technique
Leash pulling can be inadvertently reinforced if you allow your dog to pull you to where they want to go. But you can change this by changing the consequence for your dog.
Whenever he pulls, stop and stand still until the leash relaxes. Then make a kissy noise or tap your leg and wait for him to return to you. When he does, take a few steps forward and reward your dog for staying in your zone. Repeat this technique, and your dog may start paying more attention to you.
The Reverse Direction Technique
When your dog starts to pull, give them a “this way” cue and turn to walk in the other direction without jerking on the leash. Use an upbeat, jolly tone or a kissy noise to get his attention. When he is with you and the leash is relaxed, turn again and continue on your way. It may take a few turns, but pulling will not be reinforced by forward movement; walking calmly by your side, or even slightly in front or behind you, on a loose leash will get rewarded and get him where he wants to go.
Vary the Picture
Taking the same route makes the walk predictable for your dog. Since he knows where he’s going, he doesn’t need to focus on you. Change it up and become unpredictable. This requires more attention from your dog because he is less sure about the route you are taking. Reward and praise your dog generously and often. The more he is reinforced for walking close to you, the more likely he is to do so. Connection to you has value!
What Not to Do:
Avoid choke, prong, or shock collars to try to “fix” the problem. We fix cars, not dogs. These devices can be painful and cause significant physical damage to your dog’s neck and spine, while possibly increasing fear, anxiety, and behavior issues.
Do not yank your dog around. While it might be tempting to use your dog’s leash to correct him, rely more on teaching him what to do and on reinforcing your dog’s connection to you.
In short, if pulling gets him where he wants to go, he will pull. Instead, become a tree or change direction. Reinforce the behaviors that you want and become your dog’s big cookie by making the walk fun and a team effort. And, enroll in our upcoming “Walking Nicely on Leash” workshop!
Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy. Visit www.wholistichound.com and follow on social media @wholistichound.
