Dog Pulling on Leash - What to Do?

Is your dog pulling on the leash? Does every walk turn into a struggle? Then you should train him to walk nicely on a leash – and be very consistent about it. Do you often think: nothing helps? But that's not true. There are tools that can help you teach your dog to walk on a leash easily and comfortably. However, consistent training will still be essential.

What if the dog pulls on the leash

If you think you're alone with this problem, you're mistaken. There are numerous dog owners who also "struggle" with a dog that constantly pulls on the leash. Your dog constantly pulls on the leash, and this can turn a walk into an ordeal. Such a walk is not only incredibly strenuous for you but also for your four-legged friend.

Your dog constantly pulls on the leash, and he doesn't do it without reason. If you understand your dog's nature, you can better understand why he pulls on the leash. However, this does not mean that you should tolerate this behavior. But with a certain background knowledge, it's easier to live with such a problem, and solutions can be found again.

Dogs are social and territorial animals. This means they always want to have their surroundings in view – or rather – in their nose. Your dog wants to gather information about new rivals in his environment. And for that, he perceives the scent marks in the surroundings. This can sometimes unnerve your four-legged friend. And that's why he pulls on the leash out of excitement.

With the leash, however, your dog feels restricted in his activity. And that's why he only wants one thing – to get away. And that's where the vicious circle begins to open up. While your dog pulls on the leash, you try everything to prevent it. This, in turn, intensifies the pulling compulsion in your four-legged friend.

If you don't offer your dog enough exercise, it can also lead to pulling on the leash. Your dog needs movement; it's simply in his nature. And if he's not offered it, he'll make it clear to you in his own way that it's time for him to be challenged again, for him to move. Consider whether your dog has had enough exercise recently, or if that could be a reason for pulling on the leash.

1. When working with your dog, use rewards, not punishment. Make sure you always have a small treat with you. This way, you can attract your dog's attention. Give your furry friend commands. As soon as he responds to you, you can give him a reward. You'll see that your dog will soon follow you even without a reward, and without pulling on the leash.
2. Practicing leash training is very simple. Make the walk exciting. Constantly think of new paths you can take with your dog. Give your dog your full attention. If your dog notices that you're not paying attention, he tends to pull on the leash. Practice leash training in a calm environment. Ideally, walk through your apartment with your dog first to practice the basic commands with him. This training is easier if you reward your furry friend with a treat occasionally.
3. You should train your dog with the right harness and a suitable leash. Tight collars that constrict the neck by pulling can become a stress factor for your dog. If you choose a collar, it should be wide. Ideally, your dog should be equipped with a so-called chest harness for leash training. This way, you not only have a firm grip on your furry friend. With firm pulling on your part, there is no unpleasant feeling around the neck. However, large dogs can develop more strength when wearing a chest harness. For training, you should also choose a roughly 2 meter long tracking leash. A retractable leash is not advisable, as your dog should already be proficient in leash training for this type of leash.
   Here you can find PetTec leashes.
4. Continuously change direction. If you notice that your dog is pulling on the leash again, change direction. Pull firmly on the leash when changing direction, but make sure it doesn't become a tug-of-war. As soon as your furry friend overtakes you and pulls on the leash again, repeat the process.
5. You're walking your furry friend. The dog pulls on the leash, stop immediately. Don't pay attention to your dog and look in another direction. Only call your dog to you and reward him when he stops pulling on the leash.