How to stop your dog pulling on the lead
Pulling is rewarded by movement. Change what movement means.
Dogs pull because it works: pulling gets them where they want to go.
The core rule
Tight lead, stop moving. Slack lead, walk on. Be boringly consistent for two weeks.
Kit
A well-fitted Y-shaped harness with a front and back clip, and a 2 metre lead. Avoid retractable leads for training and avoid anything that tightens on the neck.
Reward position
Feed treats at your knee on the side you want your dog to walk. You are paying for the position, not asking for it.
Set realistic sessions
Do five minutes of lead training and then let your dog sniff freely for the rest of the walk. Training every step of every walk exhausts both of you.
When to get a trainer
If your dog lunges at other dogs, people or traffic, that is reactivity rather than pulling, and needs a proper plan.
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