Walking nicely on a lead is one of the most important things that a puppy can learn as the exercise will be repeated thousands of times during his lifetime. Puppies and dogs that behave well on lead are a pleasure to walk and are welcome almost everywhere.
Firstly, let’s get down to basics as to WHY your canine companion is pulling you about.
It’s simple really. The handler comes along and puts the dog’s lead on. The dog then pulls and the handler follows. The dog is getting what he wants – he gets to go where he wants and his handler/owner follows him. This scenario will continue like this, very predictably, every day and you should make positive steps to nip it in the bud.
So, what do we need to do?
We need to stop rewarding the dog for pulling on the lead, i.e., when he pulls, he doesn’t get to go where he wants and you are not following him. Your dog should be focused on you, his handler for direction and instruction and reward.
The first step is NOT to reward your dog by continuing to walk in the direction that he is pulling you. With your dog on your left side and your lead in your right hand, you can take a hold of the lead slightly further down with your left hand. As soon as your dog starts to pull, release your left hand, turn in the opposite direction very quickly, with an enthusiastic command of “this way”. Your dog has no option but to follow you.
Once your dog is back in position at your heel, take a hold of the lead about half way down with your left hand again. As soon as he starts to pull again, you continue with the above – release the left hand, turn in the opposite direction very quickly and use your happy, upbeat command of “this way”.
Your dog will eventually take the hint that he needs to concentrate on this mad human that keeps chopping and changing direction and he will stay at heel and should not pull. The important factor here is that he is not getting any reward for pulling, but is getting a reward for not pulling – his walk gets to continue in one direction!!
This will take time to achieve and you more than likely will feel extremely silly, wearing out the same piece of ground as you keep turning back on yourself, but just remember that the benefits far outweigh any negatives.
Alternatively, when your dog pulls, you can stop dead. You do not move until your dog releases some of the strain on the lead by coming back to you - it might only be a step in your direction, but as soon as he makes his intention to come towards you clear, you can begin the walk again. If he starts to pull again, stop dead again.
Again, he should soon take the hint that to get what he wants (his walk to continue), he must not pull.
Play a game with your puppy to let him burn off steam.
Encourage/entice him to stand by your left leg. Check that you are holding the lead in your RIGHT hand only.
Say your pup's name to gain his attention and move off with your left foot leading. Say your dog's name again and "Walk nicely" or "Heel" or "Walk on" as you move off.
Speak to your puppy throughout, keep your tone happy and relaxed. Don't use your dog's name repetitively, try to vary the tone of your voice.
If the puppy cuts across in front of you, lure him back into position by your side. DO NOT reposition yourself to be beside him.
Food rewards can be given for walking nicely for a few yards. By all means dip into your pocket for a treat but DO NOT hold food continuously in your hand.
If the puppy begins to lunge ahead of you, stop walking abruptly. The puppy will soon learn that all activity ceases if he pulls.
If you stop in the street to talk to a friend, settle your puppy into a "Sit" or a "Stand". Do not allow him to attempt to pull you away from a conversation.
Walking on lead should initially be practiced in a quiet, secluded area away from distractions, eg, in the lounge or in your back garden.
The next stage is to walk in a deserted street, then a deserted park, then a park with little or no activity and eventually out in a busier public place.
Puppies can only be asked to concentrate for a few minutes at a time. The easiest comparison to make is that no-one asks a primary one age child to pay attention for 45 minutes, nor expects him to manage this.
If your puppy pulls you towards a park gate and you then let him off lead, you are giving a huge reward for bad behaviour - expect him to repeat this behaviour again and again.
Expect progress to be slow.
Keep training fun.
If you can get your puppy to concentrate for 5 minutes, you are doing well.