Dogs will learn to walk by your side, but you have to teach them. Allowing them to keep pulling at the leash will only teach them that this is what you want! It will take some repetition and maybe a lot if they are used to pulling, but all the effort will be worth it.
By allowing the dog to lead, the dog assumes that HE is the alpha dog and therefore he is #1. The owner has to keep the lead shorter and make the dog walk beside him. When the dog starts to pull ahead, the owner stops so the dog has to as well. Once the dog gets the idea that he is not going to lead, he will walk beside you. When he gets that idea, leave slack in the leash so you walk together. If he pulls, hold back on the leash. The owner has to be the one calling the shots, not the dog. When he does well, praise him and give him a reward. If he does not do as you tell him to do, DO NOT reprimand him. Just do not give the reward. Dogs want to please you. They will learn that doing what you ask them to gets them a reward and praise. They will soon do it for both. Reprimands will only set back the learning. NEVER say “bad dog”. That has no positive effect, it only hinders progress.
sfreader1 over 5 years ago
Dogs will learn to walk by your side, but you have to teach them. Allowing them to keep pulling at the leash will only teach them that this is what you want! It will take some repetition and maybe a lot if they are used to pulling, but all the effort will be worth it.
DaveQuinn about 5 years ago
By allowing the dog to lead, the dog assumes that HE is the alpha dog and therefore he is #1. The owner has to keep the lead shorter and make the dog walk beside him. When the dog starts to pull ahead, the owner stops so the dog has to as well. Once the dog gets the idea that he is not going to lead, he will walk beside you. When he gets that idea, leave slack in the leash so you walk together. If he pulls, hold back on the leash. The owner has to be the one calling the shots, not the dog. When he does well, praise him and give him a reward. If he does not do as you tell him to do, DO NOT reprimand him. Just do not give the reward. Dogs want to please you. They will learn that doing what you ask them to gets them a reward and praise. They will soon do it for both. Reprimands will only set back the learning. NEVER say “bad dog”. That has no positive effect, it only hinders progress.