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Walking Well on Leash:
him on walks hardly ever and then he just pulls harder on the next walk. Please help!
Answer:
By Cherie Maitland, Trainer and Behavior Specialist at Our Furry Friends Training
Centers and with Canine College Program
This is one of the most common questions I hear. It’s best to first practice in situations where your dog pulls the
least, perhaps walking around the yard or even in a large room in the house, rather than going towards a beloved
place. “Lure and reward” training is one approach to use. Use great-smelling treats (like dried liver, chicken, hot
dog pieces, not just a dry biscuit,) in your closed hand to lure your dog into position by your side. Say “yes” and
give a treat. At almost every moment your dog is walking without pulling, use this technique. A trick is to do this
when he is very hungry and motivated to earn the food rewards that you have. Praise him often so he will realize
what is correct and it will help keep his attention on you. Often we tend to forget to notice and reward the good
behavior and we pay attention to the bad. Your attention in and of itself is very reinforcing to dogs. And what we
reinforce will increase.
The other thing you can do is walk backwards away from the direction your dog is pulling at the moment the leash
goes tight. The timing is important - as the leash tightens and as you start to backup, say ”too bad.” This tells your
dog that he loses out on where and what he is trying to go towards as soon as he pulls. As soon as the leash is
slack again and your dog has turned his attention back to you, praise your dog and continue to walk forward in
your original direction. Your quick timing is important, so that your dog can begin to understand which behavior
gets him what he wants. And if you keep your leash a little shorter in the beginning this will help him stay by your
side and more connected to you.
Show your dog that the only way you and he go forward is with slack on the leash. The first several times you
practice, don’t plan on getting anywhere fast, you’ll be going backwards most of the time at first. Keep sessions
short and sweet and end on a good note. You’ll see your clarity, good timing and determination payoff as it
dawns on your dog how he can get what he wants. Headcollars like the Gentle Leader are extremely helpful too.
me at 209-304-5139 or 530-622-PUPS.
Answer:
By Cherie Maitland, Trainer and Behavior Specialist at Our Furry Friends Training
Centers and with Canine College Program
This is one of the most common questions I hear. It’s best to first practice in situations where your dog pulls the
least, perhaps walking around the yard or even in a large room in the house, rather than going towards a beloved
place. “Lure and reward” training is one approach to use. Use great-smelling treats (like dried liver, chicken, hot
dog pieces, not just a dry biscuit,) in your closed hand to lure your dog into position by your side. Say “yes” and
give a treat. At almost every moment your dog is walking without pulling, use this technique. A trick is to do this
when he is very hungry and motivated to earn the food rewards that you have. Praise him often so he will realize
what is correct and it will help keep his attention on you. Often we tend to forget to notice and reward the good
behavior and we pay attention to the bad. Your attention in and of itself is very reinforcing to dogs. And what we
reinforce will increase.
The other thing you can do is walk backwards away from the direction your dog is pulling at the moment the leash
goes tight. The timing is important - as the leash tightens and as you start to backup, say ”too bad.” This tells your
dog that he loses out on where and what he is trying to go towards as soon as he pulls. As soon as the leash is
slack again and your dog has turned his attention back to you, praise your dog and continue to walk forward in
your original direction. Your quick timing is important, so that your dog can begin to understand which behavior
gets him what he wants. And if you keep your leash a little shorter in the beginning this will help him stay by your
side and more connected to you.
Show your dog that the only way you and he go forward is with slack on the leash. The first several times you
practice, don’t plan on getting anywhere fast, you’ll be going backwards most of the time at first. Keep sessions
short and sweet and end on a good note. You’ll see your clarity, good timing and determination payoff as it
dawns on your dog how he can get what he wants. Headcollars like the Gentle Leader are extremely helpful too.
me at 209-304-5139 or 530-622-PUPS.
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