How To Prevent Leash Pulling By Your Puppy!

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Every dog lover who has ever had a puppy on a leash, know what it is to have the dog jumping and pulling on the leash. In some cases the pooch is pulling so hard that it makes the dog gag. However, this behavior problem is something that can be dealt with effectively and quickly. The following information can give you some good ideas on how to teach your puppy good walking manners.

If you are like most pet owners, you have a regular time and pattern you follow when you take the pooch for a walk. Normally it will be shortly after you get up in the morning or shortly after you come home in the evening. Your puppy will quickly learn the time and signs of your preparation, getting the leash etc. and will immediately start to become excited.

Prior to putting the leash on the dog to go outside, do your best to calm the canine down. This can be difficult when working with a puppy because of its short attention span and excitement level. One way to do this is to get the animal’s full attention by speaking in a high squeaky voice; this tone will cause the pup to focus on you. Once you have his attention give him a "reward treat", lower your voice tone and use a calm voice with soft petting motions. Consequently the puppy will be less excited as you start out the door.

It is important for you to realize that when you take the pup outside it is an adventure for him. The natural tendency will be for the dog to get ahead of you and in doing so will commence pulling on the leash. Immediately stop walking and hold the leash firmly. It’s best not to yank on the leash or resort to any other physical form of punishment.

Instead continue to hold the leash firmly, get the pups attention and wait for the dog to provide slack in the leash. As soon as you sense the slack immediately reward the puppy with a treat. You can also recognize the proper behavior with a pleased "Yes" and a quick scratch or rub of a sensitive area.

Once you are ready to start the walk again, step out and in most cases the dog will immediately start pulling on the leash again. As soon as this happens it’s time to stop walking and wait for the slack in the lead again. Again, get the young doggy’s attentions using the high squeaky voice or another attention getter such as a pet clicker. As the slack appears in the lead it’s time for the rewards.

As mentioned above puppies, are a great deal like children, in the sense they have a short attention span. Therefore when dog training, especially the young ones, it is important to have patience and a willingness to repeat the behavior modification frequently. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition is the key.

It is much easier to train your dog, when they are still a puppy. Don’t let them form a bad habit when it is possible to teach them the right way to walk on a leash.