Loose-Leash Walking (Training Series) – Part 4

We discussed in previous post what to do when a young dog pulls on a leash. Pulling is bad. Tension is bad. A loose-leash is good. We don’t want a pup to learn to just pull harder!

Instead, we simply STOP moving. Stand still and force the pup to stop. He’ll eventually look back, wondering why the fun has stopped!

“How do I get my pup back into walking position?”

The proper walking position is when your pup walks on one side (I prefer left), with his head even with your leg. So whether we’re walking along slowly, taking a brisk, early morning walk or even taking the little guy out for a jog, we want him in this position.

But young pups REALLY want to get out front and this is a habit we want to break early!

So if a pup walks out front and makes the leash tight, how do we get him back into proper walking position?

1. First, do what we discussed in our earlier post. Stop moving immediately. The pup will eventually look back at you, wondering why the walk has ended.
2. This time, instead of calling him back calmly, walk backwards. This will force him to come back in your direction.
3. As he approaches, step into him and turn him so that he is back in the walking position.
4. Once he’s back in this position, reward him with a small training treat or by simply saying something like “YES” or “good boy!” with a pat on the head.

Then immediately start walking again.

Two things to remember:

1. You MUST be consistent. Do and say the same things every time out!
2. Don’t get lazy or impatient! If you send the message to the dog that the rules are only to be followed sometimes, you’ll never have control.