Three essential advice from a trainer for ensuring your dog walks without pulling on the leash:
Dog Leash Pulling: A Common Problem Solved through Positive Reinforcement
Dog walks can often be a source of frustration for pet owners as their furry companions pull on the leash, eager to explore. Juliana DeWillems, owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior Consulting, has shared three tips to address this issue, promising a more pleasant walking experience for both owner and dog.
Positive reinforcement is the recommended strategy for changing undesirable behavior in dogs. DeWillems advises using treats, play, and praise to influence your dog's actions, making them more likely to follow your commands and walk obediently by your side.
Here are the key strategies DeWillems proposes:
- Lengthen your leashSwap out your conventional four or six-foot leash for an extended one, such as an eight or ten-foot model (like this one on Amazon). This provides your dog ample space to move, sniff, and explore without causing tension on the leash when they reach its end.
- Introduce novel treatsUse treats your dog has not encountered before; high-value options are especially appealing. These treats should encourage your dog to regularly check-in with you and walk closely, behaviors you can then reward.
- Play before you venture outPlay with your dog at home before embarking on the walk. This brief burst of activity can help expend some of your dog's energy before you even leave the house, resulting in a more relaxed walk.
DeWillems suggests that playing together for a few minutes just before the walk also provides a fun and engaging prelude to your outing.
If you're struggling with your dog pulling on the leash, consider these strategies from Juliana DeWillems to transform your dog walks into peaceful and enjoyable experiences.
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- To manage leash pulling during dog walks, Juliana DeWillems recommends using a longer leash such as an eight or ten-foot model.
- Novel treats, especially high-value ones, can be effective in encouraging your dog to follow commands and walk obediently by your side.
- DeWillems suggests playing with your dog at home before embarking on a walk to help expend some of their energy and promote a more relaxed walk.
- By implementing positive reinforcement strategies like using treats, play, and praise, dog training can help address undesirable behavior like leash pulling.
- For additional tips, top tech, and advice on improving your pet's lifestyle, sign up for our newsletter for the best resources on pets, pet supplies, home-and-garden, and cats and dogs.
