Whos Pulling On The Leash, You Or Your Dog?

Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation is that you and your dog are equally enjoying the walk and neither is pulling and tugging the other in any certain direction.

If your dog tends to be pulling you off into its own direction a large amount of the time you are walking, you can train the dog to stop doing this. What's interesting is that you have actually been training the dog to do this behavior not only by allowing it but by supporting it without realizing it.

There are various reasons that cause a dog to automatically pull on the leash. For example, when a beagle sees a squirrel or other animal scurry quickly across in front of him, he is going to go berzerk. You can count on that. So be ready to hold on strongly if you plan to keep the beagle in tow in a situation like this.

Just holding the dog in tow is not enough, though, since this will reinforce the dog's desire to pull. Think of it as a training opportunity! To use it as a training opportunity, you'll need to know exactly how you're going to train.

Another example that will cause your dog to pull you off course is when your dog wants to sniff out an area, he will automatically go to the area with no thought of you who are on the other end of his leash.

Expert trainers have techniques to keep a dog focused in the direction of your choice. You want to take care not to reward the dog when he goes off your chosen path and expects you to go with him. Since it takes you by surprise, you may inadvertently reward him by following him, impulsively reacting to his sudden behavior.

Now you may take a look at what you are doing that is rewarding this behavior. You say, "I'm not rewarding him! I don't give him a treat for doing this." This is the time to consider what a dog considers a reward, then.

To a dog a reward is when you give him something which brings him happiness whether you meant it as a reward or not. As you know, treats are not the only thing that bring happiness in a dog's life. Consider that you are rewarding the dog when he is allowed to pull you off course at his whim.

Any dog can be trained to stop pulling on the leash. There are no limits as to age or how long the dog has been allowed to pull on the leash. From what you have read here and with some patience, focus and repetition you can train your dog to stop pulling on the leash.

The bad news is that this training takes some education. The good news is that this education is available and the training is possible for anyone who can physically hold the dog on a leash. And more good news: there is no pain or punishment involved at all, neither for you nor for your dog! An expert trainer can give you some basic steps to getting the results you want by following a specified formula.

Mogens Eliasen of K9joy is an expert trainer with 30+ years experience and author of the fabulous resource titled "Don't Pull On The Leash." http://www.PullingOnTheLeash.com

Juanita Bellavance, the author of this article can be contacted at jjbellava@MyCopywritingSpecialist.com

---

A Guide to Antique Bird Cages

It has been said that everything old is new again.... Read More

One Of The Benefits Of Using RecoveryPets.Com

One of the benefits of registering your pet with a... Read More

The Dangers of Canine Parasites

When you get a puppy, one of the first things... Read More

Rimadyl the Wonder Drug - Or Is It?

If Your Dog Suffers From Arthritis, Consider The Natural Alternative:Rimadyl... Read More

Are You Feeding Your Cat The Right Food?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More

Health Concerns for Goldfish

Most of the diseases that threaten goldfish can be cured.... Read More

Shut The Door Buddy: Simple Dog Tricks To Teach and Impress

The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to... Read More

Dog Obediance Tips...

Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More

Fat Dogs - How To Get Overweight Dogs to Diet and Slim Down Without Whining

Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More

Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pets Health Too

None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More

Give a Homeless Cat or Dog a Gift of Good Cheer

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of... Read More

5 Things You Must Do If You Want To Create a First Aid Kit For Your Family

1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More

Crate Training for Puppies and Dogs

Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dog And Frustration

Because your dog lives with humans, he's going to have... Read More

Rabbits As Pets

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More

Are You Ready for a Boxer?

Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More

Choosing the Right Dog Breeder

When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More

Tips on Choosing a Boxer Dog...

An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More

What Are The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse?

Most people who have horses would like to develop a... Read More

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog

Do you really know all there is to know about... Read More

Growing Adult Brine Shrimp

General Info.Brine shrimps, or artemia, are a zooplankton used mainly... Read More

Canine Parvovirus

Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More

Canine Diabetes - Does Your Dog Have it?

Canine Diabetes: A Serious Dog Disease That is Completely ManageableCanine... Read More

How to Feed and Care for Orphaned Kittens

Over the last 15 years, I have raised nine orphaned... Read More

Winterizing Your Dog

It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More

Seven Ways to Boxer-Proof Your House

You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More

Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!

If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More

Chicken Compared To Chicken Meal

When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More

Why Cats Flip For Catnip

If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More