Pulling on the led is one of the most common problems with all kinds of dogs. Puppies and adult dogs can often be seen taking their owners for walks instead of it being the other way around.
Lead pulling can be caused from a variety of different things,the dog may simply be so excited to go for a walk that they are unable to control themselves. In other cases, the dog sees itself as the leader of the pack and simply takes the “leadership position” at the front of the pack.
If excitement is the motivation for leash pulling, simply giving the dog a few minutes to calm down can often help.Simply stand with the dog on the leash for a couple minutes and let the initial excitement of the upcoming walk pass. After the initial excitement ahs worn off, many dogs are willing to walk calmly on their leash.
The basis of teaching a dog to walk calmly on the lead is teaching it to calmly accept the collar and lead. A dog that is bouncing up and down while the collar is being put on will not walk properly. Begin by asking your dog to sit and insist that he sit still while the collar is put on. If the dog begins to get up, or gets up on his own after the collar is on, be sure to sit him back down immediately. Only begin the walk after the dog has sat calmly to have the collar put on, and continued to sit calmly as the lead is attached.
Once the lead is attached, it is important to make the dog walk calmly toward the door. If the dog jumps or runs ahead, gently correct him with a tug of the leash and return him to a sitting position. Make the dog stay, then move on again. Repeat this process until the dog is walking calmly by your side.
Repeat the above process when you reach the door. The dog should not be allowed to rush out of the door, or to pull you through the open door. If the dog begins this behavior, return the dog to the house and make him sit quietly until he can be trusted to walk through the door properly. Starting the walk in control is vital to creating a well mannered dog.
Remember that if your dog pulls on the lead and you continue to walk him anyway, you are inadvertently rewarding that unwanted behavior. Dogs learn whether you are teaching them or not, and learning the wrong things now will make learning the right things later that much harder.
It is important to be consistent in your expectations. Every time the dog begins to pull ahead, immediately stop and make the dog sit. Continue to have the dog sit quietly until his focus is solely on you. Then start out again, making sure to immediately stop moving if the dog surges ahead.