Who is Taking Who for a Walk?

One afternoon, driving along the lake I could not help but noticing Tim and Jox. At one and half years and close to 120 pounds, Jox was a powerful Great Dane taking Tim, his owner for a run. Tim was trying to keep up the best he could with his dog but it was obvious that Jox was winning.

It made me think back to when my own dog Timba was younger. We would go out for a bit of exercise and relaxation and I would end up rambling and stumbling behind her trying to keep up and hold on as she assertively pulled on the leash.

At the end of the wild goose chase my shoulders would hurt, I was tense and quickly began to lose any enjoyment in ‘walking the dog’ altogether. It began to become a chore rather than something enjoyable to do together.

When a dog is allowed to pull on the leash it is not only the owner who gets hurt. The leash attached to the collar will pull on the dog’s neck and will eventually affect the health of the dog’s back. It is not healthy or enjoyable for man or his best friend. Luckily this can be fixed by training.

There are various methods that can be used to stop your dog from pulling on the leash. Just as we are all unique and different; our dogs are also privy to being individuals. This means that often we may have to try more than one method of training to get the response we are looking for.

Here are a few efficient ways to  to stop your dog pulling on the leash

• Stop and Wait Method

One of the most common methods implemented by trainers to stop a dog from pulling on the leash is called the stop and wait method. This method is simple and basically involves the owner stopping and walking in a different direction when the dog begins to pull. If the dog continues to do so, then the method is repeated. At first the two of you will appear to be dancing rather than walking anywhere, but with enough repetitions; the walks will eventually become easier and easier.

Another variation of the stop and wait entails simply stopping when the dog begins to pull. When resistance on the leash is loosened the dog is given praise and forward motion is continued. This too can entail many repetitions for your dog to respond.

The stop and wait solution while definitely viable will work for some dogs but not others. Patience and trial & error are key components to success

• The Best and Easiest Solutions to Stop a Dog from Pulling:  Stepping Harness and Double Ended Leash.

Pictures of Husky’s pulling a sleigh is probably what comes to mind when thinking about using a harness system for our canine companions. Most people including some respected dog trainers think that a harness will entice the dog to pull even more. On the contrary, it will give you better control and is very comfortable for the dog to wear.

With a harness you will walk beside your dog instead of the dog pulling you. It can make a huge difference because there is no ‘pack leader.’ Remember that dogs are very good at reading body language and a harness system can positively alter the entire dynamic of the relationship between you and your dog.

A stepping harness has 2 points of contact: One at the top of the dogs back and the other by the chest. The double ended leash can be attached on each point. For more information on how to use the stepping harness and double ended leash Click Here

This method of training come from Tellington Touch (TTouch)and is being used in connection with the Ask and Release method. I have found this to be the  most efficient and positive way to stop a dog from pulling on the leash. It works on small and large dogs alike.

The video below demonstrates how to walk your dog on a balance leash. This training technique pioneered by Linda Tellington Jones demonstrates the ask and release method.