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 Review of Cat Fancy Magazine

Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is... Read More

Are All Those Pet Vaccinations Really Necessary?

Would you like to save money and have a healthier... Read More

Is Your House Killing Your Dog?

You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More

Identifying and Treating Health Problems in Your Dog

An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More

The Importance of a Plan When Building a Reptile Cage

Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More

The Basics of Dog Obedience Training for Your New Pet

Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More

Are You Feeding Your Cat The Right Food?

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

17 Tips Thatll Safeguard You and Your Family From Dog Bites or Attack

Did you know that more than one million north americans... Read More

Applehead Chihuahua

The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More

Declawing Your Cat

This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More

Characteristics Of The Boxer

Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More

Surprising Health Benefits for Pet Owners

Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More

How to Choose a Dog for Children

Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More

Birdie Body Language

Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More

How to Create Your Own Monster

"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More

How to Maintain Your Love Affair With Your Dog: Part One - Training

Training Tips for a Happy and Healthy Relationship with Your... Read More

Clicker Training For Dogs: Positive Reinforcement Training

There is nothing more adorable than a new puppy. Large... Read More

Seizures in Pets

Witnessing your precious dog or cat having a seizure can... Read More

Rimadyl the Wonder Drug - Or Is It?

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

A Pregnant Stray Cat Adopted You ? And Now What?

It happens all too often. A family or cat friend... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

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

Dog Obedience Training

Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know...

Some Dogs like Boxers unfortunately, are prone to several potential... Read More

The Wonderful Siamese Cat

This mysterious cat is originally from the country of Siam,... Read More

Westies Puppies - How to Prepare for Your Westie Puppy

Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More

Dog Food - Which Diet is Best for Dogs?

Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More

Does Your Dog Bite? How to Protect Your Dog and Yourself from Liability

MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More

Horse Training Facts And Maxims

To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More

Pet Pampering Business is Booming

It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More

Pet Tracking Devices

It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More

What You Should Know About Dog Health Care

Our dogs are now, more than ever, a very important... Read More

5 Tips For Feeding A Happy, Healthy Dog

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