The Art of Loose-Lead Training/Walking

One of the biggest complaints many dog owners have is their dog pulling during walks. This may lead to the owner no longer walking the dog or resorting to prong collars and other devices that supposedly stop pulling.

However, even the most humane head halter can cause injury if not used properly. I have seen more than my share of dogs lunge and get their heads snapped back or even manage to get out of the halter and run off. I like to use a method of teaching loose lead walking that gives the dog a chance to decide what proper leash manners are. I use the dog's natural desire for interesting things and attention to encourage the manners I want. This can be done regardless of the breed, cross or age of the dog. The determining factor in the technique's successfulness is the owner.

• First, get a twelve to fifteen foot lead (not a retractable one, they have no control, the cord can cut your hands if you have to manually get the dog back to you in an emergency and you want something that remains loose). You can even use a light piece of cording for toy breeds.
• Second, get a lot of treats that the dog cannot resist and use them ONLY for training.
• Third, go to an area with very limited distractions. The more things going on, the less interesting you will be and the more likely the dog will be to lunge.

Working in an area with too many things going on often leads to human frustration and too many corrections. The less going on when first starting to train any new behavior or desired manners, the better for the dog. He will be more likely to focus on you and not the ball game going on across the field or the joggers or the bikers, etc.

Leash up the dog and give a happy "Let's Go!" and start walking. If the dog goes in one direction, you walk in the opposite direction and SAY NOTHING. You need to TURN OFF. You do not want to follow the dog as this puts him in charge of the walk and in charge of you. When you feel the lead go taught, stop and walk towards the dog. If he starts to walk away, silently go in another direction. When you come up to the dog or the dog decides to follow you and gets right where you want him TURN ON, pay attention to him, give some treats and change direction. If the dog follows you, pay attention to him.

The moment he starts to walk away, turn off and get boring. If the dog walks up to you or even accidentally hits the spot you want him in (like he is just walking past you), turn on, give treats, talk to him happily and get fun. When he turns away, turn off. If he walks away from you, change direction. If you feel the lead get taught, turn and walk towards the dog.