Panting, pulling, barking – unfortunately, many dogs can not walk quietly on a leash. The problem: They didn’t learn any better, and neither did the owners.intestinal parasites in dogs treatment every dog owner dreams of a relaxed walk with his four-legged friend, in which the dog leash hangs loosely in his hand. Read in this guide why most dogs react differently on a leash than without and how to train the leash with your dog.
Understanding the dog: Why is my dog pulling on a leash?
Have you ever wondered what the dog feels during the walks? Of course, the walk from your dog’s point of view is not there to do his “small and big business” as quickly as possible in order to be able to get back on the sofa. For your dog, walking is something like “reading the newspaper”, that is: to track down markings of conspecifics and meet them at eye level. If you pull your dog away from these sources of information, you prevent exciting activities and, above all, innate behavior patterns for him. Gradually, your dog codes the walk round negatively and perceives the leash and you as obstacles. Training leash leadership, therefore, means making yourself interesting for the dog again and taking on the leadership role, because dogs are excellent observers. They notice when you’re stressed and inattentive, which can cause your dog to want (and maybe succeed) in your leadership role.
Correct attitude: Lead instead of dominate
It is true that the permanent pulling of the dog on a leash is a great stress factor for the mistress and master, especially if a strong dog with stately weight pulls on the leash. The situation gets worse when you skip your stress on the dog. It is worth considering what the walk could mean for you and for your dog in order to break the vicious circle.
Meaning of the Gassirunde for you:
- Stress
- Exercise in the fresh air
- Interruption of daily routine
- Social interaction with other dog owners and neighbors
Meaning of the Gassirunde for your dog:
- Satisfying the natural need for exercise
- Derivation of stress
- Exchange with conspecifics
- “Reading the newspaper” as socially necessary behavior
- Exciting time with mistress or master
Training leash handling
The beginning is always difficult, especially when bad habits already overshadow the walk. Here are a few tips on how to train your dog’s leash:
Tip 1: Correct setting:
Approach walking as relaxed as possible. The walk should be good for your dog and you alike. Give the dog your full attention.
Tip 2: Right environment:
It is best to train the leash handling in a quiet atmosphere with little distraction. For starters, this can be your living room, where your dog learns to pay more attention to you and practices the command “On foot” (or “leash”).
Tip 3: Right time:
Give the dog time to satisfy his needs before you start the exercises. At home, you can start training with search and attention games. Outside, you need to draw your dog’s attention to yourself, for example, by taking his favorite toy with you.
Tip 4: Dogs love excitement:
Make the walk as exciting as possible. The goal is to fix the dog on you. Hide his favorite toy here and there and let your dog search for it. Squeak with a squeaky toy, stating his name or a command like “Look here”. You can reinforce these tasks with a clicker.
Tip 5: Linen handling with treats:
For example, use the leash positively to walk on a leash by practicing “walking on foot” with treats. A positive connection is also provided by the short-term leash at home, while you stroke or play with him.
Tip 6: Meet dog stubbornness with “endurance”:
Your dog leads the way when walking? Stop it! Leave your stubborn head on a tense leash. Don’t pay attention to it, but look in the direction you want to go. Call your dog to you. If your dog looks at you or starts moving in your direction, then immediately support him with exuberant praise and subsequent reward. Repeat this exercise as many times as necessary and never lose patience. You also use the same exercise with a dog tugging on a leash. Here you abruptly change direction and continue walking.
You should never do that
Don’t get frustrated if the training doesn’t work out right away, but keep working on a good relationship with your dog. Train exclusively with reward, motivation, and expertise. young rat terrier puppy also pay attention to your dog’s body language and its signals of overwhelm, fatigue, anxiety, or stress.
Categorically say no to any actions that might torment your dog. Choking, stinging, electric, and spray collars are prohibited by law in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
You should keep this in mind when guiding a line:
Hitting and screaming are not only counterproductive to the dog’s leash but can permanently disturb your dog and make him sick.
So-called “Haltis” belong exclusively in the hands of experienced dog teachers. They can lead to permanent postural damage in your dog.
Instead of a collar, you can use chest harnesses that relieve your dog’s sensitive neck.
