How do I teach my dog to walk beside me and not pull?
Oma Stanton
2025-05-17 06:13:04
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: 10
To make sure you’re safe from being pulled over, it’s important to teach them to walk calmly. One of the most common reasons dogs pull on their lead is because they’ve learned that’s how they get to move forward. Whenever your dog pulls, taking just one step with them gives a clear signal that pulling works. Teaching your dog to walk with a loose lead takes a great deal of patience and time. Reward your dog when they are by your side, you need to teach your dog that being near you pays off. Starting in your home or garden where it’s calmer, reward your dog for sitting or standing by your side. Stop walking when the lead starts to tighten, teach your dog that walking next to you with a loose lead means they get to move forward – and pulling means they don’t. The second the lead starts to tighten, stop walking, stand still, keep quiet and don’t move forward again until the lead is slack. Be consistent with your training each time you go out with your dog, this may take time but will be well worth the effort in the end.
Molly Will
2025-05-17 05:58:17
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: 8
Start at home Before you even think about heading outside, master the basics at home. You can do this inside or in your garden if you prefer. Start without the leash first, as using it will make your dog think you are going outside. Reward them with a treat or some fuss when they sit still or stand by your side. Next start to walk slowly in a straight line. Reward your dog whenever they are by your side, and when they remain by your side consistently, start to increase the time and distance between rewards.
Take the leash and head outside Once your dog can walk beside you in your home or garden, it’s time to take their training into the outside world. Repeat the steps above with the leash on. If your dog starts to pull and the leash becomes tight, stop moving. This shows your dog that pulling won’t get them what they want. When the leash becomes slack again, continue walking, and if your dog remains next to you, give them a treat.
Introduce distractions Dogs are naturally curious, and it will be much harder for your furry friend to maintain their focus on staying alongside you if there are distractions around. Nevertheless, it’s important for them to master this skill, so create distractions by changing direction or asking other people to walk over to you. Again, keep rewarding your dog for staying beside you.
Jamel VonRueden
2025-05-17 05:18:47
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: 14
Get a lot of yummy treats, cut up into small pieces. Start inside the house and walk around a spacious room or up and down a hallway. Call your dog’s name and point to the side that you want him to walk on. As soon as your dog comes alongside you, use a clicker or say yes, then reward. Do this a couple of times, then stop calling him and pointing your side and allow your dog to willingly come up beside you. Mark and reward for each time your dog comes into position. Pretty soon, you will need to increase your pace, turn, or zig-zag in an effort to “lose” him so he can find his position again. Hold your treat hand at your chest. Be sure to treat with the hand next to your dog to prevent him from crossing in front of you to get the treat. Always tell your dog when he is correct with a click or a yes.
Linnea Bechtelar
2025-05-17 02:57:19
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: 15
Start by standing still and quiet. Allow your dog the full length of their lead. Remain still and quiet when your dog is ignoring you, but the split second he pays attention to you, praise him and give him a treat. Once you have your dog's attention, you can move off - use your voice and treats to encourage your dog to stay close to you when walking. Always reward your dog when they're walking on a loose lead. If your dog moves too far away from you before the lead goes tight, stop and be still and quiet until they pay attention and move closer to you. Reward and move off again. This must happen every single time your dog moves away.
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