By Jerry D. Patillo, CPDT-KA
© 2015 Phoenix Behavior Consulting

If you have a dog that pulls on leash, here are some things you can do to help with the pulling behavior.

If your dog pulls you forward or to the side before you, then immediately step backward away from your intended direction. If your dog pulls to the side behind you, then gently lead the dog forward in the direction that you, the leader, want to go.

If your dog arcs around you as it’s pulling on leash, then think of a left-right lateral line that passes right through you. While your dog’s pulling you in front of the lateral line, step backward away from your intended direction. While your dog’s pulling away from you behind you, then gently lead your dog forward in the direction that you, the leader, want your dog to go.

When your dog comes toward you, making the leash loose, try to coax it to your preferred side with a highly delicious treat. When your dog is at your side, click! AFTER you click (or mark your dog’s behavior), give your dog the treat. Repeat and gradually delay the click and treat until your dog is walking at your side in the same direction you’re going. On your walk, make sure you give your dog a treat at your side and not in front of you!

If you need help training your dog to walk nicely on a loose leash or any other behavior, call us. Our training schedule fills up quickly, so call us today!

214-784-8520