Dog walking is a great way to exercise, bond with your furry companion, and enjoy the outdoors. However, it can be frustrating and even dangerous when your dog constantly pulls on the leash. Not only can this cause physical harm to both you and your pet, but it can also create behavioral issues and make the walking experience less enjoyable.

If you're struggling with a dog that constantly pulls on the leash, don't worry − you're not alone. Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks you can try to help curb your dog's pulling behavior and make walks more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here we'll explore some of the most effective techniques to help stop leash pulling and make dog walking a pleasant experience for both you and your furry friend. Also, we bring you some of the best designer leashes you might need.

Use the appropriate leash for your dog

The initial step to train your dog to walk politely on a leash is to choose an appropriate leash. If your dog tends to pull on the leash, it's recommended not to use retractable leashes as they encourage the dog to pull in order to go in the direction they want. Additionally, using an overly short leash is also not recommended as it restricts the dog's movement and may result in increased pulling. Instead, the most suitable leash for leash training is a standard one.

Highpaw.eu is your one-stop-shop for finding the perfect designer leash and the finest selection of dog products for your furry friend. With a vast selection of leashes, you can rest assured that you’ll find the right one that matches your pet’s needs and your preferences. For example, the Peruvian Gold Adjustable lead from the brand Buddys is a two-meter adjustable lead with three positions. From the depths of the Amazon forests, Buddy brings you the Peruvian collection, their freshest and most exotic collection for dogs. Another great option is the Coopers Caramel Leather lead by the brand LISH which is made from the finest Italian leather. The difference between this leash and the other ones out there lies in the details, namely, the solid brass fittings, contrast color palettes, and the new LISH imprint which is the hallmark of quality and luxury. Furthermore, the brand Molly & Stitch brings the Touch of Leather lead which is designed and made in Austria with love and passion. This lead combines exquisite style with the highest quality, carefully designed for dogs' enjoyment and our practicality. A soft leather handle is arranged at the end of the leash to ensure good stability.

Calm your dog

Training or practicing obedience exercises or leash walking with an overly excited, hyperactive, or anxious dog can be difficult and unproductive. A wound-up dog is more likely to pull on the leash and be hard to control. Therefore, it's essential to calm your dog down before starting any training sessions. For successful walks with your dog, it's best to ensure that they are not overly energetic. If your dog has been waiting in a crate all day, it's crucial to provide them an opportunity to exercise and release pent-up energy before starting any training. Activities such as playing fetch, tug of war, or allowing them to socialize with other dogs can help your dog relax and feel more at ease. With patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog obedience and leash walking.

Get some treats

When it comes to learning, dogs respond better to positive reinforcement than to punishment. If you're having difficulties with your dog's behavior while walking on a leash, it's recommended to always carry treats with you. You can find high-quality dog products and treats in our web shop. Reward your dog with treats as soon as you step outside to reinforce good behavior. Consistently rewarding your dog for staying by your side, even inside your home, can help build positive associations and improve their leash manners. Spending just a few minutes inside your house, giving your dog treats for being next to you, can be beneficial in reinforcing this desirable behavior.

Change direction unexpectedly

If your dog is pulling on the leash during a walk, the most effective method is to change direction. Dogs usually pull because they want to continue walking in a certain direction, and the best way to address and rectify this behavior is to prevent them from proceeding when they pull on the leash. Initially, this may entail constantly changing direction, possibly without covering much distance in either direction. However, this is perfectly normal. Consistency is key, and the more consistently you turn in response to pulling, the sooner your dog will learn that pulling is no longer effective.

Practice makes perfect

It is common for dogs to have a deeply ingrained habit of leash pulling. Therefore, if your furry friend has been pulling on the leash for weeks, months, or even years, do not expect this behavior to be rectified in just one training session. It is necessary to compensate for all the times your dog has engaged in this negative behavior by providing multiple training sessions focused on good leash manners. Consistency is key, and the more frequently you train your dog, the faster they will improve. The duration of each training session is not as important as the frequency. It is more effective to train your dog for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day, rather than training them for 2 hours once a week.

In conclusion, leash pulling is a common problem that many dog owners face, but it is not an impossible one to solve. By using high-quality dog products, ensuring exercise before walks, rewarding good behavior, and being consistent with training, you can help your dog learn to walk nicely on a leash. Remember, it may take time and patience, but the effort will be well worth it when you can enjoy peaceful and enjoyable walks with your furry companion.