Stop Leash Pulling - Stay Close to Home

This is a simple, but often overlooked strategy when working on leash walking strategies. Dogs pull towards . . . anything that they are interested in. If you stay close to home, your dog will get used to (or even bored) with the location and will pay more attention to you if you are interacting with him. 

Every step you take farther away from home, the more likely your dog will be distracted. A distracted dog is harder to train than a dog that is more focused. 

As your dog improves his performance, then you can start walking farther away from home. 

A Real Life Dog Training Story

I was training a dog many years ago that did GREAT right near her house, but as soon as we crossed an invisible line 4 houses from hers, I completely lost her attention. If I backed up over the line again, she was focused on me. So, I worked more within her comfort zone and did "laps" back and forth until she was looking at me and walking nicely for extended periods of time. Then, and only then, did I cross that line and expand her training area.

After a few fits and starts, she was able to focus on me in the new area. I also reserved toys and extra special treats for the new area. But, retreated closer to her house if I lost her focus. 

Enjoy the video, and keep this point in mind when working with your dog. 

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Stop Leash Pulling

Leash pulling is a big problem with dogs. To avoid frustration for you and your dog, you should start working inside with your dog on leash. Control the distractions by putting one distraction on your floor. You can use a treat, a toy, a food bowl, or have one of your dog's favorite people stand in one place. The goal is to train your dog to look at you or come back to you and then he gets to move forward.

Train Your Dog to Leave It

Leave it can be used to remind your dog to look at you. You can also use "Watch Me" if you prefer. 

• Say it ONE TIME (all caps is go gently remind you that this is important!!)


• Tap your leg, or make a "clucking noise" with your tongue to get your dog to look at you


• Reward your dog or say, "Good" and walk him closer to the distraction that he wants

Clicker or Not?

I use the clicker usually, but sometimes I don't. Don't feel that you have to use the clicker. I strongly feel that overall it speeds up training, but many trainers never use the clicker and they have wonderfully trained dogs. The biggest concept to pay attention to is giving your dog what he wants when he does what you want. If he wants to get the toy on the ground as shown in the video, you can allow him to get it if he looks at you. Looking at you is better than pulling.

As you do more training, you should raise your expectations and wait for more advanced behaviors before giving your dog what he wants. Instead of simply look at you, for instance, maybe you ask or wait for him to take a step towards you. Then two steps, three steps, walking next to you, etc.

Next Steps

Use many different rewards and ask your dog for more duration of behaviors. Don't forget to talk to your dog "Good dog, good job, etc." when he does a good job.

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Shape Behaviors First

You will see this in all of my videos. This is the process of molding your dog's behaviors by simply rewarding behaviors that you like. You just wait until your dog does something that you like, and 'click' and treat. You can also say, "Yes" if you don't have a clicker. Need a clicker? You can buy dog training clickers here. 

When to Say the Cue or Command

I like the sound of "Cue" vs. "Command" a bit better, but they are the same thing. It is verbal or visual signal to your dog that you want him to do something. You should only present the cue once you are sure that you can get the behavior. 

In this case, I know that Dublin is ready for the cue, "Let's Go" because he is reliably walking next to me. 

Pausing After the Cue is Important

What if you were driving down the street at 50mph and someone said "Turn left!" right while you are next to the road? Would you be able to do it? You need a little head's up, right? That is true with dogs as well. If you say a cue and then provide help, such as a gentle tug, or tapping your leg at the same time as the cue, that can be confusing. Your dog might never hear the cue or learn it. 

Say the cue, "Let's Go", pause for a second and then gently start walking. It makes a difference. 

Using Toys or Treats to Initiate Movement

Some dogs are motivated by toys or treats during this exercise. Note in the video how I toss a toy in front of me when Dublin appears by my side. If you say, "Let's Go" and then something AMAZING happens when your dog appears by your side, he is more likely to do that.

Tossing a toy or treat in front of you can help reinforce the fact that you want your dog to move when he hears the cue.

Off Leash Strategies for Leash Walking

Working off leash in a safe area is a great way to increase your dog's motivate to walk by your side without relying on the leash to remind him. Simply walk around, and when your dog appears by your side, 'click' and treat! It works. 

Dog Training Forum

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