Pulling on the leash is one of the undesirable behaviors in dogs.
But why do dogs even pull on a leash?
Here you will find answers and tips on leash handling.
Everyone knows this picture: A dog pulls so hard on the dog owner's leash that one wonders as an outsider who is actually walking whom here.
This may often look funny to the observer, but it is torture for the sufferer. Pulling on the leash is one of the most well-known behaviors that is undesirable.
But why does the dog even pull on the leash as if there was no stopping it?
As with the problem of the dog barking at others *, we first need to understand the reasons for this behavior.
This article will help you find out what causes pulling on the leash.
You will also find tips on how to stay on the leash here.
Also read:
Dog training: 7 rules - train adult dogs.
Dog pulls on the leash: these are possible causes
We want to dispel a myth right away: Just because a dog pulls on a leash does
not mean
that it is
automatically dominant
.
This is the opinion of many dog owners.
Often a dog's motivation is to achieve something that is beyond his reach.
This desire can already be seen very well in puppies.
If you allow pulling as the owner, the dog will achieve its goal and learn that
pulling serves the purpose
.
For this reason he will learn to pull automatically, negative dog training will take place in this case.
Pulling on a leash is also often anatomical related.
Larger dogs generally have a different walking pace
than humans.
Especially at a young age, the four-legged friends cannot concentrate on the dog owner, so they can run at their own pace.
You therefore automatically pull on the leash.
Stop this behavior before it becomes a habit.
To put it simply: keeping them on a leash is the most
unnatural requirement
that owners place on their dogs.
So you have to gently teach your four-legged friend this aid so that he can associate something positive with it.
A short
jerk on the leash is counterproductive, by the way
.
In this case, it is not clear to the dog what is being corrected.
He might assume he was walking in the wrong direction, but will get irritated if you don't change direction with him.
Dog pulls on the leash: This is how the leash-guiding succeeds
Be consistent as the owner!
The
leash requires patience and discipline
.
Pulling on the leash is taboo once you start exercising.
When it comes to the leash, the
right length is important
.
It should not be too short so that the dog does not constantly walk on a tight leash, but also not too long, otherwise it could get tangled up.
A leash of around two meters is ideal for medium-sized dogs.
The four-legged friend must see the
leash as something positive
!
So keep him on leash while feeding, petting or playing, all of these are great things.
At some point the dog will notice that the leash is not as bad as it always thought.
Be sovereign!
Make more decisions than your dog!
The
four-legged friends must trust set up to you
, this is only possible if you behave in everyday life that he takes you seriously.
Stick to his wishes and demands, for example while playing, petting - or when he pulls on the leash again.
Train your dog to be
alert
.
With this signal, the four-legged friend knows that concentration is required of him.
It is signaled: Something is about to happen!
Reward your dog when he looks at you and training on leash control can begin.
With this signal you can now also incorporate a
change of direction
, provided that the dog is still walking expectantly next to you after a few steps.
However, it is essential to use the signal before changing direction.
Make
the
leash leadership training varied
.
Running next to you all the time can get boring for dogs in the long run.
Vary the pace, change the surface, run 180-degree turns or build small obstacles.
So the training for the dog remains varied.
As with all dog training sessions, it is
important to have
an
environment that is not distracting
.
Reward your four-legged friend as soon as he walks relaxed on the leash.
Important: the dog must be attentive.
If the dog starts to pull, speak to him briefly.
If he
moves on
after that,
turn away from him
.
He will notice that his behavior is not wanted.
This step may have to be repeated several times at the beginning, as the dog does not yet know what to do or what not to do.
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