Leash Pulling

by Joan Ronalder

Reasons for leash pulling are multiple. The most common is that the person on the other end of the leash is maintaining constant pressure on the dog. In other words they are pulling constantly on the dog’s neck. If a person pulls on the leash without release, the reaction of the dog is to counter the pressure, or pull. If you don’t have tension on the leash there is nothing for the dog to pull against.

This may sound contradictory, but trust me, it’s true. A slack leash makes a compliant dog. If you pull they will pull in order, in their mind, to keep their feet on the ground. Give them slack and they will learn the limits of the leash automatically. This takes some work on your part, however. With a loose leash and the dog naturally walking or bounding around you, keep changing directions, letting the dog find out for itself that if it doesn’t stay with you it will be stopped by the leash. Soon, probably 15 or 20 minutes, this dog will learn that staying with you will prevent pressure from his neck.. Now you can proceed to teach basic obedience.

Another reason dogs pull is the omnipresent retractable lead. These may have legitimate purposes, but everyday use on a dog that is uncontrollable is definitely not one of them. No retractable leash for pet dogs or obedience training.

A relationship between a dog and their person should be one of mutual trust and respect. You are the leader and the dog should trust you enough to be the follower - companion if you will. When the person with the dog does not have confidence and purpose in direction the dog cannot have trust in them and most will try to be the leader. Therefore they will manifest that leadership by pulling their person around by the leash with the purpose of direction: going where they please. Have confidence that your dog will be happy to go where you do, stop when you stop, and things will be much more pleasant. If neither has the confidence to be leader both dog and human will be floundering about with the leash tangling the two unfortunates unmercifully.