How to show leadership by walking your dog?

1. Greek God AKA Greekman on January 18th, 2010 3:55 pm

   It is called training the dog in obedience. A dog pulling is not good, you decide where you are supposed to go and she is not supposed to “help you”, she is a dog and will do as she pleases until someone shows her different. Go to koehler dog training and follow that advice to the letter, you will have a dog that is properly trained and you will both be happy for it! Hope I helped.

2. Lorraine on January 18th, 2010 3:58 pm

   Firstly if you have no experience on how to do this, then as soon as she is in front of you, turn around and walk the other way.

   You might find yourself doing about 20 yards up the road and no further. She DOESN’T get to go any further until she does what you want. She will still get her exercise even if you are half an hour on 20 yds of pavement.

   You have to be a bit more determined to not let her get her own way.

   It’s not even cruel. You don’t have to say anything at all to them, you just keep on turning around.

   This works for a lot of dogs, however, if you have already been allowing her to be in front of you then it will take longer.

3. Nicole on January 18th, 2010 4:05 pm

   Training a dog is tough. Try going to a pet store like petsmart and ask an associate or pet trainer which collars best. They have different collars that prevent her from walking in front of you and pulling so that walks are enjoyable for the both of you. Try a gentle leader, or a no pull harness! There are so many to choose from, and most large pet stores are very knowledgeable about this problem since its so common. Good luck!

4. Nosy_Cow on January 18th, 2010 4:44 pm

   My dog is the same and I’ll be following Lorraine’s tips! My neighbours are going to think I’m bonkers walking up and down!

5. ACW on January 18th, 2010 5:41 pm

   First make sure she is calm before even opening the door. If she starts pulling say no and close the door. ONly go outside when she can sit patiently. You’ll be surprised how quickly she catches on. Next start walking as soon as she starts to pull stop dead in your tracks and don’t move untill she releases the tension on the leash. Also make sure you keep the leash short don’t let her have the ability to pull ahead of you. You may want to bring some treats along with you to give when she does walk with you. One other things that has helped me is make your dog randomly sit or shake or “watch me” or any other trick it knows while on your walk this will help the dog to refocus on you and not all the stuff outside.

6. Elise on January 18th, 2010 5:55 pm

   The easiest way to do this is to buy a gentle leader that goes on your dog’s face. It’s the same as what people use on horses and gives you more control. Watch the gentle leader dvd before using it.
   If your consistent about always having her walk beside or behind you with the gentle leader, you’ll be able to switch back to a normal collar after some time.
   It’s very important that you practice in the house off leash too. Always walk through door ways ahead her. Never let her walk ahead of you in the house.
   Another option would be to use a sturdy walking stick. As your walking, keep planting the stick in front of her. She can’t walk through a stick so she have to stop walking. Keep the leash short enough that she can’t walk around the outside of the stick. You can tie the leash to your waist if it’s easier. The first walk may take a while but she’ll eventually give up trying to walk ahead of you after 30-45 minutes. On the next walk it may only take 10 minutes before she’s walking nicely behind you and the stick.

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