Walking your puppy can be a delightful experience, or it can feel like a constant tug-of-war. Often, it’s a mix of both! It’s essential for every dog owner to cultivate a calm and controlled walking style for their canine companion. Understanding the root causes behind undesirable walking behaviors allows you to effectively redirect your puppy towards more constructive actions, leading to more enjoyable walks for both of you. This guide addresses three common leash-related issues and provides practical solutions to help you achieve a more harmonious stroll.
Puppy Pulling On The Leash
Pulling on the leash is a natural instinct for puppies. They often pull simply because it allows them to reach their desired destination at their own pace, not as an act of dominance. If you find yourself consistently trailing a few steps behind your puppy, allowing them to dictate the direction and speed, they may begin to feel they are in charge, reinforcing the habit of tugging on the lead.
To effectively train your puppy to stop pulling, several methods can be employed:
Play the Reward Game
One of the most straightforward and effective techniques is to reward your puppy every time they pay attention to you and exhibit the desired behavior – walking calmly by your side at your pace. This positive reinforcement encourages them to repeat the desired action.
Encourage Your Puppy to Follow You
Begin by holding the leash and taking several steps backward, away from your puppy. This action prompts your puppy to naturally follow you. As soon as they approach, reward them with a treat and enthusiastic praise.
Create a Short Routine in Your Neighbourhood
If you’re encountering persistent difficulties, establishing a short, familiar walking route in your neighborhood can be beneficial. A predictable environment reduces distractions for your puppy, making the walk less stimulating and more manageable compared to exploring new, overstimulating areas each time.
Burn Off Extra Energy in Advance
Puppies possess a significant amount of pent-up energy that needs an outlet. If you take them for a walk before they’ve had a chance to expend this energy, they are more likely to pull excessively on the leash. Incorporating an additional exercise session before their walk can significantly help mitigate this problem.
Important Note: While leash pulling is often associated with older dogs, it remains a common issue among puppies. Therefore, don’t be alarmed if you observe this behavior.
Puppy Biting On The Leash
The most effective way to curb your puppy’s habit of biting the leash is through swift redirection. During leash training, puppies may exhibit increased teething behaviors as they adjust to the unusual sensation of restricted movement. Puppies often display restless energy and can seem unruly until they’ve burned off enough energy to nap. A leash, by limiting this natural freedom, can initially make them appear more stubborn.
Redirection is a fundamental aspect of raising a puppy and proves particularly useful during leash training sessions.
Don’t Pull on the Leash
As previously mentioned, tugging on your puppy’s leash can inadvertently encourage biting and pulling, as it can appear to be a fun and rewarding game. Resist the urge to engage in this behavior, even when it’s tempting.
Provide Your Puppy with a Toy
This is where the concept of redirection truly shines. When your puppy ceases biting the leash, immediately shift their focus by offering their favorite toy. By redirecting their chewing and biting instincts towards an appropriate outlet, you channel their behavior in a more productive direction.
Use Food to Reward and Redirect Your Puppy
Alternatively, once your puppy releases the leash, you can recapture their attention by enticing them with a high-value treat. Once they associate you with delicious rewards, they will be intensely focused on you and the treats, rather than the leash. This method harnesses their natural drive for food to reinforce positive behavior.
