Harnessing your dog’s natural instincts to pull can lead to exhilarating shared activities like running, cycling, and skiing. While some dogs are born natural pullers, others require patient and structured training to excel. Viktor and Linn Beate Sinding-Larsen, decorated World Champions in various canine disciplines, share their invaluable insights to help you and your dog experience the joy of active partnership. This guide outlines their proven methods for successful and enjoyable pulling training.
Laying the Foundation: Planning and Routines
Before embarking on pulling training, it’s crucial to define your goals. Are you seeking assistance on hikes, or do you aspire to compete in disciplines like canicross, bikejoring, or skijoring? Your ambitions will shape the training plan, dictating the focus and intensity. Set a clear vision for your future with pulling training and outline the steps to achieve it. Incorporate any specific challenges your dog might present into this plan, as suggested by Linn Beate.
From the very first session, establish good routines. Your dog should learn to wait until you have fully geared up and given the starting signal. Clarity from the outset makes it easier for your dog to understand expectations, simplifying the training process.
Differentiating Equipment for Distinct Behaviors
It’s essential for your dog to understand that different situations require different behaviors. For instance, they should pull when cycling but walk calmly on a leash during walks. Using distinct equipment for each activity can help create this clear distinction. Attach the leash to a collar for walking and to a pulling harness when you want your dog to engage in pulling activities. This differentiation, as recommended by Linn Beate, aids the dog’s comprehension.
When your dog is engaged in pulling, ensure they are using a specialized pulling harness. This type of harness is designed to distribute the pulling force across the dog’s body, allowing for free and natural movement, thereby preventing discomfort, abnormal gaits, or potential injuries. Proper harness fitting is paramount for both comfort and effectiveness.
The Power of Positive Reinforcement
For dogs who aren’t natural pullers, ensuring a positive initial experience is vital. Celebrate their successes with praise and focus less on instances where they don’t perform as expected. Start with tasks your dog can easily manage and reinforce their efforts with verbal encouragement. Achieving small wins builds confidence for both dog and owner. Gradually increase the difficulty, perhaps by allowing your dog to pull for slightly longer durations over time.
Crucially, avoid correcting your dog for behaviors they haven’t been explicitly taught are wrong. Instead, focus on structuring training sessions to prevent situations where corrections would be necessary.
Gradual Introduction and Pacing
Begin with an easy pace, such as power walking. This allows your dog to build muscle and develop an understanding of pulling routines at a controlled speed. This slower pace makes it easier for them to grasp the concept without overwhelming them.
Some dogs may initially find it strange to walk or run in front of you, especially with the resistance from the harness. If your dog stops or appears hesitant, having a companion – either human or canine – join you can be incredibly helpful. This can provide encouragement and make the experience less daunting.
When introducing equipment like bikes, scooters, or skis, let your dog acclimate to them first. Allow them to sniff and investigate the gear at their own pace, ensuring they don’t feel anxious or scared. For young dogs, gradually exposing them to the sounds associated with this equipment while they run freely nearby can build positive associations.
Viktor emphasizes the importance of ending training sessions before your dog becomes overly tired. This principle applies to both young dogs and seasoned athletes. Creating positive associations with training is key, much like ensuring a 3-year-old child doesn’t find an activity too exhausting, which can lead to a negative experience.
Addressing Challenges and Leveraging Social Learning
Linn Beate advises introducing one new challenge at a time to ensure your dog’s success. If your dog is easily stressed by their surroundings, begin training in a controlled, closed environment. Once they are comfortable and confident in that setting, gradually introduce more distracting elements. This step-by-step approach fosters a confident and well-adjusted pulling partner. Trying to tackle too much at once significantly increases the likelihood of failure.
Dogs also learn a great deal from each other. If you have a well-behaved dog that excels at pulling, involving them in your training can be highly beneficial. However, be mindful that dogs can also learn undesirable habits from others. Having a training buddy, whether running beside or behind them, can be highly motivating and help awaken a dog’s desire to pull. Utilize training partners whenever possible to your advantage.
The Ultimate Goal: Shared Enjoyment
Throughout the entire journey of training your dog to pull, and for all the years to come, the most important rule to remember is to always have fun together. The shared experiences and the bond you build are the most rewarding aspects of these activities. Good luck with your pulling training!
