jones
Posted : 8/25/2006 6:48:59 AM
Dogs need to be trained to walk nicely on leash - most of them will pull and pull until taught otherwise. I think the no-pull harnesses are great tools to help you train, though they are not magic wands, just training aids.
To put it simply, there are three variations on the method to teach loose leash walking... try each one to figure out which works best for your dog. In one, you keep making a lot of quick turns to the left so that your dog has to pay attention to you and where you're walking. In another, every time he pulls you stop walking. Start again only when he stops pulling and stop again if he pulls. And in another, every time he pulls you not only stop but assess "penalty yards," walking backwards a few steps.
Some dogs will respond to being given treats when you're training leash walking, but many are too distracted by being outdoors. I think it's often best just to use the reward that's built in to the situation - forward progress. He doesn't get to go anywhere unless he's not pulling. This may mean that he doesn't really get to go on a "walk" for a while and you might have to supplement his exercise in other ways, like playing fetch or running around in the backyard with him.
Good luck! It's not easy but in the end you will enjoy your walks so much more.