Discover a straightforward technique from this trainer to prevent your dog from tugging on the leash – we were genuinely astounded by the results!
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The Atlas Pet Company's Lifetime Leash is a popular choice for pet parents seeking a high-quality, long leash option. This durable, sturdy leash, made from dry-treated dynamic climbing rope, promises to last "a lifetime."
According to dog trainer Juliana DeWillems, a longer leash, such as the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash, can help reduce a dog's pulling during walks. By providing more freedom for your dog to move comfortably, you can maintain control while allowing your dog to sniff and explore without hitting the end of the leash as quickly.
Effective training is crucial when using a longer leash. Start by choosing a well-fitting harness and begin training in a quiet, familiar environment. Use treats to positively reinforce calm, loose-leash walking behaviors. When the dog pulls, respond immediately by changing direction with a U-turn, encouraging the dog to pay attention and stay close. Reward the dog frequently when the leash is slack or when the dog walks near you with a loose leash, gradually reducing treat frequency as the dog improves.
Common mistakes to avoid when training loose-leash walking include allowing the dog to pull without correction, using only rewards without managing the dog's position and pulling in real-time, not changing direction when the dog pulls, relying too heavily on high-value treats, training only in low-distraction environments, and using collars alone without appropriate harnesses.
Maintaining loose-leash walking long-term involves practicing with decreasing treat frequency, refreshing training regularly, and continuing to practice in varied environments to keep your dog calm and focused despite distractions. Combining a harness for control with a collar for ID tags can optimize safety and effectiveness during walks.
Juliana DeWillems, an expert dog trainer and the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, offers advice for dog parents struggling with their dogs pulling on a leash. She suggests teaching key skills to your dog, such as name response, coming back to you for a treat, and coming to your heel for brief distractions.
It's essential to consider the potential risks of using a longer leash, such as less control over your dog in certain situations. Safety is paramount when using a longer leash, and it's important to maintain control over your dog, especially when dealing with distractions or potential dangers.
In DeWillems' video, she is walking a dog on a longer leash through a city, demonstrating the benefits of a longer leash when used correctly. If your dog enjoys walking off-leash, DeWillems offers advice on common loose leash walking mistakes and how to fix them. She also provides 15 helpful ways to get them to come back to you on off-leash walks.
In summary, longer leashes give your dog more freedom, but effective training includes consistent responses to pulling (like U-turns), frequent rewards for good behavior initially, and avoiding over-reliance on treats or inconsistent corrections. Avoid punishing or letting pulling go uncorrected, and gradually generalize the training to keep your dog focused and polite on leash walks. By following these tips, you can enjoy long, relaxed walks with your dog using a longer leash.
- Juliana DeWillems, a cat owner as well, might also find the Atlas Pet Company's Lifetime Leash beneficial for her pet, expanding her pet lifestyle beyond home-and-garden activities.
- During dinner parties at home, when her cat tries to escape, Juliana could use the same training techniques as for a dog, like U-turns and positive reinforcement with treats, to maintain control.
- When planning for pet-friendly vacations, Juliana could opt for a harness for her cat, ensuring safety and control during walks, just like she does with her dog.
- As Juliana expands her family by adopting more pets, be they dogs or cats, she could utilize the Atlas Pet Company's Lifetime Leash, helping her manage multiple pets during outdoor activities, fostering a harmonious pet lifestyle.
