Effortlessly curb your canine's leash-pulling habit with this trainer's straightforward technique: prepares to be astonished!
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In a bid to make walks more enjoyable for both dog and owner, dog trainer Juliana DeWillems suggests using a longer leash as a training tool. This approach focuses on offering a positive replacement behavior rather than just telling the dog what not to do.
DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, recommends a longer leash that is approximately eight to 10 feet long. This length gives the dog some slack but still allows control while encouraging attentiveness and close walking as a safe and comfortable alternative to pulling.
One such high-quality long leash is the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash. Sarah, a tester, described it as strong, sturdy, and game-changing. Made from dry-treated dynamic climbing rope, the leash is suitable for strong dogs.
To use a longer leash to reduce dog pulling, DeWillems suggests using the extra length as an opportunity to teach your dog an alternate behavior such as sticking close to you instead of pulling ahead. You reward the dog with a click and treat every time it looks back at you and stays near, which is incompatible with pulling forward. Over time, as distance increases and the dog better listens, you delay the reward until the dog chooses to look back, reinforcing the desired behavior.
Key skills for loose leash walking, as recommended by DeWillems, include teaching a dog the skills of name response, coming back to you for a treat, and coming to your heel for brief distractions. Her video demonstrates walking a dog on a longer leash through a city, with the ability to gather the leash when needed and allowing the dog to explore without pulling.
Safety should be a priority when using a longer leash, as it can mean having less control over your dog if they're distracted. DeWillems shares a simple tip to stop a dog from pulling on a leash, which might help put a stop to pulling. If a dog enjoys walking off-leash, there are 15 helpful ways to get them to come back on off-leash walks (not mentioned in this article).
The Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash is claimed to last a "lifetime," making it a worthwhile investment for any dog owner looking to make their walks more enjoyable and manageable. By following DeWillems' guidance and using a longer leash as a training tool, you can help your dog learn to walk calmly by your side, reducing pulling and making walks a pleasure for both you and your furry friend.
- Juliana DeWillems, a pet trainer specializing in dogs, suggests using treats as a reward to teach your dog an alternate behavior such as sticking close to you, instead of pulling on a longer leash.
- DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, recommends teaching your pet skills like name response, coming back to you for a treat, and coming to your heel for brief distractions, which are key skills for loose leash walking.
- In the home-and-garden or pet lifestyle section, you might find useful tips on how to manage your dog's behavior during off-leash walks, as some dogs may find it challenging to return when called.
- Besides managing behavior, maintaining a calm and enjoyable lifestyle for your pet is essential, and a longer leash like the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash can contribute to that by making walks more enjoyable and manageable for both you and your dog.
