One of the most common complaints of dog owners is their dog's constant pulling on the lead. More often than not the owner uses a retractable lead without thinking what message it sends to their dog.
If I can get them to view things through the dogs' perspective they soon realise that the more the dog pulls; the more freedom it gets. The retractable lead rewards pulling. No wonder their dogs won't walk to heel; would you?
I do use a retractable lead to teach puppies to retrieve but on walks I use a simple slip lead.
Being right handed I always walk my dog on my LEFT hand side so that I can guide him in towards me whenever necessary. I aim to create a comfort zone by my LEFT leg encouraging a young pup to walk alongside with titbits as I repeat the word 'heal'. I confirm his actions with a 'good boy' when he gets it right and growl at him if he gets out of position. He must give me his full attention, no sniffing or peeing (we do that before we start).
As he begins to understand I dispense with the titbits and use my voice to encourage the correct behaviour. If he pulls I snap the lead and walk in the opposite direction. He soon learns that the most comfortable position to walk is against my LEFT leg.
Once you start heelwork you cannot allow your dog to walk in any other position or you'll confuse him. The only time he should stray from your side is when he is playing with YOU.
Quite often a dog that behaves well around the home loses it completely once he is in the open with the distraction of other animals and dogs often pulling like a train on the lead or refusing to come when called.
If you have similar problems with your dog join one of my weekend open-air classes and I'll show you how to train for the great outdoors.
