This is such a common problem and sometimes quite entertaining, especially if you see a youngster being pulled along by a strong dog. Or even a grown up being pulled for that matter. But you love walking your dog and it’s really not a joke if he won’t listen to your commands. To stop your dog from pulling on the leash you need to know a few tricks.

First, let’s look at some reasons. Well for starters dogs actually walk faster than we do and our pace is just to slow for them. They get very excited when taken out and can’t contain themselves when they see another dog or animal in front of them. Their hunting instinct kicks in and you don’t have a chance when they spot their chase.

Start training your dog at an early age as to avoid bad behavior when it’s time for his walks. Use an all weather harness as these will not choke your dog when you train. It is advisable to always use a harness and not a collar and chain. It really does cause harm to the dog’s throat.

Do your initial training indoors and in a room where there are no distractions. He does not need a harness at this stage of his training as you will first teach him to follow you. Step one – To get him to follow you, place an object small enough to fit on the palm of your hand. Get your dog’s attention by showing him the object and saying the trigger word “touch”. Let him come up to the object and he must touch it with his nose, but not be in front of you but behind you or next to you. Once he has done that, then walk away some and let him follow you. He must touch the object again with his nose when you say touch. Remember to give him a treat if he touches the object but stays behind you every time.

You will obviously show a lot of patience with your dog as he is learning a completely new command and behavior – this takes some time. Remember to give him a treat and a hug every time he manages to touch the object but stays behind you.

If you are happy that he can now follow you on command, then put a harness on him and let him follow you and touching the object again. He now needs to get used to the harness while following your command. Gradually take him outdoors into the garden and keep on practicing. Once he is used to the harness, clip on the leash and now he has to follow you, touch the object and stay behind or next to all the time. Give him a treat intermittently. He will soon realize what you want and will then happily walk with you in the garden. You are now ready to take him on a walk outside of your yard.

Always keep in mind that to stop your dog from pulling on the leash is something that must be taught with great patience and lots of love and understanding, this will be so rewarding when you walk on the street and your dog is well behaved.