If your dog struggles with walking on a leash or pulling, practice in the yard at home first. Try to follow your dog so that there is no tension on the leash. You may need a longer leash.
As he gets more comfortable, you can start taking him to open places with no distractions first to ensure he can be successful. An open space with no distractions will help your dog focus more. Always keep the leash relaxed. Remember your dog is a sentient being, not an object.
After a few weeks of your dog doing well in open places you can try it in an area where your dog sees other dogs/cars in the distance. At first he may bark or pull, but with time he will get used to it and the excitement will fade. Give it time and space. You can reward your dog when he is calm with a yummy treat.
Ultimately, you can take your dog on a short neighborhood walk if all previous steps have been successfully taken. If he struggles, go back to a less distracting place. Sometimes learning means that you will go 1 step back and 3 forward.
Do not attempt to take your dog on a narrow street full of distractions (dogs, cars, kids, people, bikes) and expect your dog to succeed or not pull or bark. It will not work, you went too fast. No dog can cope with such thing without some practice in a quieter area first.
 Time and practice are essential to help your dog, as well of the location choice for the activity.
So next time you see your dog pull or bark, reconsider starting from scratch again in a quiet place with no distractions first.
The same principle applies for any skill you would like your dog to learn, first at home and later in a busier, more distracting place.
Your dog will be thankful.
Laura Becker, CBCC-KA
Comments