HOW can I stop my dog pulling on the leash?
If you are an owner being dragged along by your dog, then this information is especially for you.
If the dog is a very large breed and you have no control due to your dog's strength, then I would suggest a head collar such as a gentle leader, or a Halti. This would give you the control you need. However don't just put it on your dog by force and expect him to suddenly walk beside you without first teaching him/her how to wear the head collar. Get him used to it slowly with treats and having fun while he is wearing it firstly without the lead attached. Until he is confidently able to wear it without resisting then do not force it, take it at his pace and continue to make it a fun thing to wear.
For those of you who have a dog that wears a normal type of collar and lead and you want your dog to stop pulling, the first thing I want to ask you is "Why is your dog pulling?" Perhaps its because you are following on behind so it is your dog who is taking you for the walk rather than vice-versa. Therefore your dog is being rewarded by such an obedient owner - one who just follows behind and gives a tug of resistance every now and again that the dog just ignores.
The best thing you can do as the owner is to stop walking every time the dog pulls. Hold the lead into your waist so you have maximum strength to hold your dog so he cannot pull you over.
Wait until the dog slackens the lead and looks up at you, then praise him, say 'walk on', 'heel' or whatever word you are using for walking and continue the walk.
This can be done at first with small walks and building up to bigger walks as the dog learns not to pull. Do not worry if his first few walks take 20 minutes or more just to get to the end of the driveway or street. Be consistent and you will be rewarded with a dog that is a joy to walk.
The dog is experiencing his reward being taken away (the walk) when he pulls and his reward comes (the walk) when he stops pulling. This puts the responsibility on to the dog to keep the lead slack.
