One of the most annoying habits a dog can have is that of pulling on the lead. Most people want to stop the problem, but are not willing to take the time or effort to do so. The training process can be quicker than you might think, but does take perseverance.
Firstly, the moment you put the lead on your dog be ready to act if he becomes excited and starts jumping around or pulls straight away. Stand still until he gets tired of leaping about and only then proceed outside. This must be repeated every time he thinks about pulling on the lead. As soon as you walk forward, praise him when he stays beside you and reinforce this with the word heel. He will begin to associate staying level with you and the use of the heel word.
Another way of stopping him pulling is to keep changing the direction you are going in, he will be confused about where he is going and will eventually give in and wait for you. Both these methods will mean you will probably not get very far on your walk, but will pay off in the end.
Restraining halters are popular and have taken the place of choke chains, which if used correctly had their advantages but are often considered barbaric. The halter acts on different parts of the nose and back of the neck to replicate natural restraining methods used by the bitch on her puppies.
A pulling dog is not only tiring for the handler, but means that he is not listening to his owner, it takes two to pull and this must be remembered when training your puppy. So take the time to stop your dog from pulling on the lead and your time spent walking your dog will become a much more pleasurable experience for you both.
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