WAGONY AUNT
Dogs Trust expert Dr Rachel Casey answers your canine conundrums
Q How can I train my dog to walk nicely so she stops pulling on her lead?
A The main reason your dog pulls on her lead is because she’s learned that pulling gets her where she wants to go more quickly.
Instead, she needs to learn that not pulling works best to get to the park.
Start off in your home or garden, where it’s nice and quiet. Without the lead to begin with, reward your dog with a tasty treat when she is sitting or standing by your side. Make sure you give her lots of praise when you do this.
Next, start to add in some movement by taking some steps forward, making sure your dog follows you and is stopping by your side. Build up the time she is walking by your side before giving treats and praise. Once she’s doing this reliably it’s time to introduce the lead. As she walks calmy by your side, introduce a cue, like “with me”.
As she is already pulling on walks, make it clear for her the difference between ‘training time’ and ‘normal’ walks. For example, you could attach her lead to a harness for walks and her collar during training. Head out for your walk with the harness while she is excited but switch to the collar once you’re away from distractions or she’s tired. Use the cue and reward her again, and build the length of time you are ‘training’. Eventually, you can head out for your whole walk with her walking by your side.
For more advice, visit dogstrust.org.uk.