"How can I get my dog to stop pulling on her leash?" Our most frequently asked question.

The first thing you must realize is that  owners typically "teach" their dogs TO PULL!

Often, a pup will sniff the ground and nudge its owner in a direction. With fear that they

may injure the youngster, owners start to follow their little ones in the direction that they

pull. So, from day one dogs learn that if they pull us; we will follow.

Keep in mind that if you "stand like a tree" or better yet ... walk back-wards, and wait

for the leash to be slack before moving forward your pup will learn that they do NOT get

to walk if the leash is tight.

 Also, leash pulling often begins before the walk starts. As soon as the dog sees

her leash and collar, she knows he's about to go for a walk. This can easily get a dog in a

very excited physical and mental state. If the walk begins out of control, the precedent

is set for the outing. Before expecting your dog to calmly walk beside you on

leash, train her to be calm even before walking out the door. Tell her to sit-

stay* while you are putting on her leash and collar. If she does not stay, the walk is

delayed until she does. Don't give in or she will learn that if she is out of control 

she will still get her walk.

*If your dog doesn't have a reliable sit-stay, then practice training her to do so without

the distraction of the prospect of a walk before putting the two elements together.

The best way to ensure leash walking success is the set your standards at a very young

age. Of course this is not always possible if you have adopted a pet, or, if the problem has

already developed over the years or months. Contact us at CK9 so that we can help you

choose the best training equipment for your dog and help teach you proper handling

techniques and timing so that you can curb the pulling for good!

Danielle Johannemann - Pellicci