Many dog owners recognize this: you want a relaxing walk, but your dog drags you all over the street. It's not only annoying, but can also be painful and even dangerous. Fortunately, you can understand and improve this behavior. This article outlines the main causes and practical solutions.
Why does my dog pull on the leash?
There are several reasons why dogs pull on the leash:
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Enthusiasm and energy
Your dog is happy to go outside and has a hard time controlling his energy. -
Curiosity
There are new smells, sounds and stimuli everywhere that your dog will want to explore. -
Insufficient training
Many dogs never really learn what “walking nicely next to” means. -
Reinforcing behavior
When pulling gets your dog to his goal faster (e.g. another dog or a tree), he learns that it is rewarding.
Solutions to unlearn pulling
1. Use the right equipment
A good dog harness is more comfortable and safer than a collar.
2. Reward desired behavior
As soon as your dog walks calmly beside you, reward him immediately with a treat or praise. Timing is everything.
👉 Tip: With a silicone treat bag you always have snacks at hand.
3. Stop as soon as your dog pulls
Is the leash getting tight? Stay put and wait until it slackens again. This way, your dog learns that pulling doesn't help him move forward.
4. Short and fun training sessions
It's better to train more often for short periods (5-10 minutes) than for one long session. Make it fun with games and variety.
5. Get enough exercise
A dog with too much energy is more likely to pull. So make sure they have plenty of off-leash time, play time, and mental stimulation.
Extra tips for relaxing walks
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Be consistent: everyone who walks the dog must apply the same rules.
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Don't expect the behavior to disappear overnight, it takes time and patience.
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Stay positive, punishment is counterproductive.
Conclusion
Pulling on the leash is often due to enthusiasm, curiosity, or simply a lack of training. With the right equipment, positive rewards, and plenty of patience, you can teach your dog to walk relaxed at your side. This makes walking enjoyable again for both you and your four-legged friend.
