Pulling on the leash is a common behavior for dogs.
Dogs pull on the leash due to excitement, the urge to chase or move quickly anxiety, or as a reaction to a particular stimulus. Avoid jerking on the leash in response. Instead, it is best to rely on positive reinforcement. Consider using the “stop-and-go” method, as well as muzzle control. Train your dog in familiar and low-stress environments.
Why Do Dogs Pull On The Leash?
Some breeds are more prone to pulling on the leash than others but there is a lot of individuality among dogs within the same breed when it comes to the urge to pull. One of our rescues, who looks like she is mostly a border collie, used to pull frantically, due to her anxiety and probably her presumed herding heritage, too. Our dog has improved significantly with training but it is an ongoing conditioning process.
The most common reasons for the urge to pull on the leash are the following:
- Excitement: This common and generally benign reason could still inadvertently lead to misunderstandings. For example, a dog could love children and might rush forward to meet an approaching kiddo. The other party’s reaction could vary because some kids and adults are simply weary of animals.
- The urge to move fast: Breeds of the herding group are known for their desire to move around quickly. They tend to be restless and often pull on the leash, despite being well-trained and obedient.
- Chasing: Some dogs are propelled to chase anyone and anything that moves, and they often need continuous training to suppress the urge. Herders are again frequent offenders here – they pull because they would love to herd kids and other animals, as well as cars, bikes, and so on.
- Anxiety: This is another common cause of restlessness and, hence, the urge to pull. It is very common, and it is important to address both anxiety and the behavior itself.
- Fear: Some dogs pull because they want to get back home. It is typical for fearful dogs to do okay at the beginning of a walk but as they see other dogs, for example, fear seems to accumulate and they start to rush toward home where it is safe.
- Stimuli: Reacting to specific stimuli is related to chasing and excitement as a cause. Various stimuli may elicit several reactions – from curiosity to aggression – and the dog ventures forward impulsively. Whatever the cause is, this tendency to react is inappropriate for a pooch who needs to interact with the world around her successfully.
One way or another, the urge to pull can cause some issues, such as frightening an approaching passer-by or leading to a misunderstanding with another dog. So, it makes sense to try to establish control over this behavior.
General Recommendations
Address Anxiety
Generalized anxiety is very common in dogs, especially if they have any traumatic history. However, dogs who had happy puppyhood and never had adverse experiences could also be anxious in general.
There are many ways to address the issue, depending on the severity and if there are any specific triggers. Often dogs, just like people, end up having anxiety as a lifelong issue that waxes and wanes. Many benefit from medications, although those really should be resorted to when the problem is serious and disruptive to the dog’s and the family’s well-being. For most pups, however, training and avoiding triggers become solid ways to manage anxiety and nuisance behaviors.
Tension On The Leash May Be Counterproductive
In general, an impulsive response from the owner is confusing and stressful for the dog. If the dog is anxious, jerking on the leash and raising the voice may perpetuate her anxiety. If the pup has some defensive or aggressive behaviors, those, too, could spiral out of control if the owner is impatient.
When it comes to the common response of pulling or jerking on the leash when the dog rushes forward – suddenly or constantly – it may be counterproductive. Dogs recognize tension and often they try to escape it by pulling on the leash even more. So, whatever tactic you end up choosing to change your pooch’s behavior, avoid pulling on the leash in response, especially jerking on the leash.
Avoid Punitive Tactics
It is well known that dogs do not respond to punishment the way owners intend for it. Dogs fail to associate the punishment with the “crime” and do not know why the negative event, or punishment, is taking place. That leads to confusion, anxiety, or aggression.
A specific reason why you should not react impulsively or negatively to the dog’s pulling, even if it is exhausting at times, is because the dog may inadvertently learn to associate the punishment with random stimuli. For example, if the animal rushes toward other dogs and that is one of the triggers, she may begin to associate dogs with the form of punishment you subject her to.
Be Consistent And Patient
When teaching your dog to change any behavior, consistency and patience are essential. Your pup may need to be reminded of the right way to behave and it is important to avoid showing your frustration, even if your pet is slow to change her ways. It is also best to stick to the same methods or at least give a method sufficient time before deeming it effective or not.
Training Points
Start In A Place Of Comfort
If your dog struggles with this undesirable behavior and you are ready to start teaching her, start the training sessions in an environment that is comfortable and free of stress and distractions. If you have a yard, that is a great place to start. If not, that is fine, you could practice in a community park or in an uncrowded area the dog has been to before.
Stop And Wait
Start walking your dog on a leash. The way the leash itself looks could be your measurement of success. When she pulls forward and creates tension on the leash, stop and wait. If your pup starts walking calmly, especially if it is a lot of progress for your pet, treat her. In the beginning, actual tasty treats are a great option, because all animals love them and most find them highly motivating. Neck rubs and verbal praise are also great, especially as you progress with training. If your dog is beginning to get distracted, it is best to stop and try another time. In general, it is best to keep the sessions short.
Desensitize And Condition
Your dog needs to be socialized and get comfortable around all kinds of stimuli. If the dog tends to pull toward specific things, it is important to provide controlled exposure. If your pet is triggered by other dogs, have her on a close enough leash but try to make sure she sees dogs regularly.
Use Commands
Pick one or two commands your dog responds to and use them very consistently.
If your dog responds to “heel” or “steady” or any other command, use those commands consistently to teach your dog to walk beside you. If your pooch is starting to speed up, use the command. If she responds, praise her verbally if she is still learning. If she does not listen, slow down and wait until the dog picks up the cue.
Consider Using A Head Halter
Avoid using aversive collars to control your furry friend. Not only are they painful and can cause damage if the dog is anxious and cannot control the impulse, but the dog may also inadvertently learn to associate the environment around her with the discomfort caused by the collar. That could make any behavioral issues worse.
A halter is a much gentler version of a control collar. The strap around the muzzle allows you to shift the dog’s focus and make her stop. It is still important to use it carefully and not jerk on the leash. Some dogs may need time to get used to the head halter, too. So, have your pet wear it for short periods, to start with. If she does not look comfortable, offer verbal encouragement and some neck rubs. Most dogs get used to the strap around the muzzle just fine and respond well to this method.
Rewards
Good old rewards are an excellent and classic way to reinforce a behavior. The reward does not need to be a treat every single time, of course. You can start with treats and then use treats interchangeably with verbal praise. Eventually, verbal rewards and neck rubs will be sufficient until walking beside you becomes normal behavior for your pet.
Any form of reward conditions your dog to behave the way you would like her to. Positive reinforcements are always much more effective than negative ones.
To Conclude
Depending on the cause of the behavior, pulling on the leash may be more or less difficult to correct. Anxious dogs are definitely at risk of reverting to their old ways, so you may need to continuously reinforce the act of walking beside you. Our anxious rescue pup is an example of such a dog but it is something that can be managed. Owners of dogs also need to manage their reactions – every single time – which requires some self-control too at times.
