Adolescent Behaviors
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      3. Adolescent Behaviors

      Pulling

      How to why is it important to address pulling in dogs.

      Introduction

      Pulling is a common behavior in dogs, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including excitement, curiosity, and anxiety. Pulling can be dangerous for both the dog and the handler, as it can lead to injuries and accidents. It can also be frustrating for both the dog and the handler, as it can make walks and other activities difficult and unpleasant.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Some people believe that all puppies pull. This is not true. Some puppies are more likely to pull than others, but it is not a universal behavior.
      • Others believe that there is nothing you can do to stop pulling. This is also not true. There are a number of things you can do to address pulling in dogs, such as providing them with proper training and management.

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase:

      1. Put the dog on a slip lead or martingale and constantly change directions when walking.
      2. When the dog doesn't change direction with you, give a small pop on the leash and continue in that direction.
      3. If the dog is wanting to go in a specific direction (towards a door, another dog, a person, etc) go the complete opposite direction.
      4. This teaches the dog that you decide where you go, not the dog.
      5. Often times this method results in a loose leash walk without the heel command being taught yet.

      Reinforcing Phase:

      1. This would be where you start correcting the dog anytime they pull.
      2. It's separate from the heel command.
      3. So anytime a dog begins to pull and pressure is applied to the collar, give a pop release or steady pressure and encourage the dog to come towards you.
      4. This teaches the dog to yield to leash pressure and return to the handler.

      Proofing Phase:

      1. Make sure the dog doesn't pull on any piece of equipment.
      2. If they need a prong to walk, use a training collar or slip lead to work pressure and pulling.
      3. If the dog walks wonderfully on a slip leash, see if they do the same on a harness.
      4. Gradually increase the distractions and the difficulty of the walks.
      5. Be patient and consistent with your training.

      Case Studies

      • Case Study 1: Charlie is a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever who pulls on the leash whenever he goes for walks. His owners tried providing him with more exercise, but it did not seem to help. They then tried using a head halter, and this helped a little bit. Finally, they enrolled Charlie in a training class with a certified dog trainer, and this has helped the most. Charlie is now able to walk calmly on the leash without pulling.
      • Case Study 2: Sadie is a 10-year-old Beagle who has always pulled on the leash. Her owners have tried everything to address her pulling, but nothing has seemed to work. They have tried providing her with more exercise, using a head halter, and enrolling her in a training class, but nothing has helped. They are now considering seeking professional help from a certified dog behaviorist.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      • Be patient. It takes time and patience to train a dog not to pull. Do not get discouraged if you do not see results immediately.
      • Be consistent. Be consistent with your training and management, and do not give up.
      • Be positive. Use positive reinforcement when the dog is walking calmly on the leash. This will help them learn that the desired behavior is rewarded.
      • Do not punish the dog for pulling. Punishment will only make the behavior worse.

      Conclusion

      Pulling is a common behavior in dogs, but it can be addressed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help your dog learn to walk calmly on a leash without pulling.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: What if my dog only pulls when they are excited?
        A: If your dog only pulls when they are excited, it is likely a sign of excitement pulling. You can help your dog stop excitement pulling by teaching them to walk calmly on a leash by rewarding them for staying close to you and not pulling.
      • Q: What if my dog pulls no matter what I do?
        A: If your dog pulls no matter what you do, it is possible that they have a medical condition that is causing the pulling. In this case, you should consult with your veterinarian.