Taking a leisurely stroll with your dog should be a pleasant enjoyment. However, when the dog rushes forward like a wild horse that has broken free from its reins, pulling the leash taut, that beauty is instantly shattered. Whether you are jerked and stumble or see the dog panting due to excessive excitement, as an owner, you are filled with worry and helplessness. In fact, training a dog to walk beside you without pulling is not an impossible task. As long as you master scientific methods and pour in patience and love, every walk can become a warm and interactive time.
The first step in training is to choose the right harness equipment for your dog. There are a wide variety of leashes and harnesses on the market, and different equipment has different guiding effects on a dog's behavior. For small-sized and gentle-tempered dogs, a comfortable and breathable harness is a good choice. It can evenly distribute the pulling force and avoid hurting the dog's neck. For large dogs with high energy and a tendency to rush, a P chain or a specialized anti-pulling harness may be more suitable. These pieces of equipment can give appropriate feedback when the dog pulls and guide it to adjust its behavior. When choosing the equipment, carefully check whether the size fits properly. If it is too loose, the dog can easily break free, and if it is too tight, the dog will feel uncomfortable, affecting its enthusiasm for training.
Before the formal training, you also need to let the dog get familiar with the presence of the leash. Some dogs will show great resistance when wearing a leash for the first time, shaking their heads continuously, scratching, or even rolling on the ground. At this time, the owner should not pull forcefully but soothe the dog with a gentle tone. At the same time, take out some delicious snacks so that the dog associates the leash with a pleasant experience. You can first carry out simple wearing exercises at home, allowing the dog to move freely while wearing the leash and gradually getting used to this sense of restraint.
During the training process, it is crucial to establish the command of "heel". The owner can choose a simple and easy-to-remember word, such as "heel" or "this way". Clearly and firmly say the command every time during the training. At the beginning, let the dog stand on your left side, maintaining an appropriate distance, approximately where the dog's shoulder is next to the owner's knee. Then take a step forward while giving the command. If the dog can follow your steps, immediately give it a snack as a reward and enthusiastic praise. During this process, the dog may deviate from its position due to curiosity about the surrounding things or even pull forward. At this time, the owner should gently pull the leash to bring the dog back to the correct position and emphasize the command again. Repeat the training several times so that the dog gradually understands that it can only get a reward by walking obediently beside the owner.
Mastering the "stop" signal is also of vital importance. When the dog exhibits pulling behavior, the owner should immediately stop walking and remain still. At the same time, tighten the leash to prevent the dog from moving forward. At this time, do not make eye contact with the dog, and do not scold it, because any response may be misinterpreted by the dog as interaction. Wait until the dog calms down and relaxes the leash, and then issue the "heel" command again and continue walking. This process requires the owner to have great patience. It is like teaching a child to follow the rules. Only by persevering time and time again can the dog understand that pulling is not allowed.
The transition of the training scenarios is also important. The initial training can be carried out indoors or in a community garden that is quiet and has few distractions. As the dog gradually masters the heel skill, slowly increase the difficulty and take it to places with more people and things, such as streets and parks. In the new environment, the dog may exhibit pulling behavior again due to novel smells or other passing animals. At this time, the owner should stay calm and use the previous training methods to help the dog focus and return to the heel state.
Training a dog to heel requires the owner's persistent efforts. Set aside a fixed amount of time every day for practice. It doesn't need to be too long, about 15 to 20 minutes is enough, but ensure the continuity of the training. At the same time, the owner's own emotions and state will also affect the dog's performance. Maintain a calm and positive attitude, and interact with the dog using loving eyes and actions to make the training process full of warmth and joy. One day, when the dog can always stay quietly beside you on a bustling street, the happiness brought by that tacit understanding and trust will make all the efforts worthwhile.
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