Dogs desperately pull the leash when walking, which is a headache for many owners. It not only affects the dog walking experience, but may also cause dog injuries and even traffic accidents. To make dog walking return to warmth and ease, we can start by understanding the reasons behind the dog's behavior, and then use scientific methods to gradually change their habits.
The behavior of dogs pulling the leash stems from their primitive hunting instincts and desire to explore. In the wild, canine ancestors need to run and chase quickly in order to hunt prey. In modern life, dogs confined to the leash often find it difficult to suppress their inner impulses when facing novel smells and moving objects in the outside world. In addition, wrong dog walking habits will also strengthen this behavior. When the dog pulls the rope forward, some owners will unconsciously speed up. In the eyes of the dog, this is like a reward for their behavior, so they pull harder.
To correct the dog's explosive behavior, you first need to choose a suitable traction tool. Traditional collars will cause great pressure on the neck when the dog pulls, and long-term use may damage the trachea and cervical spine. A head-hook leash (such as the Gentle Leader) can effectively reduce the pulling force and avoid neck injury by controlling the dog's head. There are also some automatic retractable leashes that seem convenient, but they can easily make dogs develop the habit of running around at will, and are difficult to effectively control in an emergency, so they are not recommended for correcting aggressive training. When choosing a leash, make sure it is made of comfortable material and the right size so that it will not make the dog uncomfortable.
Positive reinforcement training is the core method to correct dog aggressive behavior. When the dog follows quietly and does not pull on the leash, immediately give it a favorite snack as a reward, and praise it in an enthusiastic tone. This immediate reward can help the dog understand that staying with you will bring a pleasant experience. On the contrary, when the dog starts to pull, do not pull back hard, but stop immediately and wait for it to calm down. Once it relaxes the leash and returns to your side, give it a reward immediately. This process requires great patience, because the dog may need repeated attempts to understand the rules, but every progress is worth celebrating.
Establishing clear communication signals is also crucial. Before training, decide on a specific command, such as "go" or "follow", and say it clearly each time you start, so that the dog knows that a walk is about to begin. When it shows pulling behavior, give the command "stop" in a firm tone and stop at the same time. By repeating these commands continuously, the dog will gradually learn to adjust its behavior according to your signals. During the training process, the owner's mood and attitude have an important impact on the dog. Stay calm and firm, and avoid yelling out of frustration, because negative emotions will only make the dog nervous and increase the pulling behavior.
Increasing the amount of exercise before walking is also an effective way to reduce the dog's explosiveness. Dogs with excess energy often pull desperately because they are too excited after going out. Before the formal walk, take it to some simple games or training to consume some of its physical energy. For example, play a ball tossing game for a few minutes, or do a few obedience training exercises. When the dog's energy is released to a certain extent, it will be more focused on the walk and more willing to follow instructions.
In addition, changing the walking route and rhythm can keep the dog fresh and reduce the pulling behavior caused by the eagerness to explore. Don't always walk along a fixed route, occasionally take it to a new park or street. During the walk, stop from time to time and let the dog smell the surrounding smells to satisfy its desire to explore. This kind of walking method with tension and relaxation can not only make the dog feel happy, but also enhance its trust and dependence on you.
It is inevitable to encounter repetitions during training. The dog may suddenly burst out again one day. Don't be discouraged at this time. Behavior changes require time and patience. Observe the dog's behavior carefully and analyze the possible reasons for pulling. Is it because the environment is too noisy to make it excited, or is it because of physical discomfort that affects the mood? After finding the root of the problem, adjust the training method in a targeted manner.
When one day, you find that the dog can follow you quietly and enjoy the fun of walking with you, all your efforts will be rewarded. The establishment of this tacit understanding not only makes dog walking a real enjoyment, but also makes the relationship between you and the dog closer. Every time you walk side by side, it is a testimony to mutual trust and part of a good life.
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