Some dogs can be a real challenge to control on the leash, trust me, my own experience with leash training was a long and arduous process. Most of my walks were scheduled to occur after sun down so that my neighbors could not bear witness to my absolute humiliation and frustration of being dragged down the street by my thoroughly over excited and incredibly strong half Husky mix.
More than once I cut the walk short in order to return home and gain my composure. I think that being in a calm state of mind is the BEST way to be when interacting with animals (and humans!) so, if I felt my blood pressure rising, I knew it was time for a break. Taking a calming pause and moving forward in a relaxed state of mind is best for you and your dog, remember, you are both meant to be enjoying yourselves!
The walk is something that is achieved between human and canine, it takes practice and a time investment. Youtube has some great videos on dog walking and, training classes are available everywhere. Leash manners need to be taught as there is no magic pill, this isn't the Matrix. If your dog is pulling you all over the place there are resources available to help you attain that perfect heeling walk that some other people make look so easy!
More than once I cut the walk short in order to return home and gain my composure. I think that being in a calm state of mind is the BEST way to be when interacting with animals (and humans!) so, if I felt my blood pressure rising, I knew it was time for a break. Taking a calming pause and moving forward in a relaxed state of mind is best for you and your dog, remember, you are both meant to be enjoying yourselves!
The walk is something that is achieved between human and canine, it takes practice and a time investment. Youtube has some great videos on dog walking and, training classes are available everywhere. Leash manners need to be taught as there is no magic pill, this isn't the Matrix. If your dog is pulling you all over the place there are resources available to help you attain that perfect heeling walk that some other people make look so easy!
With some guidance and patience and, of course, a big bag of treats to reward progress, you too can master the pack walk without being dragged along against your will. I have spoken to many dog owners who give rave reviews on the life changing experience of using a harness or head collar in place of a leash and collar combination. If you are not sure how to use a collar, harness or halti, have a discussion with the sales staff of your favorite pet accessory store on proper use at the time you are purchasing the item. Improper use of any device can result in injury, so please follow proper instructions and ask for help when necessary.
Many pet stores allow dogs to join their humans while they shop, so if sizing is a concern, take your pooch along with you. Describe the walking challenges you may be having and find out what works best for you and your dog. While you are there why not check out whether or not professional services such as obedience or leash manners are offered?
All of us doggie folks know how it is to have a rowdy dog at the other end of the leash and believe me we have all had some frustrating experiences! Always remember that there are supportive and understanding people available to help you achieve your training goals.
Many pet stores allow dogs to join their humans while they shop, so if sizing is a concern, take your pooch along with you. Describe the walking challenges you may be having and find out what works best for you and your dog. While you are there why not check out whether or not professional services such as obedience or leash manners are offered?
All of us doggie folks know how it is to have a rowdy dog at the other end of the leash and believe me we have all had some frustrating experiences! Always remember that there are supportive and understanding people available to help you achieve your training goals.
Whatever I was initially doing was NOT working and the walks were starting to be a real pain in the backside and shoulder socket rather than the bonding and enjoyable pack walk that they should have been. Quite by accident, (eavesdropping pays off) I learned of a specific type of harness which turned my walks from night to day, literally and figuratively!
The use of a front clip harness (back clipping harnesses allow dogs to pull, check your item to ensure you are purchasing the right item!) enabled me to gain control of Lacie (and myself) without causing her injury or pain. She still tried to pull but the design of the harness was such that she was unable to pull me forward any longer. Our daily walks improved so measurably I was able to start leaving the house while the sun was still in the sky. Lacie only wears a collar now to hold her various tags, the leash goes directly on the harness and off we go.
Please note, this is the device that I found worked for me personally and for my dog. While I found that the use of a harness was a great solution, it may not necessarily work for you and your dog. The most important things to remember are, results are cumulative so hang in there, there are many resources available to help you achieve your goals and, you are not alone in your training challenges so keep up the great work!
The use of a front clip harness (back clipping harnesses allow dogs to pull, check your item to ensure you are purchasing the right item!) enabled me to gain control of Lacie (and myself) without causing her injury or pain. She still tried to pull but the design of the harness was such that she was unable to pull me forward any longer. Our daily walks improved so measurably I was able to start leaving the house while the sun was still in the sky. Lacie only wears a collar now to hold her various tags, the leash goes directly on the harness and off we go.
Please note, this is the device that I found worked for me personally and for my dog. While I found that the use of a harness was a great solution, it may not necessarily work for you and your dog. The most important things to remember are, results are cumulative so hang in there, there are many resources available to help you achieve your goals and, you are not alone in your training challenges so keep up the great work!
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