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Does your dog Pull?

Hi guys, Wenzdi here from Yes Boy! with another blog.

My classes started Sunday and one of the biggest questions I get during class is 'How can I get my dog to stop pulling?'

So, here is an explanation on what to do, what not to do and what tools are out there to help you!



What you need to remember is that your dog is selfish! Sorry! He is! He is by no means trying to dominate you, this theory has been debunked for years (yet for some reason people still cling to it!). He wants to get to where he wants to get at his pace, not yours. That's the ultimate reward. So what can we do to encourage him to walk nicely?


I recommend paying your dog. No, not in money, but in really good food. It's like this, if you ask me to do something I really don't want to do, and reward me with a salad, I'm not going to do it. If you reward me with a bar of chocolate, I might consider it. If you offer me a full tub of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, now I'm in! And this is no different for your dog. Pay your dog for doing something he really doesn't want to do, make it worth it.



Now let's talk tools. Here is your disclaimer. NOTHING ON THE MARKET WILL STOP YOUR DOG FROM PULLING. There, I said it. It might discourage and cause discomfort, but nothing will stop your dog from pulling. Let's delve into tools, first the ones that are downright cruel - because lets be honest, regardless of what we think they're marketed as a Miracle cure!


Choke chains, E collars and prong collars cause pain. That's it. Do something wrong and you will get hurt. This teaches your dog nothing but pain, no alternative behaviour and can cause stress behaviours and anxiety. Plus, is this really ethical?



Slip leads, anti-pull harnesses and halti head collars, all tighten when the dog pulls. We call this an aversive. It doesn't necessarily cause pain, but discomfort. Again, doesn't teach your dog and alternative behaviour and just ends up teaching him that walking is uncomfortable. Most dogs ride through this for the buzz of the walk, similar to how people still go and get tattoos. . . You get me?


Now, two tools I do recommend (that will help you have control but NOT stop pulling).


Harness with a front clip will help you turn your dog around if they are too strong on walks.



Dogmatic headcollar doesn't tighten when the dog pulls, but will take control of the dogs head if they are particularly strong - I recommend these for people who are struggling to hold/walk their large breeds.


Inevitably, you have to teach your dog to walk nicely. You have to make it worth it to your dog to comply. There are many tools that are marketed as a miracle cure but are simply not, and only after you splash your cash do you realise that.


So, in short, DO reward your dog highly for walking by your side. DON'T spend endless amounts on tools that leave a negative impact. DO practice lead walking at home rather than expecting it in an exciting environment. And DON'T just expect your dog to comply for the sake of compliance!



If you're really struggling with pulling, invest your money in a trainer rather than gambling on a miracle cure. There are many methods trainers can teach to to help you get the best out of your dog, and in the long run, you'll probably reach your goal quicker and cheaper this way!




For training help and advice, as always, visit Yes Boy! on Facebook


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"It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed." – Napolean Hill

 
 
 

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