Pulling on leash..

Hello all, in my last post I mentioned that I had problems getting my puppy to go for walks... problem solved. She can't wait to go on her walks and she's excited to be outside, which is wonderful... but she pulls hard on the leash. How can I prevent this?

One way I've read about suggests going to an open area with your dog and give a "lets go" command or something. Then start walking. after about 5-10 feet, change direction. Make a sharp 90 degree turn or even a 360. If your pup pulls ahead of you, make a turn. Keep doing this, changing directions and such. Your dog will learn that they have to watch you when walking. Thats Just one method.

If Hunter gets too excited (see's another doggie friend or just plain excited), I just stand in one stop and won't budge even if he pulls and pulls. As soon as he's tired from his failed attempts and calms down or sits down, I tell him "good boy!" and (sometimes) give him a treat, then "let's go!" and move again. I repeat this if he gets to excited again.

Although he still pulls (:dog:s will be :dog:s afterall), he's learned to quickly sit down and looks for me to say "let's go" now.

Just wondering how you hold the leash? You will also find it helpfull to hold the leash in both hands,That is to hold the loop end in your right hand and then with your left hand further down the length of the lead which is across the front of your body.You will find you have more contol of your dog and when she starts to pull gentle tugging of the leash with your left hand will bring her to heel,of course you should also be talking to her praiseing good responses and also telling her to "stay" when stopping and "walk on" when moveing off from a stop.Some treats in the pocket help but dont give them to freely or pups will get to used to them and fat.Keep talking to her and with time and patience you will get there!

I found that turning in the opposite direction worked also. The first few times you try it your walks may not be all too much fun but eventually the pup will get the idea.
Or you could try clicker training for this. When pup is at the end of the lead turn in opposite direction and as soon as the pup gives slack on the leash click and treat. Teach the pup that being next to you is the most rewarding place to be. I also have clicked and treated when a pup makes eye contact during the walk or comes in close to my side on it's own.

My eight month old does the same thing but she has been getting better. I try the change direction method that others here have mentioned and it is working for me. You just have to make her look to you for direction. Its nothing that can be prevented...you just have to work with them. I usually try to work with mine about once a day for a half hour to an hour..but mine is high energy. After working with her for awhile she begins to get the idea...
practice makes perfect. Good luck and be patient, the pup will come around.