Leash Pulling
Dogs who pull on leash can be frustrating and hard to manage.
It’s a hard habit to break because the behavior has been encouraged and dogs have a natural reflex of opposing restraint. But if you’re consistent, you can break that habit over time.
Why does my dog always pull on the leash?
Leash Pulling is a common problem that we help pet owners resolve.
Dogs pull on the leash for a variety of reasons and identifying the triggers for the individual dog are important when planning the solution. Frequently dogs pull on the leash because they are being held back by the owner. The dog pulls, the owner restrains them, then the dog pulls harder as an attempted solution to make the restraint stop. It is a cycle that makes the problem worse for many dogs.
The term Heeling is used to describe when a dog is walking next to the handler, not lagging behind or forging ahead. The dog’s front shoulder should be next to the handler’s leg. When the dog is in this position they can see what the handler is doing and if the handler makes any changes such as a turn or pace change, the dog is able to adapt to it easily.
We can teach most dogs the basics of heeling in a matter of minutes. When a client arrives with a dog that is dragging them around, it is a very rewarding experience to see them walk out of our facility with a dog that has leash manners after the first lesson. The owners’ quality of life with their pet has instantly been improved.
We frequently teach a focused heel and a relaxed heel. Focused heeling is where the dog is making eye contact with the handler. The focused heel works well for dogs that are easily distracted. For example, a dog that has a tendency or history of being reactive to other dogs would be expected to maintain a focused heel when passing another dog. If they are focused on the handler then they are less likely to act inappropriately when they would likely be tempted. With the relaxed heel, the dog still has to maintain the correct position and not pull on the leash, but we don’t expect their undivided attention. It is more practical when on long walks or hikes.
Dog Training Programs
We are here for you and your dog
Your Dog Will
Your Dog Won't
Private Lessons
$550
Board and Train
Your dog stays with us for their training where we will accomplish a lot of training in a short period of time. We then train owners with their pets in both private and group sessions that are included with each package.
