How to Love Walking Your Dog
Does it bother you if your dog pulls like he's trying to win the Iditarod? If you don't mind the pulling, you're all set, but if you'd prefer your dog to walk calmly beside you, I have three words: Pop, Don't Pull.
Why does your dog pull on the leash?
Dogs are natural pullers. When our ancestors traveled long ago, their dogs were expected to pull loaded carts and sleds. The best-pulling dogs were prized and bred with each other. Some dogs are better pullers. For example, Huskies are happy when hauling anything. Others, like Blood Hounds, are less enthusiastic, but all dog DNA is wired to pull.
The Truth About Dog Harnesses
Some dog trainers will get angry at me for saying that a harness encourages pulling, but the truth is that a dog harness is designed to distribute the weight of a load and make a dog comfortable. When your dog is in a harness and you pull him back, your dog thinks, "This is a heavy load. I have to pull really hard to get it (you) to move forward. My human must be really proud of my pulling ability."
This is true for most, but not all, dogs.
My teamster training taught me I can't control a 4,000-pound pair of oxen by pulling them with a halter and rope. Instead, I have to convince them, not force them to obey. I have to be my bovine's leader. To train a dog, you have to be his leader.
Carole often rides her bike while leading her dogs. How does she keep them from pulling her over? The answer is to pop not pull.
Pop, Don't Pull
To become your dog's leader, you must think like a dog. For example, watch your dog run up to another dog and poke her in the side with their nose. It's a quick poke (unless they're playing.) Dogs communicate by poking, that's their "doggie language.". Your job is to mimic dog talk with a quick "pop, pop" on the lead, not a sustained pull. Pulling signals your dog to pull back, "pop, pop," means listen to me. I'm talking to you.
The Art of the Pop
Start with a slip leash, which has a loop at the end. Slide the loop over your dog's head and position it high on his neck, in the "magic" spot just behind his ears. If the loop is lower on his neck, he can ignore it. Higher is better.
If your dog pulls on the slip lead when you walk, don't pull back; pop twice instead. A pop is a quick yank with a release after. If you let your dog pull with a slip lead, you'll choke him. Instead, "pop, pop" is all you need to get his attention.
If your dog ignores the "pop, pop" and continues pulling, change directions and "pop, pop" him to follow you. When you turn, your dog will be behind you, where he should be. The one in front is the leader, so when you're in front, you're the leader in your dog's mind.
Relax
This is where you need to relax. Relax your shoulders and shake the tension out of your wrist. It might sound "airy fairy" but the lead is like a telephone wire signaling your emotions to your dog. Relax, and so will your dog. Be tense, and he'll be tense. Trust your dog to walk with you; keep the lead loose, except when you need to "pop, pop."
After your turn, your dog will probably race to be in front. When that happens, turn again and "pop, pop" the leash. Don't hesitate. You're the leader; you've decided to turn. Don't look at your dog. Turn and walk with conviction.
During this training, don't let your dog sniff or wander off. This is your walk. You're the leader. Later, when you decide it's time, stop and let him do his doggie business on your terms, not his.
Stick to it; your dog will love you for being his leader and soon walk beside you without pulling.
If you have trouble making this work, contact me. I'll walk you through the steps until they become a welcome routine on your daily walk with your best friend.
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Carole Soule is the owner of Soule Coaching. Carole trains cows, and now she also trains dogs and their owners. She can be reached at carole@soulecoaching.com.
