Why Is My Dog Pulling On The Lead?

This is one of the most common questions I get asked by dog owners, but as you can see from the list below it's not a simple question to answer. 

You may have noticed that dogs have four legs and we humans only have two, this means dogs naturally walk much faster than us. 

In most cases dogs have to be taught to walk slower or to walk at the side of us, it's not something they do naturally.

Below are just a few examples of why a dog might pull on the lead,

    1. Over excitement
    2. Over stimulation
    3. Frustration
    4. Anxiety
    5. Fear
    6. Because it works
    7. They simply want to get there fast
Training

When a dog is trained not to pull and to walk nicely on a loose lead the dog feels less constrained and more relaxed. 

As a result both the human and dog are able to enjoy the walk together.
 
Pulling on the lead
The Most Common Reason;

The most common reason why you see dogs pulling on the lead is, it works, it's self rewarding, it gets them there.  

How A Dog Thinks


'If I keep pulling I get there, even though I'm choking and can't breath properly it's the only way to get there'.

Dogs do not have the cognitive ability to understand why they are choking or why they are being held back. They simply can't help themselves, so it's our job to help them by teaching them that pulling on the lead doesn't work.

All dogs are individuals just like us 


Some dogs you see out on a walk seem quite happy to stay along side their human showing virtually no interest in wondering off, while other dogs want to drag their human all the way to the park. 

It all depends on the dog, the human, and the communication and relationship between the two.

Positive Dog Training and Behaviour Management 
Certified ADTB Approved Dog Trainer, Fully Insured


Call Martin on 07400 354379 for a FREE no obligation discussion TODAY
Call Martin on 07400 354379 
For a free no obligation discussion

Based in Clifton, Rotherham, 
South Yorkshire
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