NICE LEASH WALKING

One thing we often work on with the shelter dogs is to walk nicely on a leash. It is no fun for anyone to walk a dog and have your shoulder pulled out of its socket! We first get the dog used to the feeling of the collar and leash and then starting clicking for any slack in the leash (they're not pulling on the leash). Once they have that done, we begin clicking for staying by our left side. Decide which side you want the dog to walk on and then start rewarding them for being on that side. For many people, it is the left side. Once that is done, we begin taking steps forward and clicking for moving along with us on our left side. When you first start out, you have to click A LOT! The dogs need to understand what you want them to do so clicking and treating a lot helps convey that message. If the dogs pulls on the leash, immediately stop and do not move until there is slack in the leash. BE A TREE! Do not move your arms or any part of your body until there is slack in the leash.

If you are still having trouble walking your dog, then get a Gentle Leader. This collar has a strap that goes around the dog's nose and around their head under their ears. The leash is clipped on under their nose. This prevents them from pulling on the leash without hurting them. For years, people have tried to teach dogs nice leash walking with the aid of choke chains and prong collars, but these hurt the dogs and will still hurt you too. Walking a pulling dog on a Gentle Leader is amazing. You'll be able to take your 100 pound dog for a walk and actually be able to enjoy
yourself! For more information, visit their website at: www.gentleleader.com
Another useful website talks about how to get your dog used to the Gentle Leader. It can be found at: www.doglogic.com/halter.htm

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