Pulling on the lead.

[tracy]

Hi, i'm new.

I have a 5 month old American Bulldog that just wont stop pulling on the lead, any ideas on how to stop this? He is very strong.

[Natalie]

When i was training my friends pup i used to change directions plenty whenever he tried to pull on the lead, this teaches them to pay attention to you at all times. I think i read it on this site actually.

[admin]

There's an article on the site about it here...


Dog Heel Command

Let me know if its what you were looking for, and as always feedback's appreciated.

[Leader]

A 5 month old American Bulldog is only about half the size that he'll be when mature! Best to stop this behavior now.

I recently had a 5 month old American Bulldog female pup in our puppy classes. Lovely girl but also very strong and very prone to pulling. We worked on getting her focus (i.e. "watch me" command) & getting the owner to be more exciting than anything around her. Of course, with a pup, their attention span is very limited. This owner's breeder strongly advised to NOT get any of the "anti-pull" harnesses that are on the market. My advice to her was to accustom the puppy first to a Halti (as the muzzle fitting is looser when the dog isn't pulling than other styles). I also suggested that she start "clicker training" with her. This is very successful for all breeds of dogs. As my breed, Alaskan Malamutes, are hard wired to pull (like the American Bull dog), clicker training is superb for reaching their minds.

The old style of changing directions etc may work for a puppy - but when the dog gets older and bigger, it would take considerably more force and strength to do this with the dog - and it has been demonstrated often that while negative reinforcement (which happens when the dog's neck is jerked) will work - the positive methods (such as clicker training) are more lasting - and the dog and owner are not only happier but have a better relationship.

Do check out my website (index) for more training articles including heeling work. Hope this helps......... Leader

[Princess]

Hi,
We were having this problem when we first got Tash. We use an extentable lead so as she gets better she can go further. When she starts to pull, we pull her close to us and turn and walk a few steps in the opposite direction. It is starting to work but does take time.
x

[bob39-15]

hi all, we've got a 6 month old border terrier x lakeland terrier, he pulls a lot on the lead, i've tried the method of changing direction without much success, he just doesn't concentrate enough, i've heard of a method where you just stop when he pulls, then move on when the lead goes slack again, has any one had success with this method? also would you recommend having him done? i've heard it might calm him down a bit(he's rather lively) and maybe make him easier to train. thanks for reading, bob.

[Princess]

Hi,
I know another method to stop them from pulling is pulling them back on the lead quite hard as this makes them concentrate, but i do think this is very harsh and wouldn't recommend it for pups.
If turning around doesn't work then i can't see stopping working but its always worth a try. I would just recommend just keep doing what your doing, it might just take time to train him.
As for getting him done, thats completly up to you I think in some cases it will help and some it wont. It might be better speaking to your vet about that.
x

[Xioma]

Ever time the dog gets ahead of you turn left into him. Your leg should cut him off and stop him from surging.
Pulling hard is a waste of time when you want the dog to stop that surging behaviour, you need a quick short reprimand and SAY heel and turn into him. When he heels even for a second..say good dog!

It takes time with some dogs but I agree with the changing directions and walking faster than normal until he is paying attention to you.

Sally

[mac.]

I would reccomend the halti or a harness the halti has worked wonders with my dog, you have more control with the halti. do make sure it is the right size as it wont work.