How to stop pulling on the lead......

Hi everyone, as you know, I went and met some rescue dogs yesterday! Thing is, most of them pulled on the lead!

Where do I begin to attempt to teach them not to pull?

One thing I found that worked OK was using treats, I would call the dog back, and when they were along side me, gave them a treat, then they stayed there looking at me for a few paces, hoping for another one. Is this ok?

Thanks in advance!!

Obviously, training won't properly begin until I get the newbie home in a few weeks.

(I havent picked one yet either!).

Similar to the method you've used, I rate the 300 peck method. It's about building duration and I prefer it to other methods as it's basically a big clicker exercise, so you're teaching the dog the behaviour, rather than something like the "stop and stand like a tree" method just teaching the dog that not doing the right behaviour means you stop. Not criticizing other methods, just think 300 peck works better for me/my dog. Here's a good explanation of it.
http://www.druidalegsd.karoo.net/300_peck.pdf

I wouldnt be going anywhere if I did the 'stop and stand like a tree' exercise with the dogs at the shelter!! Some of them are all over the place!! Bless em!

Thanks for the link! Off to have a read...... Im glad that what I was doing wasnt totally barmy!

Yup totaly treating them for being in the right place is one of the best ways
I also add a 'stop and stand like a tree' to give them an idea what to do when they get to the end of the lead
but I dont wait for them to get back to position, initaly I move off right away if they show any indication they know I am there (even a little ear flick) then for them slackening the lead even a tiny bit then I wait for more and more until when the lead gets tight they automaticaly turn back to you

Yes, you'll find this with many rescues; some of them will never have been walked properly before, or may not be used to a lead and collar at all.

When I first adopted Dexter, our walks were a nightmare - he would literally sprint so fast my feet never touched the ground! I used treats, just like you did, and this did help. Ultimately however, I had to book sessions with a trainer to teach me how to correctly control him when on leash, as the pulling was so bad. Once I was shown properly, it was then a question of practising a lot.


If the dog you adopt really pulls a lot and for example also lunges, you may also want to consider a headcollar - a well fitting one can really help and you can then reward the dog for walking nicely.

Let us know which dog you choose!

FWIW, when the brindle first came home (she too was a Dogs Trust dog!) her walking was awful..I had to have her on a harness and a head collar. Loads of work, and effort, and her heelwork is fab!

Please dont let pulling on the lead put you off what could be a fab dog!

Course not!! Pulling on a lead can be fixed and isnt that big a prob! I can deal with that!