Doing leash manners for Dogs the right way!

Stop pulling

As a Dog walker in North York, Ontario I am surprised at

how many dogs do not have proper leash manners.

Here are some simple steps to get you enjoying your walks:

1. Exercise your dog. Too much pent up energy makes it
   impossible for you to walk your dog.
2. Spend five minutes in the morning and afternoon teaching
   your dog to follow a food lure at your side in low distraction
   areas.
3. Use a head halter for the next few weeks so walks are
   less of a struggle.
4. Practice changing directions when your dog starts to pull.
5. Use the right leash. Six foot leather is the best. It is
   the right length to control your dog and leather is easy on
   the hands.
6. Practice U-turns. Turning into your dog and doing tight
   circles helps train your dog to focus on you and avoid
   distractions – good for reactive dogs.
7. Practice attention exercise before, during and after walks. 
8. Have a helper hold a ball or treat 15 to 20 feet away.
   Approach and if your dog pulls, do an about face and walk
   away.

   Once your dog calms, turn around and approach the helper
   again. Forward progress only happens when the leash is
   loose. Your dog will learn that forward movement and reward
   only happens on a slack leash.

   So there you have it. A mini-massive action plan to get your
   dog walking with you on leash.

   You don’t have to do them all everyday. But just by doing a
   couple of the steps each day and changing it up you’ll start
   to get great results.