Effortlessly control your dog's leash-pulling habits with this trainer's easy technique, astonishing results guaranteed!
Sarah, a tester, has praised the Atlas Pet Company's Lifetime Leash as strong, sturdy, and game-changing. This high-quality long leash, made from dry-treated dynamic climbing rope, is a good option for those looking for a durable solution for their strong dogs.
But what about using a longer leash to manage a dog's pulling during walks? Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, offers a simple yet effective method.
DeWillems suggests replacing your usual four- or six-foot leash with an eight- or ten-foot leash. This extended length gives your dog more space to move around, sniff, and explore without reaching the leash's end and causing tension that leads to pulling.
The longer leash allows your dog to enjoy freedom of movement while maintaining control. However, it's essential to remember that this method is more about positive reinforcement than punishment. DeWillems emphasizes using treats, play, and praise alongside this approach to guide your dog toward better walking manners.
This method is part of a broader training philosophy that favours telling your dog what you want rather than just saying "no." By giving the dog space to explore calmly and reinforcing staying close or walking without tension, you help replace pulling with more desirable behaviors.
When using a longer leash, safety should always be a priority. DeWillems advises being mindful of potential distractions such as something in the road or a reactive dog. Teaching a dog name response, coming back for a treat, and coming to the heel can increase the chances of enjoying a nice, relaxing walk with a longer leash.
If a dog enjoys off-leash walking, there are 15 helpful ways to get the dog to come back on off-leash walks (not provided in this article). DeWillems recommends teaching name response, coming back to get a treat, and coming to the heel for brief distractions when using a longer leash.
With proactively taught leash skills and a longer leash, long-leash walks can be very enjoyable. Once a dog has worked out the key skills, these walks can provide a pleasant experience for both the dog and the owner. So, if you're tired of your dog pulling on the leash, consider giving a longer leash a try.
- The longer leash, such as the Atlas Pet Company's Lifetime Leash, offers a solutions for managing a dog's pulling during walks, as suggested by Juliana DeWillems, a pet training and behavior expert.
- When using a longer leash, it's important to maintain control by reinforcing positive behaviors with treats, play, and praise, rather than using it as a method of punishment.
- By stretching the leash to eight or ten feet, your dog will have more freedom to move, sniff, and explore while still staying within your control, gradually replacing undesirable pulling behaviors with more desirable ones.
- Safety is crucial when using a longer leash, and DeWillems recommends being aware of potential distractions like road hazards or reactive dogs, as well as teaching a dog basic commands, like coming when called and heeling, to ensure a safe and enjoyable long-leash walk experience.