Techniques for Walking a Dog on Lead

By Dog Momma on October 21, 2010 in uncategorized

Walking

This is intended to be an objective summary; I don’t necessarily recommend all of these methods. My goal is to lay out all the different ways people walk dogs on lead.

Guiding principles:

1. Once you find a method you like, stick with it. Consistency will help your dog.
2. Good leadership goes a long way. The leadership concept is addressed more in other training materials.

A. “Management” Techniques… letting the equipment do the work.

1. Gentle Leader (Head Halter)

Notes:

Same concept as walking a horse.
Contrary to some misconceptions, dogs can still breathe, drink, eat, etc.
Make sure you follow the instructions/fit the head halter properly.

Pros:

Gentle.
Effective.

Cons:

Dog may not like having on its head at first.
May require time to get dog used to it.

2. No-pull Body Harness (Front Clasp)

Notes:

Works well for some dogs – others will still pull. Just try and see.
Make sure you follow the instructions/fit the harness properly.

Pros:

A body harness under tension is gentler/safer than a neck collar under tension.

Cons:

May rub skin. Note: hemp material may be gentler on the skin.

3. Prong Collar

Notes:

For your own safety, make sure your dog is calm while you put the prong collar on and take it off.

Pros:

Some dogs will do anything to avoid those prongs.

Cons:

Some dogs will still pull and they could be injured.

B. Teach a traditional “Heel” – dog’s shoulder next to your leg.

1. Reward in position

Notes:

Use tiny, soft, healthy treats.
Dogs are precise learners. Reward exactly what you like.
Clicker training is recommended. The clicker concept is addressed more in other training materials.

Pros:

Gentle.
Effective.
Teaching strengthens leadership position.
Positive reinforcement strengthens trust.
Doesn’t matter how you’re “attached” – collar, harness, etc.

Cons:

Treat prep time.
Have to carry treats.
May require practice to get person used to handling treats.

2. Correct wrong position (hand poke, collar correction (choker, prong, shock))

Notes:

Highly handler dependent.
Formal training recommended.
Stop immediately if you are feeling emotional.
Can be combined with reward in position.

Pros:

Some dogs will do anything to avoid the correction.
If done effectively, teaching strengthens leadership position.
If done effectively, can tap natural herding/body blocking instincts.

Cons:

Overly harsh corrections hurt trust.
Sloppy, confusing corrections hurt trust.
More fun for dog to learn what to do, rather than learn what not to do.

C. Teach a “Loose Lead” walk – do not follow when the dog pulls.

1. Walk when loose; don’t walk when tight.

Notes:

Dogs are precise learners.
Stop exactly when it gets tight.
Method can be enhanced:
- Make a certain sound to indicate too tight.
- Turn and reward in the other direction.

Pros: