How can I teach my dog not to pull?

Question

When I run with my dog, he always pulls and pulls. When we pass another dog, he runs away from me completely. He's 150 pounds, so there’s no way 120 pound me can control him by brute force. Any suggestions would be great!

Answer 1

First off buy a Halti. PetSmart sells them. They are harness that fit over the dog's nose. When the dog pulls, the Halti closes the dog's mouth and turns their head. This is great for two reasons: (1) it annoys the dog and discourages it from pulling without hurting it like choke chains can and (2) by turning the dog's head when it pulls, it means that instead of being able to use all its force to pull you, the dog can only use its neck muscles. This is a lot safer for you AND the dog because it allows you to be in control.

The Halti will help a lot with the pulling, but may not eliminate it. To train off of pulling, take your dog for walks (start with walking then work up to running). Every time the dog starts to pull (even a little pressure) stop and make the dog sit. When there is slack in the leash again, start wakling again. At first you will be stopping every two seconds, but the dog will learn and start to stay with you. When he will walk without pulling, then do the same with running. This may be harder to train on since your dog will be more excited when running, but with perserverance, you can teach the dog to stay with you. Good Luck!

Answer 2

I agree with some of the other responders regarding collars. There are many options -- training collars, choke chains -- and you need to find which one fits best. If you let him pull for more than a moment, though, he will get in a lowered position and pull you like a steam train. Once in this position, it is very hard to pull back on the collar with much effect, because you will be pulling against his shoulders and not tightening the collar on his neck. (By the way, I used to think these were cruel too, until I got a german Shepherd mix and learned how to use one. Also, ask a knowledgeable person at a good pet store to help you choose the right one.) Instead, at the first hint of any pulling, yank back firmly on the leash and use your "no" command. You must have a single "no" command, but it can be anything. A sharp "eh-eh" is what we use, so our dog will not get confused if she hears "no" in another context, such as when we are telling our kids not to run into traffic. Pull firmly, enough to turn the dog around or lift him off his front paws but not so hard as to hurt him. Only a few times will teach your dog not to pull. Also, before long, the "no" command will remind the dog of the collar and you won't have to actually pull back. The dog will respond to your voice. One more thing: always walk your dog with a six foot lead and not with a retractable leash. Retractable leashes do not allow you to control your dog. Most importantly, be firm and consistent.

Answer 3

Regular obedience training in addition to classes will help improve your dog's behaviour. A haltie is a good alternative to a choke chain, but if your dog chews, he will eat right through it and your money will have been wasted. Choke collars are helpful with bigger dogs, but I would only use it as a last resort. Also, if using a choke collar, make sure that it fits and has been adjusted and attatched to the leash properly. They easily slip over dogs heads in certain positions, and can do damage if not properly put on.
Never wrap the leash around your wrist, this can do some serious damage to you. If your dog is skittish around other dogs, try taking him to a local dog walking group or getting him together with a friend's dog. Don't force it, some dogs just prefer cats.

Answer 4

When I went with my dog to dog-training classes at Pet Smart, there was a lady there with the same problem- huge dog, petite lady. I would say that dog training classes are important so you can learn how to get the dog to listen to you and do what you say.
You might want to get a different type of leash or collar. I promise that choke collars aren't mean or inhumane- they give the dog a slight pinch when they pull, and that's all. It surprises them more than it hurts them. Alternitively, there are all kinds of other collars. The ones that go over the face so you can turn his head are the ones that the lady in our class got, and she had positive results for the short time I knew her.
Good luck!

Answer 5

It took me a couple months, but I was able to get my dog to stop doing that. I used one of the retractable leashes (which are easier for training and walking, but harder for controlling with force). The benefit to these is the audible click when you limit the dog's freedom--eventually they become trained to it--you give them freedom to wander, but when you click the leash they know they are going someplace you don't want them to go, and go somewhere else. Also, for running, you can give the dog a few extra feet on the leash without losing control (don't let the whole 20-25 feet of line out of the leash, just 6-10 feet so the dog can run near you without having to be right beside you.) The other benefit is that you can let the dog wander into grassy areas away from the sidewalk without walking in the grass yourself.

Even though the leash is a big tool (my dog now knows by how I hold the leash which way I am leading), you need verbal commands. "Heel" is a classic, but I also use 'stay close' and 'this way' when I don't need the dog right by my side, I just need it to stay nearby. You are going to have to start this training walking--once the dog gets it you can move on to running. You don't want to give a dog that size any momentum until it listens to you. Any time the dog starts pulling on you, stop right there. If the dog keeps dragging you, make him sit! Once the dog learns that he isn't going to walk you, it gets easier, but you have to keep at it. You have to out-stubborn the dog, but once you do, the dog will stay close and guard you, instead of trying to lead you. Keep at it, and pretty soon your dog will be more manageable.

Answer 6

You need to work one on one with a trainer and have them show you how to proper handle the dog.
You may need to use a different type collar.
There are many options out there
Haltis, Gentle Leaders, Choke Chains, Prong collars are some of the tools available to you. You need to learn how to properly use one of these tools and work with it and the dog.
It is more about how you handle yourself and the situation rather than brute force. At 120 pounds a 150 pound dog could drag you forever and you would not stand a chance at stopping him.
Working with a trainer a few times will give you the knowledge and the proper use of tolls to handle the dog safely for you and the dog.
Good luck.

Answer 7

Use a haltie which is a different kind of collar that goes over the dog's nose and face, kind of like a horse's halter. When he wants to pull, you can tug gently on his leash and that will turn his head away from whatever is getting his attention and making him want to pull. He can't really pull towards you because there's nowhere for him to go! So making him turn his head towards you will help break the instinct to pull.

Some dogs do not like halties at first; get him used to it by leaving it laying out on the floor for him to sniff and investigate; then put a dog cookie in the haltie and let him associate it with a treat. Work your way up to feeding him a cookie while he is wearing the haltie. Some dogs are really scared of them but most can get over their fears.

Answer 8

Start all over from square one. Get a leash and walk with your dog. When he starts to pull away, stop, firmly jerk the chain back to you, and say sit or heel, and make him sit. You may be able to only go a few steps at a time, but they have to learn slow and repeatedly. Don't take him running until he starts to progress with the walking; running will only excite him. He should eventually get to the point that when he starts to pull away all you have to do is say heel and he will retreat.

Answer 9

Try a training collar, also, wear a fanny pack when you jog with some bil-jac liver treats on the hip side that he runs on. (it should be on your left) Then slow your pace down and constantly tell him to heel and hold your right hand out flat side down in front of him. The leash on your wrist. It will take some time, patience and practice on both your parts for him to learn a slow heel. Just keep trying with him.
Thats great you have a special running partner.
Good Luck

Answer 10

Place your dogs back feet on the edge of a very, very high cliff, pull on his chain and say "NO!", firmly, he will only pull once...BTW, since he is an extremely large dog and out-weighs you, have a friend help hold the leash...good luck...PS don't try this with a Cat, they will attack your legs after the leash gets wrapped around your body... oh yeah, don't forget to smile at least once-a-day!