Article: Why do dogs pull on leashes? part 1
Why do dogs pull on leashes? part 1
Why are they so annoying?!
I would say that 70% of everyone who contacts me wants private training for pulling on a leash, this is a very big problem.
You may need help from a PT who is used to reading the dog's behavior and timing where and when to reward.
You can do a lot yourself - map and analyze the roots of the behavior and try to start healing there first.
Possible reasons for poor leash manners:
Unconsciously Learned:
- Since puppyhood, he has been allowed to stop and sniff at all spots, people and oncoming dogs.
- Gets full access to a long leash, resulting in interesting noseing along the edge, under streams and bridges.
- It can change sides and zigzag its way however it wants.
- Not interesting to pay attention to the owner.
- Not taught how to walk nicely on a leash, contact and obedience.
- Is strong and explosive in his movement pattern.
- The race and the individual.
- Worse breeds can be, for example. Bird dogs such as: Irish setter, springer spaniel and cocker spaniel. Hunting dogs such as: beagle and scent hound. Muscle dogs such as: stafford, boxer and French bulldog.
- Naturally better on a leash - greyhounds whippet, galgo, saluki, have a movement pattern that is light and floating.
- Understimulated, overstimulated or misstimulated.
- Not mentally exhausted, needs more brain exercise.
- Have been charging the batteries for too long, haven't had an outlet for physical activity.
- Been home alone for too long - increased stress and need for exercise.
- If you are new to the environment where you live or lack of environmental training in an urban environment (example: rescue dogs), the habit leads to stress on a leash.
- Hormonally, runners, high production of testosterone in young males.
- Sex drive.
