If you have gone to a group obedience class where they tell you to gruffly shout "Heel!" at your dog, march off and give a mighty yank on the choke chain, you may recall that it wasn't particularly helpful. Even dogs that eventually become subdued enough after several weeks at class rarely carry the docility over to the street, and still pull when they are out and about.

The other side effect of this method is that you end up with a very sore arm, especially if you have a big, strong dog, and the more you yank, the more he pulls until you both hate the thought of "walkies."

The dog wants to get wherever you are going, so you need to show him that the way to get there is by going your way. The method I will explain takes a little while to master at first, but really works, and if you will invest a little time teaching him, you can both enjoy your walks.For the purposes of this exercise, we don't care if the dog is at heel, just that he doesn't pull on the leash. This is helpful for going for a leisurely walk where the dog can investigate and enjoy the scenery. Teaching the dog specifically to maintain a position near your left foot ( "heel") is a different requirement and is taught separately.

Make sure your dog is wearing a snug-fitting cloth or leather buckle collar. I don't recommend the ones with quick release "Fastex" clasps for this exercise, since they can pull apart.

For a very large strong dog with a small person, a prong collar is very helpful. It is much more humane than a choke collar, but must be properly fitted to work right. Buy the lightest weight one that will suit your dog. I have not seen a dog yet, unless it is crossed with grizzly bear at needs the large heavy size. Even most Akitas and Malamutes can usually use the medium size links, and the small links are fine when you add enough of them for length for most dogs with shorter hair.

The best leash to use for a large dog is a medium width ( about 5/8 inch) strong leather or double stitched nylon lead about 6 feet long. Smaller dogs can use a harness or a flat collar and lighter leash. Chain leashes are dangerous and can injure you and your dog. A retractable Flexi leash is only to be used on an already trained dog.

Technique and position are the key here, not pure strength. If you hold the leash so that your arm is outstretched from your body, you will be off balance, and the dog will find it easier to pull. Walk at your normal pace, with your hands hanging naturally at your sides. No need to hold your hand up in the air. Its not about how long the leash is, its about how loose the leash is. You just need a length that is comfortable for you but not long enough to drag on the ground. Bunch up any excess in your hand and just walk.

Carry a pocket full of small treats, and start out on your walk. The dog will pull at first, because that is his habit, but this time, when he does, it won't get him anywhere.

When he pulls and makes the leash tight, just back up in your tracks. Don't yell or yank, just maintain the tension he has put in the leash and walk straight back in the opposite direction. Just keep going as though you had someone by the sleeve and were trying to keep them from walking off a cliff. This part is crucial, and is done by feel: As soon as— and I mean the instant—you feel the dog give to the leash, or put any slack in it at all, start forward again and continue the walk. You don't need to say a word; the leash will do the talking.

Once in a while you may entice him to come back to you near your left side and give him a small treat before starting again. If your timing is good, don't be surprised if he decides hanging out by your side is more appealing than playing "sled dog" down the street.

The key to this method is letting him see that it is his responsibility to put slack in the leash:
He took the slack out by pulling, and he has to put it back in before he gets to go forward.

You must be patient. He will not walk backward indefinitely with a tight leash. He will do something to change it, and when he does, go forward, because that is what he really wants to do. There is no point in giving him a command or yelling at him. Actions speak much louder than words, especially when it comes to animals. Later, when he has gotten the idea, you can put words to it like "walkies" or "let's go" to the behavior.

This is foundation work. Like the foundation of a house, if you take the time to do it right, it will last, and you won't have to do it again.

Copyright 2008 Julia Priest