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<\/figure>\nWhy dogs pull<\/h2>\n
Usually because pulling works. The dog pulled \u2014 he reached the tree. Pulled \u2014 he got to the other dog. Pulled \u2014 he got out of the door faster. Every goal reached reinforced the same way of moving.<\/p>\n
It is not necessarily an attempt to take charge. The dog may be excited, afraid of being left behind, wanting more distance from a sound, hurrying towards a smell, or simply not yet understanding lead pressure.<\/p>\n
So first choose suitable equipment. A well-fitting harness should not restrict the shoulders or rub the armpits. A simple lead a few metres long offers more options than a very short one that is constantly taut. In an open, safe space you can use a long lead, but it must never be wound around your hands or attached to equipment that presses painfully on the neck.<\/p>\n
How to teach a loose lead<\/h2>\n
Start where the surroundings are less interesting than you are. Mark and reward the moments when the lead is loose, the dog looks round or comes closer of his own accord. Take a few steps, change direction, stop and move again.<\/p>\n
When the lead tightens, there is no need to jerk. You can stop, gently change direction or call the dog back. Movement continues when the lead goes slack. That way the journey itself becomes the reward.<\/p>\n
It is important not to demand too much too soon. A dog who walks beautifully in the garden cannot yet do it at the school gates. Increase only one difficulty factor at a time: the distance covered, the length of the exercise, or the number and intensity of distractions.<\/p>\n
Sniffing is not misbehaviour<\/h2>\n
A dog\u2019s nose gathers information a person does not even notice. Sniffing can slow the pulse, help him orient himself and provide meaningful mental work. A walk in which the dog only mechanically follows your pace and is never allowed to stop loses a large part of its value.<\/p>\n
This does not mean the dog chooses every direction. You decide where it is safe to go and when it is time to move on. But letting the dog choose which verge to sniff for a few minutes is not handing over authority.<\/p>\n
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