How to stop your dog from pulling the leash?

Building a relationship with your dog begins at home. If you are constant in your actions in the house, then on a walk the dog will trust you to lead it.

Here are some key points to remember before heading out on your next hike:

1. When picking up the leash, do not put it on until the dog is calm. If the dog is jumping, circling around you, or even barking, do not strap on the leash, otherwise it will only reinforce the misbehavior and it will only get even more aroused. Wait until the dog has calmed down and only then can you fasten it. If the dog still does not become calm, then go back to your business, walk around the house with a leash. If after 5 minutes the dog runs after you in an agitated state, then put aside the leash and wait some more time. When the dog calms down, try again. When the dog has calmed down and you put on the leash, the dog should also remain calm, and if it is jacked up, then act on the same principle, first wait, if not calm, then unfasten the leash and try again later. Some dogs take a little more time and patience, but it’s better to spend it than chasing the dog all your life.
2. The main thing is calmness and patience, which means that you should not rush and go out into the street, even if the dog is calmly waiting for a walk. First, try walking your dog around the house to avoid pulling you on the leash. Walk around pieces of furniture, around rooms and watch her behavior. If she starts to follow you, then head to the door.
3. Try to be the first to leave the house in order to have time to react to what is happening outside the door. If there is a trigger that could get the dog agitated again, it is best to wait until it disappears. It is much more pleasant to leave the house calmly with a balanced dog than when it breaks and sweeps away everything in its path. If you have a problem with this, then practice going through the doorways until the dog relaxes and begins to calmly follow you.
4. Always be calm and relaxed, pay attention to your posture, walking style and shoulder position, and your arms should not be tense.
5. When you go out for a walk, first let the dog walk next to you, well, children and other animals can run around the street. When everything is calm, let the dog go for a walk by telling the command - walk. Of course, she wants to do her business, but she can endure a couple of minutes, unless of course she has been locked up for too much time, but this does not negate the fact that it is better to let the dog go in a calm state so that she does not rush anywhere.
6. If, on a free walk, the dog begins to pull the leash, then simply change the direction of movement and the dog will have to follow you. The dog pulls again, then do not pull on the leash, but just stop and wait until it calms down. If the dog continues to pull, shorten the leash and repeat the previous steps, and with a calm walk, give him more distance and the dog will understand that with a calm demeanor he gets what he wants.

With love for your dogs!