Pulling Tight On Your Dog’s Leash Will Only Make Them Pull Back Harder

If you are walking your dog on a leash, then there will always be those moments when they resist your pull. They want to go a different way than that which you are guiding them. And when this happens, your first instinct is to pull them back to your path.

I’ve got a shocker for you. It won’t work.

Instead, you will have initiated a tug of war with your dog that’s so intense that even when the dog is gagging, choking, and coughing, they still won’t stop pulling. Don’t panic. There is nothing maniacal about it. Rather, it’s what we call oppositional reflex. It’s your dog’s instinct to pressure. When you pull on your dog, the dog pulls back in the other direction to maintain balance.

So, what can you do about it?

You can start by disposing of the rubber and retractable leashes you use since they only serve to encourage the reflex. Second, when your dog initiates the pulling, don’t pull back. They don’t know about oppositional reflex but you do. Instead, engage with your dog by calling them or talking to them and then proceed walking once the leash is loose. If they don’t listen then make as if to turn back and have them follow you.

Once the leash is loose resume your initial direction. The goal here is to train your dog’s brain that the only way the walk is happening is on a loose leash. Finally, start training your dog how to walk on a leash from an early stage. For full effectiveness, start with short walks around a familiar environment. New environments may distract your dog and causing them to pull on the leash as they try to explore. Remember to always treat your dog after a proper leash walking and most importantly, be patient with them.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay