Dog Training Basics

Posts Tagged ‘dog pulling’

When we first get our new puppy or a dog from rescue, we typically wish to know what kind of training, if any, the dog knows. Sit is about the very first thing a dog learns so many dogs know this one, even puppies. But as we move thru life with our dogs it is terribly helpful for humans to be able to direct the dogs from one place to another.

Having your dog pulling on lead is a bad habit that needs correcting instantly. This behavior makes for annoyed owners and possibly hurts the dog’s neck. There is a technique to change this behavior.

It sure would be convenient if our dogs could change direction or wait for a few minutes whilst we made our way to the automobile, round the block or in the house? Having a dog run across a busy street is frightening and deadly. That is something that occurs too often and can be curtailed.

My dog trainer, John Spieser, says that the first 2 commands he teaches a dog or a puppy are “wait” and “this way”. Using these two commands he can get a dog to go just about anywhere he wishes them to and keep the dog safe along the way. This is also used to get a dog to stop pulling on the leash.

The command “wait” is simple to coach your dog. For some reason, wait, feels temporary to a dog so he’s more prepared to wait there than to “stay” somewhere for ages. “Wait” is good for street corners. Tell your dog to “wait” at the corner while traffic passes. Or maybe your dog needs to stay calm whilst another dog, kids, bikes or whatever passes by. Perhaps you want him to wait for his food. Irrespective of the reason, the dog learns that it is only a temporary situation, soon to be followed by the release ( which is rewarding ) and doubtless more certainly stimulating for the dog.

The “this way” command is much better than come. The recall or “come” command tends to get over used and dogs may get resentful after hearing it often. Using “this way” allows the dog to keep moving but in a different direction. If your dog is running away from you and doesn’t respond to the typical recall command of “come”, then try implementing “this way” into your coaching routine. A dog hears this as a chance to please and still keeps moving. It’s much less restrictive to the dog and it is actually simple to coach this to a dog.

For more effective communication with your dog, try dog coaching commands that teach your dog how to move with you without being too restrictive. Consider making “wait” and “this way” a first part of your repertoire.

These two commands are successfully employed in changing the leash pulling behavior too. The two dog training commands that make the most sense are ones that give you a lot of versatility with your dog.

Get your dog or puppy moving where you need him using these 2 dog training instructions. Stop your dog pulling. Listen in the free audio from my dog trainer John Spieser.