Train Your Dog to Walk or Heel Without a Choke Chain
Many people think that choke-chains just aren't the way to go. To teach your dog to walk without pulling without a choke chain, read the following. WikiHow hopes to bring joy to your newly-trained pup!
Steps
- Buy a harness for your dog. Pulling a dog by the neck using a choke chain is incredibly uncomfortable. Also a tugging dog will deny itself oxygen when it's pulling on the lead. The harness fits under the front legs, across the chest and over the back. It will be much more comfortable for the dog and will give you more control. The lead should clip onto a ring in the middle of the back. There are also front-clip harnesses where the leash attaches at the middle of the dog's chest that can greatly reduce pulling.
- Get your dog's favorite toy and treats as leads. This will lure your dog into following you around and, it will teach him to hold his head high, since he will be looking at you and the treats.
- Start your training in an area with few distractions, and after your dog has already exercised in some way (playing fetch with you, running in the park, etc.)
- Every time your dog looks away, say his name excitedly, shake the toy or treat, and say "Let's go!" (excitedly), treat him, and he will keep walking.
- If the dog gets ahead of you and starts to pull, take a few steps backwards (look behind you, first!) until the dog is moving back towards you again and is at your side. At that time start walking forward again - the dog should be at your side and you should immediately praise and reward your dog.
- Use lots of praise with your dog, as long as the leash is loose. He will be happier with praise and a food or toy treat than he will be with any of those alone.
- If your dog is consistently pulling, you may want to try using a head halter; these work very well also if your dog is comfortable wearing it (it may need to be desensitized first).
- Remember that you need to give your dog enough slack in the leash that is loose when the dog is walking close to you. If you hold the dog close to your side with a tight leash, it will be very difficult for the dog to learn to walk without pulling.
- Remember, do not use any harsh discipline like hitting, jerking on the leash or yelling when your dog doesn't follow. Heel is a command that takes being tender, loving, and having patience. If your dog doesn't follow, do step three again, and if he does, but then starts pulling again say a soft yet stern "No Max", and continue.
Tips
- Buy a harness that fits your dog properly. Many harnesses are adjustable as even dogs of the same breed can vary wildly in size. The best idea is to take your dog to the pet supply store and try on several harnesses until you find one that you are happy with, that fits your dog well, and that will serve the purpose well.
- If you don't know what size of harness your dog is, take him/her to your local Petsmart or Petco.
Warnings
- If choke chains are used correctly, they can be effective (though positive punishment and negative reinforcement) at teaching a dog to walk without pulling. They are only effective if the dog is walking on one side of you (traditionally, on the left) and the chain must be placed on the dog's neck specifically for that side. Choke chains should never be used on puppies, and there is evidence to show that they can cause lasting, long-term damage to a dog's neck and trachea.
- Do not get frustrated or tug on the harness. Walking on a loose leash is challenging to teach but can be accomplished with the correct method. Tugging on the harness may hurt the dog and get him confused. This is the same with yelling.
Things You'll Need
- A dog that wants to learn
- A low-distraction environment
- Treats (food or toys) and Praise
- Harness or halter
- Leash (non-extendable)
