On our walks, my two little dogs used to pull me around the neighborhood. It was embarrassing! I kept wondering how they trained me so well!

Finally I goggled "leash training a puppy" and found lots of valuable info. I tried several methods, combined two of them, and introduced a collar-like product called a Gentle Leader to the older leash-pulling puppy.

After a week of using the improved method, the dogs made noticeable progress. Several weeks later, the pulling is minimal, despite the fact that the worst leash puller took a leave of absence from leash training due to a digestive ailment.

What Methods Were Combined?

The first of the two methods in the combination is simple. When you leash train a puppy, reward ONLY when you see a desired behavior - when the dog is paying attention to the trainer.

The second method involves changing direction every 10 or so steps. Again, the dog MUST pay attention to the trainer. Otherwise, he's going to be out of step AND get stepped on. It's amazing how quickly an animal will adjust when the trainer takes charge.

Combine these two methods and practice at least once a day for a few minutes at a time. Practice before the dog eats so that the treats complement the training.

Give this method a try! The leash pulling will disappear sooner than you expect!

A Few Words About The Gentle Leader

Using the Gentle Leader correctly allows the trainer more control over the dog's pulling behavior. It also positions the neck collar ABOVE the dog's trachea so he's less likely to hurt himself when he pulls. It does require a short break-in period while the dog gets used to the nose strap.

My opinion is that the Gentle Leader's leash training advantages far outweigh the break-in period factor.