If your dog walks well on his lead, fab, well done. For many, many people however, this is not the case and it seems like the pooch who pulls like a team of sledge dogs will never walk by your side.

There are several methods to teach loose lead walking. They can all work better or not depending on the dog or the handler. But HERE are the steps that most blogs and YouTube videos miss out regardless of what method you choose.…….

Don’t start in the park during your daily walk. For most dogs, the daily walk is the highlight of the day. This is where they get to do all of their dog stuff. Squirrels, birds, dogs bums, balls, sniffing in bushes, dogs bums, sticks, treats, rolling in fox poo, dogs bums. If you have a Labrador, then the highlight of the day is food. Obvs. You wouldn’t ask your kids to do homework at Alton Towers but we take our dogs to the park and expect them to learn to walk calmly by our sides. Madness.

You need to start at home. If you have a long hallway, that’s best. If not, then the lounge. Wait till he’s perfect in the lounge then move to the kitchen. It will be days, even a week before you train outdoors. If you have a garden, that’s next. If you are in a flat, drive to the outskirts of a supermarket carpark where NOTHING lives or happens. Give him the chance to succeed without rabbits or pigeons. Once he’s perfect everywhere, THEN try the park. A far distant corner of the park where nobody else goes.

Loose lead walking can be one of the most difficult behaviours to teach. If you need help, we’re here for you.