leash probs

[Kamila]

my dog walks better off-lead than on-lead. He never strays far away, always comes when called, but when he's on-leash he tugs quite often and it's annoying. I'd prefer to walk him off-leash cos it's so much easier (but obviously this isn't really possible, when we walk near roads etc.)
How did everyone out there stop there dog from tugging? I don't want to use a choke chain, or a whistle or clicker or any of that stupid stuff, I just want him to respect me enough not to tug!

[Angie]

Hi Kamila,
Here's the reply I just posted to the thread above yours:

Hi there,
A quick suggestion: try a head collar (the best-known ones are marketed under the names "Gentle Leader" and "Halti").
These head collars were originally designed for runners to use on populated trails, to keep their dogs from drifting into the way of others, so they work equally well on city streets, or any time you're walking your dog and don't feel like putting up with tugging/lingering behind. Most dogs pick up how to walk "properly" on the leash after just a few tries with the Gentle Leader - I've been able to revert to a normal neck-collar in a month or two with all my dogs.
The Gentle Leader/Halti is essentially a bridle (like what goes on a horse) for your dog, and it really makes a HUGE difference in how easily you can direct your dog's direction.
It's made up of two straps, one of which goes around the base of the muzzle, and the other goes behind the head.
Because the collar controls the direction of your dog's head, rather than a traditional collar which just tugs on the muscular part of the neck, you can redirect your dog with almost no effort at all - and they quickly learn not to tug.
Your dog can still eat, drink, bark, and smile (as in, this is not a muzzle by any stretch of the imagination). I'd recommend giving one a shot - they're relatively inexpensive, and can be bought from petstores and vet clinics.
Hope this helps
- Angie

[Muggsmom]

I use a head halter with my dog and he still manages to pull, especially if something grabs his attention or smells really good lol. Now when he starts to pull ahead, I stop dead. He's learning to back up as soon as the halter tightens. Another thing that works is turning in the other direction (he HATES that). I use that if he's being particularly stubborn. It takes time and patience, but he's learning. And I don't have to get a massage after every walk LOL.

[EdEarl]

Originally Posted by Kamila

my dog walks better off-lead than on-lead. He never strays far away, always comes when called, but when he's on-leash he tugs quite often and it's annoying. I'd prefer to walk him off-leash cos it's so much easier (but obviously this isn't really possible, when we walk near roads etc.)
How did everyone out there stop there dog from tugging? I don't want to use a choke chain, or a whistle or clicker or any of that stupid stuff, I just want him to respect me enough not to tug!

Board the dog with a trainer for about a month and pay the trainer to do what you don't want to do.