A dog trainer has shared a simple technique to stop pets from pulling on the lead, with owners describing it as a 'game changer'. Southend Dog Training posted a video on social media advising owners to pull the lead upwards instead of backwards when their dog pulls.
In the video, the trainer explains: 'If your dog pulls on a lead, listen to this. Do this one thing and it'll change how your dog walks. Instead of pulling back, yanking or restraining, pull up.' He says pulling up slows the dog down, while pulling back only makes them pull harder, as it mimics restraint used in bite work training.
The trainer also advises against getting dogs excited before a walk, recommending they be settled before leaving the house. The post attracted numerous comments, with one user saying: 'My Springer Spaniel is terrible for pulling. I'll try this tomorrow.' Another added: 'I tried this, but makes no difference especially at the starts of walk when he's super excited.'
Other users suggested alternative methods, such as teaching a 'stop' command or waiting for the dog to calm down before attaching the lead. The advice follows a separate post from K9 University Dog Training, which urged owners not to reward 'complaining' sounds from their dogs, as it can exacerbate the behaviour.
