When in Doubt, Step on the Leash: A Simple Solution to Leash Pulling
As dog lovers, we’ve all experienced the moment when our dog becomes overwhelmed by a trigger and begins to pull and lunge on the leash. Depending on the size and strength of your dog, this situation can cause stress, frustration, and sometimes even panic. When your dog pulls for an extended time, you may find yourself sweating, with pain in your hand, and the growing fear that you won’t be able to hold on.
In these stressful moments, there’s a super simple technique that can help you feel more in control: stepping on the leash. This easy yet effective method allows you to regain control while keeping yourself and your dog safe.
How to Safely Step on the Leash
When your dog starts lunging or pulling, follow these steps:
Lower the leash: Hold the leash firmly with both hands, lowering it so the handle is about a foot off the ground.
Step on the leash: While continuing to grip the leash, step on it with one foot and then the other.
Use your body weight: Put your full body weight on the leash with both feet, and observe how your dog responds.
By stepping on the leash, you’re using your body weight to counteract your dog’s pulling energy. This technique not only helps you regain physical control, but it also allows you to stay calm, which your dog will naturally mirror.
Managing Leash Reactivity
Leash reactivity, such as lunging, barking and pulling, can happen when a dog becomes overstimulated by a trigger (like another dog, a squirrel, or a loud noise). When this happens, there are two important actions you can take to immediately diffuse the situation:
Increase the distance: Move at least 20 feet away from the trigger. Distance helps make the stimulus less overwhelming for your dog; if they don’t calm down quickly, move another 20 feet away from the stimulus.
Cut off the visual: Hide behind a car, shrub, or building to break the visual connection between your dog and the stimulus.
The longer a reactive behavior goes on, the more likely it is to become a habit. So, getting your dog to stop as soon as possible is crucial. Once the crisis is over, you can focus on long-term solutions to leash reactivity, such as desensitization training.
Final Thoughts on Leash Training
Using your body weight to step on the leash is a simple yet powerful tool for managing leash pulling and reactivity. It gives you control in the moment and helps reduce stress for both you and your dog. Remember, the goal is not just to stop the behavior, but also to stay calm and provide a stable example for your dog to follow.
For long-term success, check out my next blog on desensitizing your dog using hot and cold feedback. This method will help you address the root causes of leash reactivity and create a more enjoyable walking experience for both you and your dog.
