If you’ve ever felt like your dog is out of control when you’re trying to walk them, trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. Dogs are curious creatures by nature and sometimes that can make walks a challenge. But don’t worry, there are ways to help get your pup back on track. Check out my top tips below for keeping your dog under control during walks.
What an out of control dog looks like on a walk
Walking an out-of-control dog can be a frustrating experience. A common symptom is your pup pulling relentlessly on the leash every time it sees or smells something interesting, almost yanking you off your feet in their enthusiasm. If other people walk by with their dogs, your pup may bark and jump at them so crazily that you have to drag it away from the stranger. You may find yourself constantly corralling your pup and sometimes even sprinting after them when they manage to escape the confines of their leash. My dog is a nightmare to walk – he pulls so hard on walks that I struggle to maintain control of him.
Your pup may also not follow your commands, leading to you repeating the same command repeatedly or resorting to physical methods of discipline like yanking the leash. As a result, walks can become quite stressful for both you and your pup. In some cases, the dog may try to bite or attack other people or animals that they encounter while walking.
Q. My dog is a nightmare to walk – he pulls so hard on walks that I struggle to maintain control of him. What can I do to help him calm down on the leash?
A. The best way to help your pup learn how to walk calmly on the leash is through positive reinforcement training. Reward them with treats or verbal praise whenever they respond to a command or stay within an acceptable distance from you while walking. If they are getting too excited during walks, gently redirect their attention back to you or have them perform a simple task like sitting. If they are still unruly, take shorter and more frequent walks with plenty of breaks in between for your pup to rest and reset. Over time, your pup should become better at walking calmly on the leash.
Some possible reasons for why your dog is behaving this way
It is important to understand the possible reasons for why your dog may be behaving strangely or out of character. There could be a change in their environment that has caused anxiety, such as a new person moving into the household. It could also be that your pup has developed some sort of health issue and needs veterinary attention. Additionally, your pup’s behavior may be related to separation anxiety, especially if they seem distressed when you leave them alone. Furthermore, energy levels and boredom can also contribute to behaviors changes in pets; low energy levels can lead to depression while boredom can manifest itself through destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or barking excessively. It is important to take note of any changes in behavior and make sure that you are providing enough mental and physical stimulation for your pet.
How to get your dog back under control
If your out of control dog has you at the end of your rope, there are several solutions you should consider. Firstly, ensure that your pup is getting plenty of exercise each day – this can be a simple morning jog with your pet or an afternoon playdate with another friendly pooch to help wear out their extra energy.
Additionally, providing positive reinforcement for good behavior can go a long way in teaching manners and obedience – rewarding them with their favorite treat or toy when they behave well can encourage the behavior and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.
Lastly, if all else fails, seeking out professional coaching from an experienced trainer may be the viable solution. Through regular 1-on-1 training sessions, they can provide tools to better understand why your pup is out of control and how to properly respond in order to get them back on track. By following any one of these steps, you can work together as a team to put Fido back on a path toward good canine conduct!
How to walk a dog that pulls
One of the most common issues that dog owners face is dealing with a pup who pulls on the leash when they’re out for a walk. This can be a sign of a dog that is out of control on walks. This can be an incredibly frustrating experience, not only because it makes walks less enjoyable but also because too much pulling can cause health issues in your pet over time. Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to help train your pup and get them used to walking with you without pulling.
The first step is to ensure that you have the right equipment. A comfortable, adjustable collar and a good-quality leash are essential for successful training. Make sure that the collar isn’t too tight, as this could cause discomfort for your pup. A harness is also a good option, as it gives you more control and makes it easier to redirect your dog’s attention without causing any discomfort.
Next, it’s important to create an environment that encourages good behavior. Before starting the walk, give your pup time to sniff around and explore the area so that they can get their energy out. Walk at a moderate speed that your pup can keep up with, and make sure to offer plenty of positive reinforcement when they stay close and don’t pull.
If your pup does start to pull, stop walking immediately. Don’t try to yank them back as this will only reinforce the bad behavior. Instead, calmly call their name, turn them around and give them a treat or some verbal praise when they come back to you.
Finally, practice makes perfect! Regular walks with your pup will help them learn faster and build up muscle control so that they don’t pull as much. Remember not to get frustrated if progress isn’t immediate; it can take some time for them to learn. With consistent effort, your pup will soon be walking with you without pulling!
Preventing this behavior in the future
To get your dog under control and prevent future aggressively-behaving episodes, it is essential to take charge when your pup acts out. In the moment, firmly commanding your pup away from a situation should be your go-to solution. By taking direct, consistent action when an aggressive behavior occurs you not only correct their bad behavior but also show your dog who is in control.
Before the next approaching triggers can take hold, basic obedience classes can help to get the aggression problems under control while also teaching dogs proper methods of communication and how to cope with their surroundings. With a combination of positive reinforcement, corrections and consistency training, you will be able to get your furry companion under control in no time!
If your dog is pulling on the leash, lunging at other dogs or people, barreling ahead on walks, and generally seems out of control, don’t despair. There are things you can do to get your dog back under control and prevent this behavior in the future. With a little patience, consistency, and training, you can have the well-behaved dog you’ve always wanted.