One of the more common problems with dogs is that they want to escape. So when they are on the leash they will try to pull away from the leash. In some cases, especially with puppies you will see them trying to pull their owners along for the walk, instead of the other way around; this can be exceptionally irritating to you. This behavior many times leads to breaking the leash and having a dog roaming the neighborhood getting into all kinds of mischief.

Another couple of reasons that dogs often pull on the leash are excitement and wanting to confront another dog. If your dog sees another dog it will instinctively want to go and confront it - perhaps to show it's dominance over that dog. You can fix this problem by constantly showing your dog that you are the dominant one. One you have done this your dog will be much less likely to want to confront other dogs. Excitement is another common cause of dogs pulling on the leash. You can control excitement quite easily by simply stopping walking your dog. Wait a couple of minutes then start walking again.

You will need to take the time to teach your dog slowly and calmly to not only be okay with the leash and collar but also to notice that you are the leader and that he is to walk the way you want him too. Calmly teach your dog how to sit when he is pulling on the leash. Be sure to be firm and commanding when you tell him to do this. Only when he has complied with your commands do you continue to walk. This will condition him to do as you say or his walk will be stopped.

If your dog keeps rushing off ahead, give the leash a gentle tug and tell your dog to sit. Repeat this process until your dog starts to realize that he isn't allowed to race off ahead. If your dog simply isn't understanding or learning this concept, return to your home and stay there until your dog has calmed down. You can then continue walking a little more, hopefully this time in a calm manner. Repeat this process until your dog understands the rules.

Another thing you must do is become a leader; many times the dog will actually wait until you make the first move. If he does he will have established himself as the leader and will do as he pleases on the walk. However, if you should actually take the lead and make many stops and ask him to sit each time. Eventually the dog will be more focused on what you want him to do instead of taking off.

Once your dog starts to follow your commands exactly as you have asked, give him some praise or a little treat. Don't get carried away, just let your dog know that he's doing a good job.

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With an estimated 75 million pet dogs in the United States, more than 37% of owners have more than one dog. The Multiple-Dog Family covers important subjects like how to plan for, set up, and maintain a home environment that will help dogs and owners live in harmony...

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Written by Craig Clemins using tags: animals, Dogs, family, living, Pets