Nobody wants their fun leisurely walk with their loving pet to turn into an all out tug-of-war battle,  your will want to rush ahead and go wherever he wants.  If you are quite happy to rush from tree to post whilst your dog smells which of his friends has been there before him,  don’t bother reading on.  If however you wish to take control of walkies and enjoy a pleasant walk with your canine family member here are 5 simple tips on how to stop leash pulling from your dog.

If you are in the greater Los Angeles or San Fernando Valley area contact us, we can help!

1. Preparation is Key:

If you want to stop leash pulling, don’t just put on the leash and go…Take 10-15 minutes (or more) of “lead time” to warm your dog up by walking them around the house with their leash / collar so they are more focused on their job versus being anxious about the walk once you actually are at the door after this warm up period is done. It is also helpful to have your dog wear their leash at random times other than pre-walk so they can reduce the strong associations they may be having with it always being a pre-cursor to walks.

2. Structure your Walks

Teaching your dog to obey a strong Heel or Let’s Go type of walking command will reduce the over-projection and anxiety associated with leash pulling in dogs. By having your dog commit to one clearly defined space next to you, it gives your dog a job to do and promotes focus in your direction instead of constantly thinking ahead! Plus, walking this way simulates how dogs (and many other animal species) align with a pack, herd, pod, etc. instead of the independent, over anticipation that leads to a dog thinking many steps ahead of where you and their bodies actually are. Which creates the cause for distractions and reactions on walks.

3. Structure your Dog’s Home Environments

As a professional dog trainer in Los Angeles most of my clients’s dogs do not just suffer from leash pulling as an isolated problem. Because I have been in the homes of literally thousands of dog owners with problem pooches I have had the opportunity to observe how most dogs who have unwanted behaviors like pulling on their leash are also highly anxious and hypersensitive in their indoor home lives as well. Examples of this are “tracking” their owners movements too closely / impulsively (following you everywhere nonstop), getting easily stimulated, or being pushy by having to “ask” for resources such as food, potty time, and attention. By giving dogs of this nature more structure and training at home when they may be too reactive to what is going on around them it communicate that we are able to keep track of them and give them things to do while we conduct our own human business in their presence. By implementing your dog training when you are actually living and not as a scheduled thing, you also help teach your pup how to listen to you while life is happening when you may really need it!

4. Socialization

Many dogs have difficulty walking because they are not socialized enough and become too stimulated and over reactive to things they are not familiar with. By getting your dog out in the world to experience as many people, dogs, and different environments as possible with a calm, association to listening versus reacting, they will learn how to be more neutral to what you may encounter on your walks.

5. Check Your Equipment

Unfortunately, some dog training equipment can be counterproductive to teaching your dog to stop leash pulling. Traditional harnesses or even a dog collar that is worn too low on a dog’s neck can trigger a pulling (opposition) reflex which creates the sensation for a dog to want to pull against this pressure and energy being dispersed too low and broadly across their bodies. This is how sled dogs operate! Some dog training equipment such as no-pull harnesses and gentle lead / head halti devices work a little better at preventing leash pulling physically, but does not address the over-projection of a dog’s thinking as the cause of why they have pulling problems. It’s in essence putting a band aid over the problem (most overly-positive dog training tends to do this) and a dog never learns how to organically walk as their natural instincts dictate. All dogs have this ability!

Instead, a collar worn snug behind a dogs ears (similar to how show dogs are walked and the dog whisperers collar) provides the right type of pressure to help draw focus inward and reorganize their sensory system to prevent them from over projecting. It is basically like teaching your dog how to meditate instead of them visualizing themselves halfway around the neighborhood before the walk even begins! Remember, we are not trying to choke or correct our dogs (primary reason dog owners / trainers avoid using a “training” collar in the first place) our goal is to project our energy or chi by sending light pressure in the pockets behind their ears as another dogs would do with their mouths to keep their structure while flowing together as a pack. You can even see dogs do this in play as they attempt to herd each other to establish angles and direction.

By learning how to connect with your dog naturally as a lifestyle and in your training you will begin to see results and learn how to stop leash pulling from day one…

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author based in L.A. with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com or email: dogtrainingla@gmail.com

The following are a few helpful tips I share with my Los Angeles dog training clients to help you resolve your excessive dog barking problems too.

1) Dogs Should take a “Wait and See” Approach to Life

I find a large percentage of problem barking is directed at humans in attempts to “seek” something they need from their two legged counterparts. Although many people find this cute or think it is good that “they are telling me what they need…” This is not a good thing at all and a major cause of anxiety and excessive dog barking in the cases I see. As I tell all of my clients, you are good at taking care of your dog and providing what they need in the appropriate time frame necessary. Whether is be food, attention, or to be let out, unless there is a medical emergency, a dog should NEVER feel responsible for dictating the next event or action that occurs between them and humans. It empowers them to be responsible for a situation that is beyond overwhelming for them to handle. Our world is far too complicated for them to feel responsible for even the most basic of transactions. Yet, will find great contentment in patiently waiting for all their needs to be accommodated in our time frame as we dictate.

2) Give Your Dog a Job

Many dogs who are our pets were genetically made to work and are highly driven. On their own, they can easily become bored or simply not know what to do when our fast paced lives are going on around them. By created structured tasks vis basic commands while you are doing your chores, family gatherings, and other transitional times, it simulates the essence of what dogs first did alongside early man. To take direction from humans as we take care of our human business.

3) Physical Exercise

Exercise helps release physical energy, gives a dog the chance to feel free, and releases endorphins into their systems to help them feel more balanced overall reducing their need for excessive dog barking. Every healthy dog should have a regular exercise regiment in place. Even out of shape or senior dogs can benefit from daily walks and the occasion run. I offer k9 personal training sessions even for my clients in Los Angeles and Hollywood.

4) Mental Exercise

Like physical energy, mental energy needs and outlet too. By providing a daily training regiment that challenges a dog’s mind and develops single pointed focus as described in #2, releases a great deal of thinking energy that drives the overthinking which leads to problem behaviors.

5) Socialization

Some dogs get frustrated from not being around their own kind. Although they do not need to live at the dog park, it gives them a sense of purpose and validation to see that they are not the only ones i the world who walk on all fours and pee outside.

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author based in L.A. with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com  email: dogtrainingla@gmail.com and check out his Yelp Dog Training Reviews.

1) Hike Runyon Canyon Park:

Runyon Canyon Park is the place to be if you want to spot celebrity pets strolling alongside their owners or are looking for some outdoor time with your dog Hollywood style! The park is actually quite beautiful and you can allow your dog off leash once you are in the park.

Runyon Canyon Park
Address: 2001 N. Fuller Ave. Los Angeles
Tip: Park can get busy on the weekends and parking can be tricky. I always find it best to go during the week when there are less crowds.

2) Leo Carillo State Dog Beach:

With the amount of coastline and beaches Los Angeles boasts, there are actually very few public areas that allow dogs. Leo Carillo state beach is one of the few in the area that are dog friendly. Located in Malibu, this beach is the perfect excuse to take a road trip with fido to enjoy some sun and surf with other dogs and their owners.

Leo Carillo State Beach
Address: 35000 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA
Tip: Teach your dog good off-lead listening and socialization skills to ensure you both have the best time while at the dog park.

3) Laurel Canyon Dog Park:

If you are a a dog owner and live anywhere near the San Fernando Valley or Hollywood there is a good chance you already have been here…multiple times! This park is huge and in a cool mountain setting. This is a great park to socialize your dog anytime of day due to its convenient location and constant stream of “dog traffic” coming and going all day long.

Laurel Canyon Dog Park
Address: 8260 Mullholland Dr. Los Angeles
Tip: The park can get hot and dry in the summer so plan accordingly.  Local Dog Walkers tend to take large packs of dogs there during the day time.

4) Dog Rescue Events

One of the trends in Los Angeles I am actually in agreement with is the status of owning a rescue animal. Because of the large homeless pet population in L.A., there are rescue events and benefits being held almost daily. There are hundreds of shelters and rescues from Calabasas to Compton eager to adopt to a loving and responsible family. To not even go to just “take a look…” is to not be an Angelino!

Thousands of homeless dogs need new homes everyday!
Where: Your local animal shelter, rescue organization, or online rehoming website.
Tip: Because every dog deserves to have a happy and safe existence.

5) Beverly Hills Pet Boutiques

Although I am more of bare bones (pun totally intended) type of dog trainer, I do find it fascinating how dogs have become without a doubt full members of our families. Earning them the right to drain mom and dad’s bank account like any good human child should. If you like to indulge in your pet or see how the other furry half lives, take a stroll through the many high end pet shops and dog boutiques in Beverly Hills and other parts of L.A.

Pariero Pet Boutique
Address: 8268 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles
Tip: This Japanese dog clothing company has their flagship store at this location and has what it takes to make your pup the most stylish pet at his doggie daycare.

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author based in L.A. with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com or email: dogtrainingla@gmail.com

These song lyrics do not only apply to children. By taking the time to teach your dog how to navigate the most common everyday situations they may encounter, (vs. expecting them to “figure it out” on their own) you are not only preventing a potential disaster or at the very least the development of bad habits, but you are also giving them an impression of what to do in the environments and interactions you will be sharing daily for the rest of your lives.

2) Potty Training:

Unfortunately too many new puppy owners get bad advice on how to housebreak their dog and use methods like pee pads or doggie doors as a way to try to teach their dog how to use the bathroom outdoors. The rationale is that the dog will know when to go and seek out these conveniences as a way to relive themselves. Although these methods are appropriate if your dog has a medical issue or has been taught proper housebreaking skills prior to their use (a doggie door can be a great thing!) a dog needs to develop the association of going to the bathroom outdoors and learn how to “hold it” as early as possible for increasingly longer periods of time as they mature. This is so they may learn as an adult dog how to wait for you to let them out so they know when to “go” on command and to (sorry for this one guys…) “empty” themselves so they may “hold it” comfortably until the next schedule potty break you decide as a conscious and responsible dog owner. Unlike humans, all dogs are capable of learning how to do this! Quite frankly, the only adult cases I see in my Los Angeles dog training practice with housebreaking problems are the ones who were either taught it was ok to go indoors with wee wee pads or were taken out too frequently when they should have learned how to “hold it” a better. This can be all avoided by develop a constant bathroom schedule from the start with your new puppy. Please visit my other articles that describe puppy potty training in more detail on my website’s bog dogtrainingla.com
3) Socialization, Socialization, Socialization:

Need I say more? I cannot stress how dogs who were not socialized or improperly introduced to people, dogs, places, etc. as a puppy is the number one reason I have a job! Invest in your dogs future and get them out into the world and allow them to experience as much as possible while they are young and most impressionable. There are countless dog parks, daycares, playgroups,, and of course other dog owners all Los Angeles and beyond.
4) Basic Training for Puppies:

Teaching your dog basic commands (Heel, Sit, Down, Come, etc.) as early as possible will create a lasting imprint so your dog training commands can be relied upon consistently if needed in a real life situation. You should begin to imprint basic commands the day you get your pup home. The myth that you should wait 4-6 months until you begin training your puppy is nonsense. A dog is constantly learning from the day it is born and you can seize the opportunity to begin teaching your dog the right associations from day one! I have seen first hand what happens if an owner waits to long for some more difficult dogs to start their education. Even a few months can make a big difference in how hard you need to work to get your dog on the right track to being well mannered and listen as an adult when the chips are down. Begin teaching with treats and to build performance / enthusiasm, but make sure you do not rely on them always to get your dog to listen so they can trust that what you say is safest for them regardless of what is in your hand as a bribe.

5) Have fun!:

Although there will be you are having to train your dog when all you want to do instead is indulge in the strong emotions you feel towards them. This is, of course why you got a puppy in the first place and for the most part, completely appropriate. Just always be aware of the times when training and guidance may be a greater priority than indulging in our human impulses. If only as a means to prevent more severe future problems. By taking the time to be a balanced and aware new puppy owner you will be rewarded with a well mannered adult dog who you can actually love and enjoy!

Brett Endes, The Dog Savant is a professional dog trainer and author with over 20 years experience specializing in problem behavior and puppy development counseling. The Dog Savant hosts a weekly podcast and is currently developing a web-based show to promote his message of canine behavior awareness. Brett takes a unique approach to dog behavior like no other trainer. His methods are based on psychology and principals of meditation along with a dog’s natural way of communication. Brett has been affectionately called, “The man with a dog’s brain”. He is available for private consulting of individual clients and speaking engagements in the greater Los Angeles area and worldwide. To learn more about Brett or for contact info please visit his website: dogtrainingLA.com