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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Great Pyrenees with Loose Leash Walking
Great Pyrenees are majestic and powerful dogs that were originally bred to work as livestock guardians. Due to their size and strength, they can be quite challenging to control on a leash, especially if they haven’t been properly trained. Pulling on the leash is a common problem among Great Pyrenees owners, and it can make walking your dog an unpleasant experience. Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks that can help you teach your Great Pyrenees to walk calmly and politely on a leash. In this article, we will explore some of the best strategies to help your Great Pyrenees stop pulling on the leash.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your Great Pyrenees
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Great Pyrenees to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Great Pyrenees to stop pulling on the leash without training other commands, all training becomes easier if you start with a solid foundation, such as training your Great Pyrenees basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” (as an aside, if you’re looking for a solid overall training program, we really like the K9 Training Institute’s program or SpiritDog’s program, both of which include modules on leash pulling)
Before heading out for a walk, spend some time training your dog inside your home or in your yard. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards.
2. Buy a No-Pull Harness for Your Great Pyrenees
A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Great Pyrenees to stop leash-pulling. Unlike a traditional collar or harness, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage your dog from pulling by gently applying pressure to their chest. When your dog starts to pull, the harness will tighten, and your dog will feel a slight discomfort that will discourage them from pulling. Using a no-pull harness can be a safe and effective way to train your Great Pyrenees to walk calmly on a leash.
We love the Rabbitgoo brand no-pull harness on Amazon, which has almost 150,000 reviews.
3. Be Consistent: When Your Great Pyrenees Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your Great Pyrenees to loose leash walk. It’s essential to use the same techniques every time you take your dog for a walk. For example, if your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for your dog to calm down before continuing. Be patient and persistent, and your dog will eventually learn that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement like Training Treats
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for stopping leash pulling. When your Great Pyrenees walks calmly by your side, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and frustration.
Our test pups LOVE these bacon flavored Pet Botanics training treats. They are small enough size that you can give a lot of them, and not overdo calories.
We’d also recommend a handy training treats pouch you can wear on your belt during walks.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course for Your Great Pyrenees
If you’re struggling to teach your Great Pyrenees loose leash walking, it may be time to seek professional help through and online dog training course. A professional dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and techniques to address your specific issues. They can help you to identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling and provide you with effective solutions to correct the behavior. With the help of a professional trainer, you can teach your Great Pyrenees to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Great Pyrenees Leash Pulling
- SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Great Pyrenees owners. The course promises to teach your Great Pyrenees to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
- K9 Training Institute Makes an Excellent, Well Rounded Dog “Masterclass” that includes modules on loose leash walking. While it’s a bit pricier than SpiritDog, it offers a solid foundation and solutions to nearly any behavior challenge you might face. The course uses the same material that professionals use to train service dogs, so the quality of the material is top notch.
In conclusion, leash training a Great Pyrenees can be a challenging task due to their size and strength. However, with patience and consistency, it is possible to teach them to walk calmly on a leash. It is important to understand the breed’s natural instincts and work with them, rather than against them. Focusing on positive reinforcement and rewarding good behavior is essential in building a strong and trusting relationship with your dog. With proper training, your Great Pyrenees can learn to enjoy walks while staying by your side and not pulling on the leash.
Toledo, United States.
