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5 Secrets To Stop Your Newfoundland from Leash Pulling

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 24, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you. 

5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Newfoundland with Loose Leash Walking

Newfoundlands are known for their size and strength, and as a result, they can be difficult to control when they pull on the leash. It’s important to address this behavior early on to prevent it from becoming a dangerous habit. Whether you’re taking your Newfoundland for a walk around the block or on a long hike, pulling on the leash can be exhausting for both you and your dog. In this article, we’ll explore some strategies and tips to help you teach your Newfoundland to walk politely on a leash, making your outings together more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved.

1. Start with Basic Training for Your Newfoundland

“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Newfoundland to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”

The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland Starts Pulling, STOP Walking

Consistency is key when training your Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland

If you’re struggling to teach your Newfoundland 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 Newfoundland to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Newfoundland Leash Pulling

  1. SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Newfoundland owners. The course promises to teach your Newfoundland to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
  2. 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, training your Newfoundland to stop pulling on the leash requires patience and consistency. With their large size and strength, it’s important to establish control early on to prevent accidents and ensure safe walks. By using positive reinforcement techniques and understanding your dog’s motivations, you can teach them to walk calmly beside you without the need for constant tugging and pulling. Remember to start training sessions gradually and always end on a positive note, rewarding your dog for good behavior. With time and practice, your Newfoundland can become a well-behaved and enjoyable walking companion.

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iHeartDogs is reader supported. Our articles contain affiliate links where we are paid a small commission for linking to a product at no additional cost to the reader.

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