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 St. Bernard with Loose Leash Walking
Walking your St. Bernard can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog, but it can quickly turn frustrating if your furry friend pulls on the leash. St. Bernards are strong dogs, and their pulling can be challenging to manage, especially if they’re not adequately trained. Pulling on the leash not only creates discomfort for the walker, but it can also lead to injuries for both the dog and the owner. It’s essential to teach your St. Bernard how to walk correctly on a leash to avoid any mishaps and to make the experience pleasant for everyone involved.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your St. Bernard
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my St. Bernard to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard
A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard
If you’re struggling to teach your St. Bernard 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 St. Bernard to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for St. Bernard Leash Pulling
- SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for St. Bernard owners. The course promises to teach your St. Bernard 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, teaching your St. Bernard to walk calmly on a leash is an important aspect of their training, as it can prevent injury to both your dog and other people or animals. While it may seem daunting to stop a large dog from pulling on the leash, it is certainly achievable with patience and consistency. Remember to use positive reinforcement and rewards to encourage good behavior and avoid punishment. With the right approach, you can help your St. Bernard become a well-behaved and happy companion on walks.
Toledo, United States.
