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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Sheltie with Loose Leash Walking
Walking your Sheltie on a leash can be a delightful experience, but when your dog pulls excessively, it can be frustrating and stressful. If your Sheltie pulls on the leash, it can cause physical strain on you and your dog, and it can also be a safety hazard. Pulling on the leash is a common issue for Shelties, but it can be resolved with the right approach. This article will explore various ways to train your Sheltie to stop pulling on the leash and make walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry companion.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your Sheltie
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Sheltie to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie
A no-pull dog harness is an excellent tool for training your Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your Sheltie 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 Sheltie 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 Sheltie
If you’re struggling to teach your Sheltie 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 Sheltie to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Sheltie Leash Pulling
- SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Sheltie owners. The course promises to teach your Sheltie 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, stopping your Sheltie from pulling on the leash is an essential aspect of responsible dog ownership. Pulling on the leash can lead to a variety of problems, including injury to both you and your pet. There are numerous methods that you can use to teach your Sheltie how to walk on a leash without pulling, and with patience and consistency, you can help your dog develop good leash manners. Whether you decide to train your Sheltie using positive reinforcement techniques or a structured training program, the key is to be consistent and patient, and to make sure that your dog understands what you are trying to teach them.
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