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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Chow Chow with Loose Leash Walking
Walking your Chow Chow can be a challenging experience if they tend to pull on the leash. Chow Chows are strong dogs that were bred for guarding, hunting, and pulling carts, and they can easily become too excited on walks and start to pull. Not only is this behavior uncomfortable for you, but it can also be dangerous for your Chow Chow and others around you. Teaching your Chow Chow to stop pulling on the leash will not only make your walks more pleasant but also help establish a positive relationship with your dog. In this article, we will explore some helpful tips to train your Chow Chow to stop pulling on the leash.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your Chow Chow
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Chow Chow to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow
A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow
If you’re struggling to teach your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Chow Chow Leash Pulling
- SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Chow Chow owners. The course promises to teach your Chow Chow 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, helping your Chow Chow to stop pulling on the leash requires patience, consistency, and a good understanding of their temperament and needs. While it may take some time and effort to train them, it is essential to establish a strong bond with your dog and build trust. It is important to remember that every dog is unique, and what works for one breed may not work for another. With proper training and positive reinforcement, you can teach your Chow Chow to walk politely on a leash and enjoy the experience of exploring the world around them without the frustration of pulling.\
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