Dogs pull on the leash because they can and because they think it will get them where they want to go sooner ... and they’re usually right. For dogs, the highest motivator will always win out and, let’s face it, if it’s between walking slowly next to us or sniffing poop and vacuuming the sidewalk for potential chicken bones, we don’t stand a chance. Unless, of course, we can offer something better. Aha! That’s the secret to training your puppy to walk politely next to you. In fact, that’s the secret to getting them to do anything we want them to do. Dogs are all about "Show Me the Money," believe me!
A few things to keep in mind: Every time you let your puppy pull on the leash to get to another dog, a person, a tree, anything, you’re teaching him that pulling will get him what he wants. Also, your puppy is going to pull a lot harder when he’s full of bottled-up energy. Therefore it’s a good idea to work on leash walking techniques when puppy is already tired after a romp in the park or after playtime in the garden or yard (if you have one).
If it’s at all possible, drive your puppy to a dog park so he doesn’t get to pull on the way there, then start doing leash walking exercises when he has mellowed out. Have lots of treats ready and stop each time puppy pulls ahead of you. Do not jerk or pull him, just stop. Eventually he will turn around to see why you’re not moving forward and when he does, say YES in a happy voice, holding a yummy dog treat right by your left knee (or right knee if you walk him on that side). Your puppy will come back to get the treat and will be reinforced for being by your side instead of being out at the end of the leash. If you do this repeatedly and consistently whenever puppy responds by returning to your side, he’ll be more likely to stay by your side than at the end of the leash. Remember, dogs do what works for them!
I also suggest asking your puppy to sit politely before being allowed to greet another dog or person on the street. That will teach him that being polite instead of being pushy will get him what he wants: the other dog or person. When he sits, say YES, then tell him OK and release him to go greet the stranger.
I believe there’s a time and a place for everything and so I would never expect my dog to always walk super politely next to me and pay attention to me at all times. That would be completely unfair. Remember, sniffing and investigating the environment is basically how your dog surfs the net and gains news and information about all the other dogs that have come by recently. If your dog has been cooped up inside the house for eight hours, I think it’s perfectly fair that he get to sniff around and be excited. I would, however, ask for a polite sit or a good few seconds’ wait or polite eye contact before he gets to run to the curb or the nearest tree. Remember to keep the leash nice and loose as you release him with an "OK." On stretches where you’ve decided that your dog can be casual and go sniff, make sure you walk closer to him and the curb instead of in the middle of the sidewalk, so he has to pull on the leash to get to where he wants to sniff.
With the variety of puppy training supplies to choose from, I love a good front-clip harness for better management of a dog that tends to pull. A dog harness where you attach the leash on the top of the dog’s back lets your dog pull like a draft horse. They are fine for little dogs that don’t pull too hard, but for a strong puller, front clips are the way to go.
Here’s another exercise I love that teaches puppies to walk by you and follow your movements. You can start at home with your puppy off leash. If you have a yard or garden with no distractions, even better. Make sure you have nice treats in your pocket. Walk around a little bit and every time your dog chooses to come near you or follow you, say YES! and give him a treat or a good pet. Eventually, he will realize that hanging out close to you is the place to be.
Be careful about where you give him the treat. Try to give it to him close to your knee on whichever side you want him to be walking. After a while you can begin walking around and changing directions while you say, "Let’s Go" - and the second he follows you, YES! it and give him a dog treat. Now you have a cue you can use on walks when you want to tell puppy it’s time to move ahead, and he’ll be conditioned to look to you to see which way he should be going.
