How to teach your dog to walk alongside without using a choke collar

Video: Most Important Things to Know about a Choke Collar - Robert Cabral Dog Training Video

Content

Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Training
Part 2 of 2: Learning Based on Positive Reinforcement
What do you need

Many people think that the use of choke collars is too brutal in dog training, and therefore do not consider them to be suitable for teaching a dog to command. If you do not want to use a choke collar on your own pet, but at the same time want to teach him how to walk with you, you should know that there are other ways for this.To train your dog to command “close” without a stranglehold, you need a good harness, a treat or favorite pet toys, a quiet place to train, and a patient approach to teaching the dog commands. With the right equipment and plenty of time, you will definitely be able to train your pet to walk side by side, even without a choke collar.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Training

1 Choose the right harness type for your dog. The straps of the harness usually run over the dog's chest and behind the forelegs, joining at the back. For a dog, a harness is more convenient than a regular collar and at the same time gives its owner more control over the animal. Usually the ring for attaching the leash to the harness is located on the back, strictly in the center. There are also harnesses with a front attachment of the leash, when it is attached to the center of the chest, which helps very well to fight the dog's attempts to pull the owner along with it.
- If your dog is constantly dragging you along, you may want to use a bridle collar. This is a very effective piece of equipment when the dog is used to it; however, you will first need to desensitize the animal to have a bridle on its face.
2 Buy the correct size harness for your dog. Many harnesses are regulated in size within certain limits, but it so happens that even among the same breed, dogs vary greatly in their dimensions. Your best bet is to bring your dog with you to the pet store and try on a few harnesses until you find the one that suits you.
- If you are unsure whether a harness is actually suitable for your dog, do not be afraid to consult with the pet store about this. Your veterinarian, veterinary clinic staff, and even a training instructor can also help you adjust the harness or bridle collar for your dog.
3 Prepare your dog's favorite toys and treats. Applying a dog's favorite treat or favorite toy is the key to successfully teaching your pet to “be around”. With the help of a treat or toy, you will encourage the dog to walk next to you, and if the task is successfully completed, you will reward the pet with this reward.
- If you have a treat in your hands, the dog will at the same time begin to get used to holding his head high, as he will look at you and the treat.
4 Limit potential distractions. Start training in an area with few distractions. Make sure that there are no other dogs nearby and no one distracts you. Begin lessons shortly after the dog has already received some physical activity. For example, playing fetch with you or jogging in the park will help your pet expend excess energy and allow you to better focus on you for further training.
- A good place to train your dog is in the backyard of your own home. Usually this place is comfortable enough for the dog, there are no smells unfamiliar to him, and no one will bother you.

Part 2 of 2: Learning Based on Positive Reinforcement

1 Sit your dog next to you first. Sit the dog next to you to start the lesson. Sitting quietly to your side will set a good tone for the rest of the activity, and will also help to position the dog in the exact spot in relation to you, where it should remain even while moving, that is, next to it.
- For the dog to learn the “close” command, the pet must already know the other basic commands. A dog that has already learned the commands "sit" and "place" will be much easier to train to walk alongside than a dog that does not know any commands.
2 Start leading the dog near with myself. If the dog pulls on the leash, it must meet firm resistance. To regain control, step back a few steps until the dog comes back to you and is close to you.From now on, start moving forward again and remember that the dog must walk alongside.
- Do not forget that in those moments when the dog is walking next to you, the leash should sag a little between you. Keeping your dog close to you on a tight leash can make it very difficult to train him to walk beside you without pulling on the leash.
- Never move forward while the dog is pulling on the leash. She must learn that walking alongside is the only way to get ahead with a leash.
3 Encourage proper behavior. When the dog is confidently keeping close to you, say the command “near” loudly and immediately reward the pet with a treat. At an early stage of training or if there are difficulties in training, it is quite possible that the pet will be able to walk alongside for only 10-20 seconds. During this phase, reward the dog quickly and regularly to reinforce the proper behavior. As your dog's skill improves, gradually start dispensing the treat at longer and longer intervals.
- If the dog moves away from you, remember to reward him when he returns to the position next to you to reinforce proper behavior.
- Pick a treat that suits your dog. This can be a special store-bought treat for dogs, bits of dog food, or a self-made treat.
4 Don't let your dog lose focus. To keep your dog interested in learning, change the pace and direction of movement often. Also, every time the pet turns away from you, pronounce his nickname in a lively tone of voice, show a toy or a treat, and just as lively say: "Come on!" The dog will continue to walk alongside and learn if you manage to keep his attention.
- If you've been with your dog long enough, for example over an hour, and he has lost his interest in learning, it's probably time to finish the lesson. Even a dog eager to learn will get tired over time.
5 Do not be upset in any way, do not jerk the leash or yell at the dog. Remember not to take any harsh disciplinary action, such as tugging at the leash, hitting or yelling at your dog for not walking around. Learning the command “near” can take a long time, which can sometimes be frustrating. Just remember that it can sometimes be difficult for a dog to learn to walk with a loose leash, but with the right training methods, this can be achieved.
- Tugging at the leash in moments of anger or frustration can hurt and embarrass your dog. This is both cruel and counterproductive to the training process itself.