Everyone knows this funny image when dog owners are being walked by their dogs. For the observer, it may look amusing, but for those involved, it’s pure torture. The dog pulls like crazy, threatening to strangle itself. The owner’s hands are numb from the pain, the arms are tired, and there’s no desire to go for a walk with the dog in the first place. It creates psychological stress for both.
Why is that? Why does the dog pull even when it causes stress? What can I do to change it?
The reason is clear: the dog takes over the pack. He is the pack leader, showing decisively and unwaveringly which way to go. It’s the path he has chosen for himself. The dog pulls in the direction with the best scents (information), perhaps the way to his play area, etc. A street dog living in a pack naturally doesn’t have this leash problem and behaves according to the “guidance” of the pack leader.
In the picture above, you can see how one dog leads the other on a leash, OJgoldenretriever being the pack leader, and Max following him without hesitation. The leash is not tense, and both walk relaxed and at the same pace side by side. When OJ changes direction, Max automatically follows him, trusting that OJ knows the way. But if Max wants to go in a different direction, OJ stays firm, giving a short pull on the leash to guide Max back in the right direction.
Sure, you’re not a dog, and everything looks so simple in the picture. But it doesn’t work when you try it with your dog? Your inner attitude towards your four-legged friend is crucial here. How do you see your dog? As an animal, or do you “humanize” your dog?
“Humanization” – what does that mean? Example: Your dog is scared by a flapping motorcycle hood… He doesn’t want to go any further; the motorcycle hood is too scary for him… What do you do? Do you pick up your dog, pet him to ease his fear? Do you perhaps change sides of the street? If you do these things, you are “humanizing” your animal.
On the other hand, a pack leader in a dog pack goes by without much fuss. Because he may have already experienced that a flapping motorcycle hood poses no danger. As a human, you’ve certainly made this experience. Dogs in a pack learn many traits from pack members. The pack leader and his behaviors are at the top of the imitation list. Therefore, for the dog: If the pack leader can pass without fear, I, as a pack member, can too. The pack members rely on the experience and self-confidence of the pack leader, who simply walks by without paying much attention to his pack. This behavior takes away the fear of a perceived danger, such as a flapping motorcycle hood.
And that is the answer to why your dog pulls on the leash; he doesn’t trust that you’re leading him, so he has taken over the leadership. The solution: More self-confidence, positive thoughts about the next walk, confidence – face the problems. Take over the leadership of the pack. Of course, it’s helpful to keep the leash short and correct the dog with the leash when there are deviations from the path. After a certain time, walking on a short leash with you, the dog will adapt to your pace.
Please don’t be frustrated. It probably won’t work right away. Be patient with yourself and your furry friend because your dog also needs to understand that you’ve taken over the leadership of the pack.
We are here for you if you need further assistance.
Your FDW – Team
OJgoldenretriever - Fashionist Dog Whisperer 