Effective Strategies to Prevent Your Dog from Running Away and Managing Leash Pulling

Managing a large and strong dog can be a challenge, especially when it comes to preventing them from running away or pulling on the leash. With consistent training and a patient approach, you can overcome these issues and enhance your relationship with your furry companion. This article will provide you with detailed strategies and techniques to help your dog behave better on a leash and stop running away.

Stopping Your Dog from Running Away

Recall Training

Recall Training: The foundation of preventing your dog from running away is teaching her the recall command. Consistent and positive reinforcement is key to achieving this.

Positive Reinforcement: When using treats, praise, or toys, teach your dog to come when called. Start in a controlled environment with few distractions. Practice Recall: Use a long leash initially to allow her some freedom while still being able to control her. Call her back to you and reward her every time she responds correctly. Make it Fun: Turn recall into a game. Use a happy tone and encourage her to come to you by running away from her in a safe area or using toys.

Secure Environment

Ensure your yard is securely fenced to prevent your dog from escaping. Always supervise her when she’s outside, especially if she tends to wander.

Fencing: Evaluate your yard's security and consider adding a secure fence if necessary. Supervised Outdoor Time: Always supervise her when outside, and if possible, increase the number of supervised sessions to reinforce good behavior.

Training Commands: Teach commands like “stay” and “wait” to reinforce boundaries when she’s outside. These commands can be useful in controlling her behavior in various environments.

Stopping Her from Dragging You on the Leash

Proper Equipment

Proper Equipment: The right tools can make a significant difference in leash training. Consider using a harness and choosing the right leash.

Use a Harness: A front-clip harness can help with control and discourage pulling. Leash Choice: Use a sturdy, non-retractable leash to maintain better control.

Training Techniques

Effective training techniques can help your dog understand that pulling is not acceptable. Here are some methods you can use:

Stop and Go: When she pulls, stop walking. Wait until she returns to your side before continuing. This teaches her that pulling does not get her where she wants to go. Change Directions: If she pulls, change direction suddenly. This keeps her engaged and teaches her to pay attention to your movements. Reward Loose Leash Walking: Use treats and praise when she walks beside you without pulling. Reward her frequently at first, then gradually reduce the frequency as she learns.

Consistency: Being consistent with commands and training sessions is crucial. Practice regularly in different environments to reinforce her training. A tired dog is less likely to pull or run away, so ensure she gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation through walks, playtime, and puzzle toys.

Additional Tips

Patience and Persistence: Training takes time, so be patient with her progress. Consistent practice will yield results.

Professional Help: If you’re struggling, consider enrolling in a training class or hiring a professional dog trainer who can provide personalized guidance.

By combining these techniques and maintaining a positive and patient approach, you can help your dog learn to stay close and walk nicely on a leash. Remember, the goal is not just to control her but also to strengthen your bond and make walks enjoyable for both of you.