German shepherd dogs are kind of dogs that are easy to train and listen to owners well. However, they need training from a very young age to prevent from pulling on their leash. Training your dog also helps establish a bond between the owner and the dog.
Older German Shepherd dogs can also be leash trained, but it will be difficult for them because it will be hard to follow the rules, and their habits will take time to change. So, how to train German Shepherd not to pull on leash?
How To Train German Shepherd Not To Pull On Leash
- Prepare for training – At first, the dog might not get used to the leash, but gradually they will get used to it while training. They might get distracted by it and chew or tug. It needs to get over before starting a training session.
- Get the behavior – If your dog is not comfortable walking on a leash, make him sniff the treat and stroll and wait for him to follow you. This will get them to behave and walk with you.
- When facing a problem, walk him on a leash and starts pulling, and change directions. Suppose you are walking to the left and your dog starts pulling; change the direction and walk to the left.
- Name the behavior – Try to make your dog understand a specific behavior or words that you want to associate with the command. Give treats and praise your dog while walking a few steps. They will begin to associate the command with the behavior of walking beside you.
- Make it more difficult – Hold a treat in your hand and close it by making a fist, lure the dog using your hand, walk a few steps away give the command to your dog if your pup stays and does not get distracted for 10-15 steps or so, reward your pup with a treat and eventually he will try to associate with the command.
When should the leash training begin for the German Shepherds?
German Shepherd dogs need leash training at a very young age. The possibility of leash training decreases when they are grown-up adults because old habits are hard to break, and it becomes a challenge to leash train them.
They are high-energy dogs that need some exercise and active playtime before taking your dog for a walk. If your dog gets excited, more leash pulling will occur; therefore, before taking a walk, spend around 10 minutes of leash training in the house itself to remind your dog of the rules.
The causes of leash pulling
German shepherd dogs are very energetic dogs by nature. Your pup will get curious to know everything around the surroundings, such as other dogs, squirrels, birds, etc. That curiosity will lead them to constant leash pulling.
They are known to be herding dogs because, for this reason, they are sensitive to motion. Their span of attention directs their focus on anything that moves. This is another reason for leash pulling.
Lack of confidence may also cause them to pull on the leash out of confusion and fear, as they may not be able to handle outdoor environments.
If they are not appropriately trained, they will act aggressively towards anything that merely distracts them.
When they are reminded of their prior experience, they may pull on a leash to pursue something that triggered the previous experience.
Methods of leash training
Before starting leash training, it is essential to note that the training should be organized.
The place for training should be the same place where the dog is familiar with the environment. Otherwise, your pup might distract if the place is new to your dog.
Choosing an appropriate place to train your dog where it is not too crowded may gain your dog’s full attention towards the training.
The most important thing is to establish that you are in control of the walk, not your German Shepherd dog. It would be best if you had the patience to train your dog and not get frustrated quickly when you first train the dog.
When it is the first-time training, you require lots of patience, and it usually does not come naturally to everyone. It is essential to develop this skill within yourself to successfully leash train your German Shepherd dog.
Some of the steps to leash train your dog
The first step to leash training your dog is to lure and reward method. Let him stand beside you and choose whether to walk on the left or right.
Take a treat in your hand, show it to your pup, start walking and lure your dog with the treat. If your dog starts pulling ahead, stop walking and give the command to stop.
After the dog obeys, continue walking.
Repeat the process and reward him with a treat every time he obeys your command.
Keep the training simple and teach some basic commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come” are enough for your dog to understand. After several practices, your German Shepherd will recognize and obey your command.
Conclusion
When they leash pull, it can be because of previous training, excitement about the destination, or you have allowed your dog to lead while walking and reinforced leash pulling.
There are ways to use appropriate methods to stop leash pulling. Before taking your dog for walks, calm your dog’s excitement and make them exercise, and perpetuate loose leash walking with rewards.
Walking your dog walk a day or two might not be enough for your dog as they are full of energy and needs active participation to stay healthy and have proper growth. Schedule a time for your dog to take him to socialize and play around to calm down the energy.
Reward your dog with treats or praises and give your attention while walking, and it will make them avoid leash pulling and obey your commands.