A dog behaviourist has shared one key lesson he wishes owners would always teach their dogs to prevent a 'terrible time'. Will Atherton has trained a wide variety of different pups with a range of attitudes and aggression issues.
During his training career, he has learned of a specific issue that truly breaks his heart -- something meant to be enjoyable but ultimately is not, for either the dog or the owner. While your mind may jump to barking, biting or anxiety-related issues, it is actually leash pulling that especially bothers Will.
On TikTok earlier this week, he wrote: "Loose leash walking is a skill I wish every owner would teach their dogs, it breaks my heart driving anywhere and seeing how many people are having a terrible time being walked by their dog and it looks like no fun for either of them.
"But that doesn't need to be reality, it's an easy fix and we have tons of free resources to help you do it, just throw my name and pulling in on YT and you'll see countless long videos breaking it down in full for you!"
According to Dogs Trust, a primary reason a dog may pull on the lead is because they have simply learned that is how they move forward. When your dog pulls and you simultaneously take a step, it's likely signalling to them that pulling is effective.
To address this, it is essential to train your dog that remaining close to you will be rewarded. Will described this as teaching a 'heel position', which means training a dog to walk or stand calmly beside you, typically on your left side.
In his TikTok video, Will said: "First of all, I have to teach an actual heel position. I have to be able to let him know that being on my left-hand side on a loose lead is exactly what I want from him, and be able to cue that up with the heel word.
"So, we teach that with loads of fun-based, positive reinforcement food work, which he absolutely loved. Then I need to build engagement." Afterwards, Will explained he usually runs through a tune-up drill with dogs, before leading them through some games to strengthen this learning.
A tune-up drill is generally a method that involves applying slight pressure, like a light tug on the leash, to prompt the dog to focus on the handler for guidance.
Will continued: "And once we've done that and he understands that he needs to be in this position, not when he wants to be, but at all times that I ask him to be. Then we just work through increasing the distance, the duration and the distraction levels, and we get left with a dog that can walk beautifully on a loose leash."
Will's insights were quickly met with several comments online, as many owners chimed in to voice frustrations about their own dogs. One person wrote: "Seriously, come meet my bull dog, he's a beautiful boy with a very good heart and nature, but as soon as he's in a shortish lead, he wants off. Put him on a long lead, and he walks right next to me. Please help."
Meanwhile, another person said: "(My) older one thinks he's Usain Bolt and just cruising. Can't walk them at the same time," as someone else wrote: "I have a frozen shoulder from my dog, two trainers in, and no progress."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
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