Okay.  You get out the leash and head out the door with your furry friend.  Here's a question for you: who is pulling whom?  Does your dog drag you (or your pet sitter) through the neighborhood?  The best thing that you can do for your dog is to enroll him/her in a good obedience class. We can also help with that by working one on one with your and your dog.

But a quick lesson that is frequently effective in defeating leash pulling from your professional dog walker: just stop and back up 2 steps.  Sounds too simple, right?  Hold your leash with 2 hands in front of your belly button (its your center of gravity.)  Your dog had learned that to get from here to there he had to pull you along.  Now, she'll learn that pulling will get her no where.  It takes a lot of patience at first but most dogs catch on quickly.

Don't say anything.  Don't pet them when they finally get it right.  The forward motion will be reward enough.  Besides, they will sense that you are happy with them.  You can lavish them with praise and/or treats when you get back home.

This is just one many strategies. Each dog is unique and it sometimes takes a few tries to find your dog's "button".  If you feel you need some help (or need a pet sitter) call us at 540-538-2826. Ask for Kelly.  Or you can email us at bestcrittercare@msn.com. If you want us to come out and demonstrate, we're happy to.

Leash Control