Prevent Dog Walking Dangers: Leash Tips & Avoid Losing
"Bursting ahead" is a behavior characterized by a strong sense of selfawareness in dogs. If not corrected by their owners, this behavior can inadvertently lead to injuries for the dog itself or to others.
Reasons for a Dog's "Bursting Ahead" Behavior:
Firstly, many dogs are kept in apartments where they spend the entire day cooped up until their owners return home to take them out for a brief play session. After a day of confinement, these dogs are eager to expel their builtup energy, leading to a relentless burst of excitement and forward momentum.
Secondly, if owners frequently allow their dogs to roam freely during walks without using a leash, the dogs become accustomed to this freedom. When suddenly restrained by a leash, they may feel uncomfortable and attempt to break free from the restraint.
Training Techniques to Modify a Dog's "Bursting Ahead" Behavior:
Before heading out for a walk, when the dog becomes overly excited upon seeing the leash, the owner should ignore the dog and wait for a moment to allow it to calm down before leaving.
The owner can also shorten the leash to quickly regain control if the dog attempts to burst ahead.
During walks, the owner must maintain leadership. By standing still and gently pulling the leash, the owner can keep the dog close to their feet. If the dog complies and remains there for a while, the owner can offer verbal praise, a pat, or a treat as a reward.
As the owner starts walking, gently pull the leash to encourage the dog to follow. If the dog does so, continue to praise and reward with treats. Repeating these steps will help the dog remember the behavior more effectively.
If the dog pulls in the opposite direction or charges forward, the owner should stand still and hold the leash firmly to make it clear that this behavior is unacceptable.
Since dogs are naturally curious and attracted to new things, when they are pulled away by external distractions, the owner should redirect their attention back to them. This can be done by stopping and giving commands like "shake" or "sit" to refocus the dog's attention.
Once the dog completes these commands, the owner should reward them with a small treat to reinforce the behavior, making it more likely for the dog to stay close.
Lastly, it's important to remind dog owners that consistent training is key to ensuring that their dogs stay close during walks and do not wander off. Patience is crucial throughout this process.
Moreover, this training not only helps to keep the dog close but also reinforces the owner's role as the leader, making the dog more compliant and easier to train in the future. It's best to start this training early in a dog's life and always use a leash when taking them out for walks.
