Lead Training The Easy Way
Why Dogs Pull On The Lead
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The picture is of me working with a dog I had just taken out the audience, at the Just Dogs Live show at Stoneleigh Park. It pulled like a train, this is after 3 minutes using my techniques.
Note all the leads around me, I worked with 10 dogs that I had never met before during this 45-minute session.
I am probably the only behaviourist and trainer to do this. There is a short clip at the bottom of this page of me working with numerous dogs.
The clip is from my full HD Jingler video available in streaming download or DVD purchase.
This is the tool I use to stop pulling on the lead and many other unwanted behaviours. Simple and totally effective. (1) The Jingler
Why Dogs Pull: Firstly we should understand why a dog pulls, it is either:
Anticipation: “Yeah we going to the park” this one normally does not pull on the way back from the park! but is an absolute nightmare whilst getting there.
Control: This one wants to control most things, from controlling the lead to the speed you walk. This control freak normally pulls at all times both to and from the park.
Fear: Only pulls on the way back from the park so he can get back to the safety of the house. This type of puller normally suffers from traffic noise, lead aversion, agoraphobia, or a fear of people or dogs.
The Lead: Strangely enough many dogs pull because of the type of lead you have. Let me explain by quoting one of the principal laws of motion. Also known as Newton’s Law.
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. These forces are called action and reaction and are the subject of Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion.
Simply put; for every Ying, there’s a Yang, for every propulsion, there’s expulsion, and for every pull, there is a push.
We generally have shortish leads and when the dog pulls we immediately pull him back. There you have it, you can’t fight Newton’s law and physics. According to scientists, this law is immutable.
So you pull the dog back and physics takes over, he just has to push against your pull and bingo you have a nightmare walking your dog. Isn’t it strange? Dogs will walk perfectly well off the lead but are an absolute nightmare as soon as you clip the lead on.
I knew all that time at school listening to my physics teacher (I think we called them science masters), would prove useful one day. Because of my beliefs, I designed and developed a lead that would be the correct length for training dogs. The other lead that causes pulling is the retractable lead. You are actually telling the dog to pull every time you use these frankly dangerous leads
I also designed and developed a training aid called the Jingler. Not just to stop pulling, but for many other problems as well. Which includes, jumping up, barking lunging, some types of aggression and the sit and stay.
All my leads are made of cushion web which makes them incredibly comfortable. and very strong.
They are only available on this website and are designed and specially manufactured for my techniques.
All the material, clips, and rings on these leads are made and manufactured in the UK
They are five feet eight inches long with a couple of innovations, such as a D-Ring for the Jingler.
There is an O-ring at the handle end which is very handy for tying on your poo bags or putting the lead around your shoulder when the dog is off the lead.
It is also handy for clipping the dog to a lamp post or halving the size of the lead if you are in a busy area such as a high street, and also have shopping to carry, as it frees up one of your hands.
The techniques I have created to stop your dog from pulling on the lead and works for all dogs, see below for what else you will normally need.
A quality reasonably wide collar. I now manufacture my own collars that are a similar material and feel to the lead and the same colours. Make sure the collar is not thin or rolled as it can bite into the neck and cause damage and distress.
You are also going to require a Jingler, which is a simple device that uses sound therapy to make the dog concentrate. The Jingler tells the dogs when it has done something wrong. The opposite of a clicker that tells the dog when it has done something right.
All dogs require boundaries and to understand what is right and what is wrong and what is expected of them. see my articles (2) The Alpha Myth and (3) Killing With Kindness
This technique requires you to initially set the bells by using the “OFF” Command which trains your dogs to turn it head away if not given permission to take an offered treat. To achieve this quickly and easily you will need to purchase the Jingler which goes on the end of the lead near the collar.
I have never used a check or choke chain, this is a barbaric method of lead control, and can cause long-term physical and mental damage.
Halti’s and Harnesses: You will no longer need a Harness or Halti or any other form of restraint.
These devices never train dogs to walk to heel, they only inhibit it.
My method trains correct heelwork that is not based on pain and discomfort.
Given a little time you should be able to get the dog walking to heel with or without or the lead, and without the jingler when on the lead.
I do not like Harnesses, Halti’s or any other contraption that works on inflicting pain, discomfort and distress, there are a number of reasons why I say that.
Whatever people think or believe. they are really not made by Harry Potter. They are not mystical or magical, so how do you imagine they work? It is very simple, they work as I said earlier on pain and discomfort.
In the case of head restraints like the Halti, They pull down the head so the chin comes down to the chest when the dog pulls. Try it? pull your chin down on your chest and see how it feels. Can you breathe? Do you feel comfortable?
They also tighten around the muzzle at the most sensitive part of a dog. And that hurts. Harnesses compress the chest and the lungs, and tighten under the armpits of the front legs, nipping the sensitive skin under what would be our armpits. They also change the centre of balance and causes the dog to be pulled slightly sideways
You can always tell if a so-called “Training Aid” works by pain and discomfort. Simply take it off and put on a normal lead and collar. If the dog still pulls then you know that it works by hurting your dog, therefore the words Training Aids are actually incorrect. because It does not train anything, it just hinders and hurts.
If your trainer or behaviourist has recommended a Halti or a Harness then find another trainer that is not useless or lazy.Because if those so-called professionals do not know how these contraptions work what are they doing taking money off you and called themselves professionals?
£13.50
£12.50
£8.50 – £13.50
£8.00
Instructions for Walking to Heel: You will need a suitable lead at least 5.8 feet long. Make sure your dog is always on your left-hand side.
Hold the lead in your right hand, the best way is to put the loop over your thumb and close the palm of the hand over the loop.
With your left hand hold the lead between 8 to 20 inches up from the collar, depending on the height of the dog.
Step off with your left foot saying “Heel”. The rest of the instructions come with the jingler.
Most people make the mistake of saying heel when the dog is out in front or behind, which of course is teaching the dog the wrong position. In many cases, I see owners reward and reinforce bad behaviour.
You may have to remind him by using the same technique over the next few weeks, Having said that you should find those walks so much easier almost immediately.
If you find you are struggling with the techniques or you prefer visual step by step guidance, then I would definitely recommend you purchase my instructional (4) DVD. comes in two formats either Streaming or Disk
This breaks the whole process down into easily followed visual instructions and prompts.
It also covers jumping, the sit-stay which is the basis for the recall, and the “OFF” command. Which changes the way your dog perceives you.
This makes for a happier and better-behaved pet. So many people buy the jingler and then have to pay for the jingler DVD afterwards costing extra postage when they find out just how good the jingler is they want the visual instructions.
You have two choices, one is to buy the DVD or pay for it to be streamed to your computer or device. The cost of the streaming is cheaper than the actual purchase of the DVD.
I have performed at shows all around the UK and Europe. Taking dogs out the audience I have never met before. I work with them in the ring and stop unwanted behaviour, like pulling on the lead, jumping up, aggression, barking and many other common problems. I know of no other trainer or behaviourist that can do this except my younger brother Paul, who is also a behaviourist and trainer. He follows my techniques.
If you type into Google Best Lead and Collar my article and leads and collars will come first under the natural listing, not the paid-for ads. Only the best and most-read comes first
My latest DVD regarding the use of the Jingler and Pulling on the Lead was remade recently so it is in HD. This is a snippet of my best-selling DVD.Go to my (5) RecallTraining Article if you are having problems in that area. Also, read my article (6) Choosing the Right Lead and Collar. Treats are very important do not ruin your dog’s health by choosing the wrong one read this article (7) Why Some Dog Treats Can Be Dangerous,
The clip below is in HD so you can use it on full screen.
(1) The Jingler
(2) The Alpha Myth
(4) DVD
(6) Choosing the Right Lead and Collar
(7) Why Some Dog Treats Can Be Dangerous
Recent Letters and Emails From Users.
Hello Stan,
I just want to thank you for the most amazing transformation of “the walk” with my beloved Harley!
I really thought (though obviously hoped not) that it was because you were present for Harley’s excellent walking on Tuesday.
Yesterday, when he walked from the car to Gorleston beach, it was excellent!
This was the best test as he has always pulled on the lead excessively, between these two points.
He had a really good game on the beach with his frisbee and returned to the car in the same fashion. It is so rewarding and happy.
Thank you so much for your time and your kindness in seeing us. I hope your daughter has recovered ok and is feeling better.
Thank you again. I will keep in touch.
With kind regards
Dee Sedgwick
Hi Stan,
I honestly can’t believe what a change we’ve seen in our dog since we started doing your Jingler training two weeks ago. I can finally walk him! So thank you very much.
In the video, you mention that you also have a recall video. We’re desperate to work on his recall skills, because we can’t currently let him off leash at all because he often ignores us and rushes at joggers or other dogs, running at them full speed which really frightens them.
Is the recall video available? Or will it be coming out soon?
Thank you again, Stan.
Lina
Hi,
After purchasing your DVD, then lead, collar and jingler I now have a dog who walks beautifully on her lead. I only clipped the bells on and hey presto! Amazing is the only way I can describe it. She’s always been pretty good regarding food, but we started with the ‘Good,’ ‘take it.’ Still working on the jumping up without her lead on, but as soon as her lead is on she behaves. I just wished I had had this 6 months ago. Thank you so much from both myself and Darcey.
Kind regards,
Gillian
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Hi Stan,
Had to write and say how fantastic the Jingler and you training methods have worked with our dog. Literally within minutes of using the Jingler and the training methods described in your video our dog, which is a 5yr Labrador cross, rescue dog, was responding to walking to “heel”, whereas she would normally be pulling hard when out walking.
Within 2 days of using the Jingler she will now walk happily at “heel” even when off lead with the distractions of a country walk. A brilliant method of training which does not hurt the dog in any way.
Sent from my
Regards Royston JonesiPad
Dear Stan
Thank you for such a quick reply to my first email.
I have been trying to train Douglas to heel, every day for two years now. I have managed to get him to walk just in front of me only pulling some of the time. Smiley lead as the kennel club calls it. But I wanted him to walk right by my side. As a lot of the time, I’m pushing my mum in her wheelchair. So I need Douglas by my side and away from the wheels for his safety.
I started using the jingle bells yesterday. Today I took my dog and mum for a lovely walk. With Douglas walking beautifully by my leg the whole time. He even walked past other dogs without pulling. I’m shocked and amazed. I have tried so many trainers and training aids and training ways in the last 2 years. That I was starting to feel pretty useless. I wish there were trainers like you in this area. I’m now waiting and looking forward to your recall DVD coming out. As we do have a problem with Douglas chasing rabbits squirrels pheasants any little critters really. And I haven’t been able to find anyone able to help us with his chasing
Thank you so much Stan.
Maxine and Douglas
Comments (6)
excessive barking
we have 2 pomskies, one as a puppy and one as a rescue. the rescue dog barks at all dogs and tugs to get near them. he is incredibly strong and is nearly at the stage that I cannot walk him. can this be cured with a jingler. we have used it to stop jumping and he understands off but when he sees another dog he goes beserk.
Excessive Barking
Yes, the Jingler will help enormously you sent the OFF command as normal using the instructions that come with the jingler (The easy way is to get the DVD) then once they understand the power of the OFF command for barking you replace it with quiet and activate the bells at the same time. You can even set it up so friends come towards you with dogs until your dogs have got the message. You need to initially train them separately before you bring them together.
Collar size
Small or medium collar size for my cockapoo
Collar size
Small Medium will do you fine.
Pulling on lead
We have 14 month old lab who pulls like train,jumps up climbs all over Lorraine when on the sofa and takes treats as he fancies.I have ordered jingler collar,lead and and DVD,I am hoping nay praying what you say is true and works,we have spent so much time and money on trying to train him so we can go to places and walk and not be stared at as the couple with the mad lab.
Heres hoping.
Thanks in advance.
Taffy pulling
Hello Stan,
Thank you for the phone call.We revisted the DVD as you suggested and we adjusted our method to as you show on DVD,we now have a dog that walks alongside us but we have to keep reminding him were his position should be.
The only problem now is getting his recall sorted out and getting his selective deafness sorted out.
Any tips are most welcome.
Thank you very much for the methods you have shown us and I say it was money well spent.
Regards
Chris and Lorraine Errington
Comments are closed.