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5 Secrets To Stop Your Whippet from Leash Pulling
26
Apr
Apr
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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Whippet with Loose Leash Walking
Walking your Whippet should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend, but it can quickly become frustrating if your Whippet pulls on the leash. Not only does it make the walk less enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous if your Whippet pulls hard enough to break free or drag you along. Training your Whippet to walk calmly on a leash takes time and patience, but it is essential for both their safety and your enjoyment of the walk. In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies to help your Whippet stop pulling on the leash.
1. Start with Basic Training for Your Whippet
“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Whippet to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”
The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Whippet to stop pulling on the leash without training other commands, all training becomes easier if you start with a solid foundation, such as training your Whippet basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” (as an aside, if you’re looking for a solid overall training program, we really like the K9 Training Institute’s program or SpiritDog’s program, both of which include modules on leash pulling)
Before heading out for a walk, spend some time training your dog inside your home or in your yard. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards.
2. Buy a No-Pull Harness for Your Whippet
A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Whippet to stop leash pulling. Unlike a traditional collar or harness, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage your dog from pulling by gently applying pressure to their chest. When your dog starts to pull, the harness will tighten, and your dog will feel a slight discomfort that will discourage them from pulling. Using a no-pull harness can be a safe and effective way to train your Whippet to walk calmly on a leash.
We love the Rabbitgoo brand no-pull harness on Amazon, which has almost 150,000 reviews.
3. Be Consistent: When Your Whippet Starts Pulling, STOP Walking
Consistency is key when training your Whippet to loose leash walk. It’s essential to use the same techniques every time you take your dog for a walk. For example, if your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for your dog to calm down before continuing. Be patient and persistent, and your dog will eventually learn that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement like Training Treats
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for stopping leash pulling. When your Whippet walks calmly by your side, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and frustration.
Our test pups LOVE these bacon flavored Pet Botanics training treats. They are small enough size that you can give a lot of them, and not overdo calories.
We’d also recommend a handy training treats pouch you can wear on your belt during walks.
5. Try an Online Dog Training Course for Your Whippet
If you’re struggling to teach your Whippet loose leash walking, it may be time to seek professional help through and online dog training course. A professional dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and techniques to address your specific issues. They can help you to identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling and provide you with effective solutions to correct the behavior. With the help of a professional trainer, you can teach your Whippet to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Whippet Leash Pulling
SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Whippet owners. The course promises to teach your Whippet to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
K9 Training Institute Makes an Excellent, Well Rounded Dog “Masterclass” that includes modules on loose leash walking. While it’s a bit pricier than SpiritDog, it offers a solid foundation and solutions to nearly any behavior challenge you might face. The course uses the same material that professionals use to train service dogs, so the quality of the material is top notch.
In conclusion, leash pulling is a common issue that many Whippet owners face, but it can be managed with patience and consistency. The first step is to identify the cause of the behavior and address it accordingly. Training exercises that focus on teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash and reward-based training can be effective in reducing leash-pulling behavior. It’s important to remember that every dog is different, so finding the right approach that works for you and your Whippet is key. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Whippet become a well-behaved and enjoyable walking companion.
The post 5 Secrets To Stop Your Whippet from Leash Pulling appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.
