Health & WellbeingHow can I teach my dog to stop pulling and walk without tension?
Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about the pulling troubles with Zurrick. It can be very frustrating to try to go on nice, long walks with our dogs if they pull a lot. I have the same problem with my dog, especially in new areas, so we have been working with a trainer. We have been using a special type of harness that applies tension from the front of the chest as well as at the shoulders, to give us more control. Walking with a fanny pack with some tiny bits of treats (I usually recommend very tiny pieces of cooked chicken, like literally giving a pinch when the dog does well) so you can easily reward the good behavior. If Zurrick has any food sensitivities, use treats that she tolerates well. I would start by walking in a familiar area, even the back yard. You want to start in a familiar area as she will likely be excited in a new place and want to explore right away. Once you have more control, you can take her to new places, and you will be better prepared to handle her bursts of energ
Updated on September 24th, 2025