How To Become The Pack Leader
Done correctly dog leash training can be one of the most important and enjoyable bonding activities you do with your puppy! So why do so many owners constantly struggle and fight with their dog, getting pulled in every direction!
Too many dog training books teach complex and elaborate tricks using short term solutions using food bribes to GET your dog to accept you as the leader of the pack!
Unfortunately, many owners choose to look for external tools like expensive dog training collars, leashes and muzzles. The secret to effortlessly walk with your dog lies within you. It only requires you to do one thing. To walk with CONFIDENCE, and it really is that simple!
As a professional dog runner I can tell you that 80% of 6 month and older dogs know how to walk perfectly without biting or pulling on the leash. When client brings their dog to me for the first time, they are often amazed to learn that their dog actual knows how to walk and heel perfectly.
Too often dog owners are reluctant to admit that they are the problem, not their dog.
That's right! If you have this situation right now where you have an older dog with a behavior problem (verses starting from the beginning with a 8week old puppy), then watch this training video from my good friend and mentor Chet Womach.
What The Homeless Can Teach Dog Owners!
The next time your are in a major downtown city take a look at homeless people walking around the inner city parks. Often you will see an dog following, in perfect stride without a leash!
What's going on? You just spent $200 on a professional obedience class , with only " leash burn" to show!
Are homeless people the answer to cure all you dog behavior problems? Well of course not, but there is a lesson here.
Homeless people are "migrators", they walk and scavenge the same territory from sunrise to sunset... a very similar routine a wild dog would have in a pack. Without evening trying to teach their companion dog, homeless people often have a lifestyle that dogs naturally understand. The instinct to follow a leader and find food, shelter and protection.
The trick to stopping most dog leash problems is often not a matter of "Doing Something" it is often more about stop doing and trying to GET your dog behave.
The fact is that you have to teach your dog that YOU are in command - the leader of the pack!
Let me repeat, nobody can do that except for you!
Using the leash is the inevitable duty of a every good dog owner. Once you understand the basic dog psychology and dog training methodology , you will be amazed at how easy it really is to train all other obedience skills !
Dog Whispering began here...
All Modern Dog Training Methods Come From 2 Different Philosophy that were formalized during World War II when a great need for canine training methods became imperative!
Once you understand this little bit of dog history, you will never get confused again! Read more about dog training methodology here.
So Who's The leader of the Pack?
The leash and collar must be used to help your pet learn the skills that he needs - that is to say the dog is the follower and you are the leader of the pack!
The leash provides the position of leader and follower in your pack. You should make sure that you understand what you are doing completely before you undertake leash training.
If you don’t know how basic dog leash training methods, you should hire a dog trainer or attend obedience classes where you can get proper instruction. Once you start wrong, correction takes more effort and training!
Or you can get started immediately today with what I call the most respected dog training book online today - my good friend Professional Dog Trainer Chet Wombat provides simple and easy to implement - Dog Training Secrets - all based on the Dog Whisper Methodology.
There are many books out there, but none provide the simple common sense approach that Chet has. If you are a regular dog owner seeking simple instructions, then this is the best choice for you. Professional trainers will want to look at courses and the different certifications.
Next, I have some beginner videos on the site that demonstrates how to manage dogs who are already pulling and thinking they are the leaders of the pack ...
stop common dog leash pulling problems
I hope you enjoy!
Happy Walking!
Erik "Dog Runner" Kampe 
p.s. Here is my little lab puppy Romeo! Lie down expert on command at 9 weeks!
My daily mantara is that I shall remain Romeo's "Teton Pack Lead" and earn the right to keep that title!
Need help? Take a look at what I call the "Best Dog Obedience Training" Guide
December 10th, 2008 at 2:42 am
Some good advice. When used correctly your dog can soon learn to walk by your side without ever pulling on the lead. It’s great when it finally happens.