How to Train Your Dog to Walk or Heel Without a Choke Chain

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Buy a harness for your dog.

   Pulling a dog by the neck using a choke chain is incredibly uncomfortable.
   
   Also a tugging dog will deny itself oxygen when it's pulling on the lead.
   
   The harness fits under the front legs, across the chest and over the back.
   
   It will be much more comfortable for the dog and will give you more control.
   
   The lead should clip onto a ring in the middle of the back.
   
   There are also front-clip harnesses where the leash attaches at the middle of the dog's chest that can greatly reduce pulling.
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   Step 2: Get your dog's favorite toy and treats as leads.

   This will lure your dog into following you around and, it will teach him to hold his head high, since he will be looking at you and the treats. , , (excitedly), treat him, and he will keep walking. , until the dog is moving back towards you again and is at your side.
   
   At that time start walking forward again
   - the dog should be at your side and you should immediately praise and reward your dog. , He will be happier with praise and a food or toy treat than he will be with any of those alone. ,, If you hold the dog close to your side with a tight leash, it will be very difficult for the dog to learn to walk without pulling. , Heel is a command that takes being tender, loving, and having patience.
   
   If your dog doesn't follow, do step three again, and if he does, but then starts pulling again say a soft yet stern "No Max"
   
   and continue.
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   Step 3: Start your training in an area with few distractions

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   Step 4: and after your dog has already exercised in some way (playing fetch with you

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   Step 5: running in the park

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   Step 6: Every time your dog looks away

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   Step 7: say his name excitedly

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   Step 8: shake the toy or treat

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   Step 9: and say "Let's go!"

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    Step 10: If the dog gets ahead of you and starts to pull

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    Step 11: take a few steps backwards (look behind you

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    Step 12: first!)

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    Step 13: Use lots of praise with your dog

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    Step 14: as long as the leash is loose.

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    Step 15: If your dog is consistently pulling

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    Step 16: you may want to try using a head halter; these work very well also if your dog is comfortable wearing it (it may need to be desensitized first).

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    Step 17: Remember that you need to give your dog enough slack in the leash that is loose when the dog is walking close to you.

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    Step 18: Remember

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    Step 19: do not use any harsh discipline like hitting

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    Step 20: jerking on the leash or yelling when your dog doesn't follow.

Detailed Guide

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