TEACH YOUR DOG TO WALK BY YOUR SIDE WITH THIS FUN TOOL

A SHORT LEASH

Using a traffic lead, sometimes known as a short leash, is a great way to bond with your dog and teach the dog that you expect them to walk by your side, without using inhumane tools or even words.

WHAT IT IS

The traffic lead I am using should be no longer than a one and a half feet long. I recommend pairing it with a slip collar or martingale, which are collars that use movement to help communicate with the dog, instead of static pressure.

HOW TO USE IT

Make sure the collar is up, behind the ears and under the jaw, which gives the handler better control and protection for sensitive parts of the neck. When leaving the house, make sure you walk out of the door first to get your dog in a follow or state. If your dog pulls ahead, stop. They can't get very far, so they will learn that in order to move forward, they must remain at your side. Give the leash a few pops and release. This teaches the dog what to do using body language. They are learning that the pressure will go away when they walk at your side.

TAKEAWAY

Using a short leash teaches your dog where they belong in space. When you are walking together, it limits their ability to pull towards distractions, and it get them in a follow or mindset, not a reactionary one.

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