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5 Vital Strategies to Help Your German Shepherd with Loose Leash Walking

German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism, but they can also be strong-willed and difficult to handle on a leash. Leash pulling is a common issue among German Shepherds, but with some patience and consistent training, you can teach your furry friend to walk calmly by your side. In this article, we will provide you with 5 tips to stop your German Shepherd from leash pulling.

1. Start with Basic Training for Your German Shepherd

“But wait,” you say. “I just want my german shepherd to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”

The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your german shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd

A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd Starts Pulling, STOP Walking

Consistency is key when training your German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd 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 German Shepherd

If you’re struggling to teach your german shepherd 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 German Shepherd to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for German Shepherd Leash Pulling

1. SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for german shepherd owners. The course promises to teach your german shepherd to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
   
2. 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, stopping leash pulling in your German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By training your dog basic commands, using a no-pull harness, being consistent, using positive reinforcement, and seeking professional help, you can teach your furry friend to walk calmly by your side. With these tips, you can improve your German Shepherd’s behavior on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Remember to be patient and persistent, and your furry friend will eventually learn to walk calmly by your side.