Trying to leash train my puppy with popular guides is driving me crazy

Every article says to start with short walks and keep the leash loose. But my pup pulls non-stop toward every smell and sound. The trainers in videos act like dogs just get it after a few tries. Mine yanks so hard my arm aches, and the advice doesn't help. I followed the tips to stop moving when he pulls, but he just sits and then bolts again. It feels like the guides are written for perfect dogs in quiet parks. Real life with distractions is totally ignored, and I'm stuck with a wild walker.

4 comments

4 Comments

tyler_clark4mo agoMost Upvoted

Imagine thinking an empty parking lot can compete with the WORLD'S greatest smell tour led by your puppy.

hart.james4mo ago

Saw a trainer on TV recommend practicing in a empty parking lot to limit smells and sounds. He said it helps the dog learn leash manners before adding distractions.

josephmartin4mo ago

Tried leaning into the pulling instead? Walk him straight to whatever boring patch of grass he's yanking toward, let him sniff, and the thrill kinda dies.

the_anthony1mo ago

Honestly, the whole "empty parking lot" thing from @tyler_clark's joke is kinda true though. I tried that parking lot trick with my dog and he just sat there staring at me like "where's the good stuff?" Then I tried the pulling method like you said and yeah, it works. Let him sniff the boring spots and he gets bored way faster.