Some dogs are bred to pull. The HUSKY breeds will, given the chance pull you over many miles. If you buy a Husky breed, you know what you are letting yourself in for! They can be taught to walk but you have to be patient.
	A happy, bold and confident dog likes to escape from the confines of home and garden, so their enthusiasm can make them pull. One of the main reasons for pulling is the fact that, compared to a dog, we are such slow and cumbersome creatures. Two legs will never go as fast as four!

Some dogs not only like to lead, but will insist! This can have something to do with the Pack Leader. The Pack Leader is the one who leads, so sometimes a battle can pursue.

TEACHING THE DOG
THE LONG LEAD WALK & THE "HEEL" POSITION

Your dog will learn two commands - "steady" and "heel"

He will learn the long lead walk and the 'heel' position.

Whatever you do, do not keep your dog restrained on a tight lead at the side of you as this can be very uncomfortable for your dog. He needs to be able to move around, sniff, and enjoy his walk and only held to 'heel' if needed.

A dog likes to have all round vision. He likes to see behind him and to be able to see to the sides and forward. German Shepherds in particular like to be in front. This is something to do with their protective instincts. They like to be able to see what is approaching, especially at night.

With all of this information in mind, the first position you will teach is 'HEEL' and 'STEADY'.

The best way to teach your dog to 'walk' is to go to a Qualified Trainer who has more than one way of teaching the 'walk' - you may have to look around to find the experience needed.

The time to teach is from a very young age and once you have started you can never really stop demanding a response to a command. I have known owners who have stopped taking their dogs out because of their dogs pulling them about!

TEACHING "STEADY" (THE LONG LEAD WALK)

For this, you will need:-

1. A long training lead - approx. 4ft. to 6ft. long.
   
   
2. A plain collar (of either nylon or leather) or one of the nylon and chain collars called a restrainer. The restrainer being the most popular (There is a correct way of fitting this collar, please see 'Collars and head collars at the end of 'Heel' section).
   

STEADY Cont....

As soon as he reaches the end of the lead, stop, check and command 'Steady'. Keep the lead loose and walk on. We are trying to teach the dog to walk on a loose lead without pulling. Keep walking around the garden until you and your dog start to get used to the new technique.

The same thing applies in the street. If he pulls in any direction to the side or back, check him on the 'Steady' command. Always tell him what a good boy he is while he is walking. © Janet Wesley