15 Uses for Walking Without Pulling (a.k.a. Loose Leash Walking)
- Walking without pulling to keep dog from dislocating your shoulder!
- Walking without pulling prevents your dog from pulling you into the street or other dangerous situations.
- Walking without pulling keeps your dog from pulling you toward other dogs or people you encounter.
- Walking without pulling stops dogs from investigating dangerous things or rolling in stinky ones!
- Walking without pulling allows you to decide when to stop for sniffing breaks and when to keep walking.
- Walking without pulling is healthier for your dog because you’re more likely to want to walk him.
- Walking without pulling prevents your dog from choking on a collar or rubbing against a harness.
- Walking without pulling reduces stress on your dog’s spine.
- Walking without pulling means you’re walking together–in partnership.
- Walking without pulling allows parents to push a baby stroller and walk the dog at the same time.
- Walking without pulling allows a physically smaller/weaker person to safely walk a dog.
- Walking without pulling helps your dog transmit a calmer message to other dogs that you encounter while on walks.
- Walking without pulling helps you control your dog’s access to rewards while on the walk.
- Walking without pulling doesn’t send anxiety signals down the leash to your anxious dog if you see something that makes him reactive.
- Walking without pulling allows you to walk your dog on a crowded street.
Download a PDF file of this handout (Note, APDT members can log in to the APDT Members page> Member Dashboard> Education, CEU’s and Resources> Member Handouts and Business Templates for a customizable version of this handout that you can add your contact information to.)