How To STOP Your Dog PULLING On The Leash

[@missmegan9208]

You literally changed my life. I have a 3 year old husky (from a puppy) and is now 3, who pulled my arm off, is so reactive and I dreaded every walk. She was out of control and we were one pull away from an accident. I had 2 trainers who told me to use positive reinforcement only, and for every single walk consistently used the stop start technique with a gentle leader to no avail. She was becoming unwalkable and I felt horrendous I was not able to give her the exercise she deserves. I watched lots of your videos, deciding I needed a new method. I can honestly say, by following your technique exactly, I was able to get her to heal (and walk slightly behind) in 10 minutes tops. I then spent about half an hour cleaning it up and she can now greet a dog calmly instead of lunging at it, stays in heal when a cat walks in front and doesn’t get distracted by wildlife. Her attention is on ME. I am so excited to be able to take her on lots of walks as that’s why I got a husky! Genuinely, you’re a lifechanger.

[@traceyallen8286]

I really appreciate your honesty in saying that anyone can get the same results as you, it will just take a bit longer. So many 'trainers' present themselves as super trainers and it can be VERY discouraging to us 'regular' dog owners. Love your videos and your enthusiasm

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Thanks so much for watching Tracey!

[@egzon290]

It took me 6 months to train my amstaff to walk on a loose leash and very good heel.

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

@@egzon290 It's naturally more difficult at home with ingrained behaviors etc, and particularly in a high energy family environment. The most challenging training I've done was of a mentally impaired man who had fallen into the abyss of mental health institutions and was given up on. His exhausted, grieving parents couldn't handle him because he was destroying all their furniture and attacking them daily etc; and he was an enormous man at this point. The first time I met him was when two units merged and they brought him downstairs to me. Everyone who worked with him was terrified and he spent all day in a sequestered room mostly alone. So I started doing basically what Will is doing in this video: systematic, operant behavior training, firm leadership and my interest in being with him him. That's key. He didn't have to do anything to get my attention. He just had it and once we had established that I could move away a little more. Not too long though. If he has to get your attention with problem behavior, you've lost. After three months with me and this regime I put him on, the attacks on the staff stopped and he was happier than ever, just because I was a predictable, strong, calming presence for him. After six months his parents were invited to the hospital Christmas party, and the guy wore a tie the entire evening and mostly laughed his way through it. Anyway, I had a really long talk afterward with his father about of the transformation of his son from a raging, terrified monster to still a mentally impaired, but nice young man who could wear a tie and eat some cake without flipping the table over. He didn't understand how I had done it and thought he had tried everything. And he had. just not consistently and confidently. The very fact that I had done it before with less challenging behavior meant that I knew it would work like this. As a trainer you really need that confidence, and you can't really be taught it. I did lose a few T-shirts early on that he tore to shreds while attacking me, but it was worth it to help a lonely, hopeless man. Just never show fear and uncertainty, because it spreads. I'm in charge, even if I'm a doofus, and that's just where the discussion needs to end.

[@lilmoe4364]

I can't get results

[@lilmoe4364]

It is discouraging

[@1996PURE]

I love this guys no nonsense approach to dog training, breath of fresh air. He just gets shit done ✅ keep up the good work Will

[@clocks8791]

Bought a slip lead yesterday for my American 🇺🇸 bulldog. She’s 4 months old and really pulling now. Never really trained my previous dog but she was a pretty good dog overall. Beings this dog is going to be big and powerful I can’t afford for hard work. I’ve took her for 4 walks with the slip lead and wow what an improvement. I cant believe how quickly the change can be. I am so happy even after one day and I will keep implementing the great teachings you are providing on here. Thank you

[@clocks8791]

She is walking so much better now. But now she walks fine with me but when the wife walks her she’s jumping up , barking and growling and biting the lead 🤦🏻‍♂️ only does it to the wife though not me.

[@vagrantastronaut]

@@clocks8791 Wonderful update, I'm glad you can walk her well. Maybe your bulldog doesn't see your wife as a calm assertive leader for her?

[@mom2boys170]

Dude. I think I love you. I own that powerful, judged breed (Cane Corso). She's a dream. Your techniques and explanations are bang on.

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

So good to hear!

[@michellelinney5123]

Can not believe how fantastically this works.. I started following you videos as soon as I brought my shollie pup home at 10wks old and now at 13wks he walks fantastic even in the town centre. Thank you for helping me learn my dog fantasic manners. We stand by the rule of all 4 on the floor and now we have a pup that doesn't jump and has also learnt to wait until I leave the house and he is told to follow... At 13 weeks old I think he is doing amazing and I'm very proud to tell everyone to search your channel up cause without your videos I'd never of managed... thank you

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

This is so good Michelle, well done for all the work you've been putting in to be the best leader your dog can have!

[@sophiamichelle6692]

I found your videos the other day and have not stopped binge watching since. Perfect combination if understanding dog behaviour, leadership, body/energy work and positive reinforcement. I've had dogs my entire life but my newest, a sweet natured German Shorthaired Pointer x Heading Dog has been my toughest for a beautiful leash walk. The way I have been training has totally changed and utilizing your approach, which is very similar to what I've started on recently, has worked a treat. Loving your videos!

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Thanks so much Sophia! We love hearing things like this, hope training continues to go well!

[@shaunconnor8517]

So clad I watched this I have a cross German pointer greyhound. He was a big puller on the lead. He now walks buy my side. Thank you

[@johnsonsjams3439]

I did this with my 7 month old pup who’s just now becoming confident enough to go on walks and want to check everything out. She pulled initially and did a couple quick direction changes and she understood exactly where she needed to be instantly. Going for walk 2 today and ultimately with time I’d like to be able to walk her off leash and be confident in her to follow my guidance but she’s gotta get the reps in and see enough distractions to be able to overcome her impulse to investigate unless given the ok

[@glenpenrose1834]

Been watching your vids for a few days now, and I’m about to employ your techniques today on a 6 month old, Rhodesian Ridgeback cross. He’s very independent and has had very little training on the lead. He pulls, he’s already big, and I realise after watching some of your vids, that I’ve done many things wrong already. I felt inspired day 1 of watching you to just run outside and go for a walk using your techniques but, I quickly realised I needed to learn myself, when, how, and what to do and say BEFORE I tried anything. So patiently, I’ve watched a few of your vids over again, just so I’m focused on when and how to employ your techniques. I’ll let you know how we go. Much love from Oz 🇦🇺

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

This is so good to hear Glen, thanks for watching! Let us know how it goes!

[@michaelc8803]

How did it go?

[@lisagibson4134]

Great response as it's not easy to be as tuned in as he is. It's great that he takes the time to build you're (our) confidence that we all need. Leadership is so important, pups need it to be well rounded .

[@lisagibson4134]

@@willathertoncaninetraining Hi Will, I need some help and advice.. I've got a FRIGHTENED AND BERREFT pouch that is snapping at most dogs ...but Not all🤔 We lost our matriarch staffy due to B*%^$#@D cancer.. only week ago... Would you consider helping us ? 🤞

[@lapto4676]

@@willathertoncaninetraining Hi, I was hoping you could help me with something. Are you meant to use this technique with a flat collar? Because I have heard that using anything that isn't a prong collar could lead to the dog in question having a collapsed oesophagus. Also, would this method be ok to use on two small chawkies at the same time? Thank you very much for the video as well!

[@davidlittle4948]

Thank you for this video. I loved your explanation of the loose heel. I’ve trained tight heels in the past with my GSD and Huskies but I’m working a loose comfortable walk/heel with our nine year old granddog Old English Bulldogge. Our son took Bailey through puppy/basic training, but never much more. We’re keeping her while waiting for a fence to be built at their new home. I’ve worked to reinforce and build her stay, leave it, etc., but her leash manners are really bad. So, work continues and Bailey gives this retired 69 year old a reason to get off the couch and do something.

[@tanyazimmerman5514]

I watched this video and your video on how to stop your dog from biting, both this morning. Tried your methods for each on my one year old female white shepherd/lab mix female, Lady. I wish I had recorded her behaviors prior, because she is now a brand new better behaved pup already! I realize we are far from finished with the training, I’ve got a week of vacation (staying home) so this will be our focus for the next 7 days and I cannot thank you enough for making this valuable information available! God bless you!

[@tyrajun333]

I was training my dog on our walk the same time as watching this video !!!!! Thank you soooo much !!!!!!!! Next we are going to work on listening with distractions (other dogs around, people, etc.)

[@ryancolley8497]

Great tips and approach, must say I’ve had some good results with our 8 month old pup the last few days. Knew he had it in him as does every dog with the right guidance, when he first went out after jabs etc he walked lovely and as he got more comfortable in his surroundings with us not correcting the right way he lost his way abit. But as said this has really helped get back on track, thank you mate 🙌🏻

[@BlueAmerican26]

I don't use a slip lead, but ive been working on turning and go on my commands with my 1.5 yr pitty mix. He's been improving. Instead of 5 turn and go, he's starting to understand my speed at the second turn. He still sometimes has an issue lunging or barking at other dogs on walks(even though he's perfectly fine at daycare and dogparks), but that's another level of calmness and relationship we have to build up to. Thanks for the video.

[@anette-ze1sf]

Hi! I wish I had found your videos much earlier. our chinese crested is already six years old, an he has been quite sick for a long time, digestion manners, very disgusting stuff. Intending not to force him or tease him while he has pain we didn't train him as konsistent or straight as we should have. and still now, thanks to your instructions, your method starts to work on him. thank you so much for your offers!

[@jennyadee913]

I’ve been using your program with my 3 year old 85 lb mastiff/ shep pooch . Tons of progress !! It’s still a nightmare when I encounter another dog on the trail ,or folks are walking behind me. He is a timid poser , kicking dirt up when someone is behind, but will lunge to meet and play with another dog. He loses the brief recall that we have accomplished thanks to you. ( recall ) I had a broken arm and wrist during critical training time and relied on the dog park when I couldn’t walk him for puppy months so he loves other dogs . Lord help me , I just rescued a 7 month pity mix female and due to neighbors had to introduce vibration / sound no shock bark collars. 1 day and he no longer is an indiscriminate barker. . He is a stubborn pleaser. He will come when I call him mostly, When he has escaped he bolts still . Struggling.

[@johnnyrebb7702]

Amazing! Your videos are honest and informative. I’ve had my five month old puppy three days and I need to help her calm down, become used to a crate etc. Your no-nonsense and loving approach is the best I’ve seen and already Vickie is a happier and much less stressed pup and I’m a happier owner as a result. Your videos have shown me how to see things from her viewpoint as well as my own. I’ve subscribed to your channel and would like to thank you for your help in building up a healthy and happy relationship with my new friend.

[@bellamarie8504]

You are awesome. Thank you for not using painful collars. This was incredible to see. I will definitely be using this method for my giant boy. 💖💪🏻

[@starsignstarot4779]

Yes! I love the behaviorist actually doing some corrections. All that stop and feed when dog looks at you is Not working. This is a great way to get dog pay attention and relax!

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Thanks so much!

[@ewapietkiewicz9957]

I love this video .. Thank you for sharing with us your great experience. . I put your technic in practice and now my 14 months border collie walks next to me . I couldn't believe, how quickly she picked up the technic . Thank you very much from me and my well behaved Maya . 😘

[@s.bouhuis1533]

Great video. Tried it right away, making progress i never did before! My dog is checking on me every time, instead of pulling on the leash. Thanks!

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

So good to hear!!

[@CraigMine]

im amazed how good this works, my pup immediately started looking at me and walked near at my side after just 4-5 turns

[@francesdeane3480]

Love love a black cocker spaniel. .. mine is a cockapoo, but looks very similar. I have been using this technique for 3 days now and it is amazingly effective. I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

So good to hear!

[@robertastewart2083]

Helpful video - thank you! I actually prefer my dogs to walk on a loose lead a little ahead of me so that I can see them!

[@CamilleGG451]

Nothing wrong with that! As long as the criteria of not being able to pull is clear, and it works for you! 😊

[@ThePbially]

you are real...i like that, u know every situation is different.

[@jothomsen2748]

Where have you been all my life? Have gotten good tips from other online dog training videos, but your approach and explanations are above - thanks so much. My golden doodle, Cooper thanks you too.

[@deathseeker6]

Loved this style instead of treats too much! Still needs a lot of practice but it works on my beagle puppy. Able to walk him few feet without pulling

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

So good to hear!

[@alaskanbassethound]

Just found your videos a few weeks ago. I would get so frustrated with my cocker because I just didn’t know how to get him to heel. Wish this had been around 15 years ago!

[@ericsullivan145]

Thanks for explaining the your calm leadership. Dogs react to our emotions and body. I wish I learned this as a small child. I teach this to kids and people that want to visit with my dogs. Thanks Will.

[@pineyridge7465]

I just got a slip lead, OMG what a difference! I can't believe I waited so long to buy one.

[@estycki]

I took my neighbour's dog for a walk, I didn't have a slip lead (I'm going out to buy one for when I'm dog sitting for the pullers!) and when I brought him back the owner said "oh wow look how nicely he's walking!" Even just using these methods with a standard leash had a significant impact.

[@McPoyleBros]

Boy do I need this video right now. I just want to have a nice walk with my dog! Lol I dread to just take her potty. I’ve tried so many things

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Thanks for watching! Hopefully our video has helped with your puppy. But don't forget we now have a brand new course aimed to get your dog walking perfectly to heel in just 7 days. Head over to our website for more details! www.fenrircanineleaders.co.uk

[@starfoxloves]

I love how you always take a big ass, very visible, deep breath and then chest out head up. "We just chilling here puppy." I'm 130 lbs lady with a 150-160 lbs dog, plus a part time pack of lunatics, so that is sooooper important for me to remember! Of course my role model girls are the best dog trainers ever but they can't do their jobs if they don't trust me to do mine! Excellent explanations as always, each video I watch makes me want to level up again!!

[@WilfridWong]

Hey, I am from Singapore, and thanks for all these videos. Really love how passionate you are with dogs. I am still trying to replicate your success. But I live in the city. There are a lot of distractions and my 9-month pomsky can easily get distracted. It is super hard to get him engaged with me as he is more interested with the environment. Nonetheless, I will keep watching your videos and keep on trying. Peace :)

[@politicallycorrectredskin796]

What he's doing there with the direction changes is the key to getting the dog's attention. In psychology it is what is known as an intervention. Invade the problem behavior in rude fashion and assert yourself as the leader of the walk. I would go round and round in circles all day with my dog if I had to to get its attention. But once you have its attention you can go for nice walks for the rest of your dog's life with barely a correction needed every now and then. If you look at wolves when they're stalking prey you get a good glimpse into dog psychology. One is in the lead and the others on either side and slightly behind. The reason the other wolves stick in that position is because seeing the leader at all times is a key survival behavior for dogs. They can stop when he stops, sprint when he sprints and so on, and the reward is that they get to eat reindeer and zebras that a single dog could never bring down alone. So if your dog is pulling he's being a lead dog. If he's walking heel he' s following the lead dog which is now you, just as if you were on a hunt. Both are natural behaviors for a dog, but generally only one is compatible with having a normal human owner.

[@jasonmills3503]

When I first watched this I was sceptical, I mean if a big strange bloke put a collar on me i'd probably behave too. Have to say though this worked with my crazy working cocker x lab puppy. Went from pulling hard to chilled and engaged in a couple of sessions. Work in progress but way better. Thanks Will, top stuff.

[@holee9253]

When I do the sudden direction changes my dog reacts like this one and pays attention. As soon as we continue the walk and just follow the path he's in front as much as the leash permits 😟😟😟 (I want to add: my dog loves me. In the house and garden he follows my every move, follows my commands and is extremely connected. Once out on the street it's the complete opposite)

[@macfanguy]

Same. Not hard pulling, but wanting to move ahead all the time. So I clearly haven’t been successful in teaching him what I want.

[@donion2122]

Try walking faster. I tried the direction changes for the first time a few days ago, & it helped RIGHT away, but then I noticed that I have to walk faster in order for my dog to keep in mind that she’s on my time, ie, reminding her that she has a job to do-to stay in heel. I was amazed with the direction-change technique, as many trainers have said that my dog is simply not the type to be calm on walks. I do the direction changes whenever I see a distraction, and it’s working!!! She loves it when I bring her focus back. She even does it after seeing birds & squirrels. The FIRST day of doing the directional changes, she went 30 min without having the leash straighten out. Due to the possibility of her randomly lunging & hurting/damaging her throat, I still might get a correction collar, but idk. I’m gonna listen to their podcast about prong collars, so we’ll see. *Edit* regarding the tip about walking faster: It’s just until my dog naturally builds the habit of heeling/not pulling. I don’t need to walk at the same speed throughout our walk- just when she’s out of tune with me, I walk a bit faster, enough to get her mindset back to heeling/being in tune with me. My hope is that this will help instil a habit for her to just heel naturally.

[@donion2122]

5 more tips: _1.]_ I didn’t use treats for it. I’ve stopped using treats for everything. I only use it for the basic obedience commands, or when she does amazing things of her own volition and she obeys so much more without treats. (Or when it’s a challenging thing, like when I get her to pay attention to me instead of a stray rabbit running around in front of us. I don’t know if I should do this, but it’s working.) _2.]_ I’ve changed my body language. _3.]_ I barely talk to her now. I just give a command, and if she doesn’t obey, I follow up with my 5th tip listed below. _4.]_ When I *do* talk, I don’t use an excited voice when I’m praising her, no matter how much I want to because it used to get her excited, which probably sends a mixed message because I don’t want her excited; I want her calm. (It goes against what my trainers said, but idc because my trainers even let my dog jump on them even though I’d ask them not to allow it.) _5.]_ (This might be the most important.) Command your space, your time and your enforcement, but with calmness, just like Will repeatedly says. I’ve started to walk calmly right into my dog when she ignores or disobeys etc, and I just stand there with arms crossed; she quickly stops whatever she was doing or was gonna do. If she goes to get something to entice me with to chase her or play with her, I go to her with an expressionless face and just stand foot-to-paw and the first night I did it, she immediately understood that I’m not the same leader anymore. She now knows I’m in charge. I even applied it to fetch last night, and for the first time ever, I got the ball back each time + I got her to go into a down position each time before I threw the ball. Calm & collected leadership is working. For me, less talk & less facial expression is working wonders. (My trainer gave me all the wrong tips, and I’m now relearning everything from KZbin. My dog just turned one.) This channel is amazing. Another channel I like is Beckman’s Dog Training. From both channels, I not only know what to do, but I also know why the techniques work. Good luck.

[@inspiteofbecauseof4745]

My dog prefers to walk at a quick pace too. He’s young and still learning, but after 10 minutes of quick walking, he relaxes and becomes more in tune with my pace. It’s a compromise at this point and makes our walks more enjoyable for both of us.

[@alisonpret3938]

I took my rescue dog for 1 2 1 training and we talked about this. Incorporating training into his walk wasn't working. He knew the direction we were ultimately going! I had to take him to a less stimulating environment for training. Part of a nearby carpark with high walls and no dogs or people. Its a process, he understands the idea but when distractions are too high he forgets.

[@indigomoon7848]

It's cute seeing you with a Spaniel, haha. It's actually really nice too, because my Spaniel is just so f*ing wild, all over the place distractible, and it's a relief to see with my own eyes that they can actually be tamed. I've worked so hard training mine since adopting him, and we've smashed every single thing - except the leash pulling. So, one year in, and I'm going to give it a crack again, using this video! So help me goddddd. 😂😂

[@ak203]

Will - you do such a great job. One thing though -- it's always nice to know the age of the dog you're working with (if you know). That helps us better understand the dog's progress and needs relative to the ones we have.

[@shannon2303]

Thanks for the tips! My beagle Labrador mix can be perfect on the leash but there are a lot of times when I can’t get him to leave his nose from the floor and pulling the whole walk even on the same routes when he is great!! Feels like 1 step forward 2 steps back…

[@shawnabanana2635]

Lovely walking. Also it should be noted that owners have rehearsed behavior with their dogs pulling so it may take longer than an experienced trainer who has never let that dog pull them. They haven't rehearsed it with them. Also they don't have a history of seeing the trainer as someone who isn't a leader or doesn't give clear signals or know what they are doing. Basically saying don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen for you right away! Took me a whole year to figure out what my dog needed from me to walk on a loose leash. Joel Beckman on KZbin does a version of this where the dog is "with me" or the walk doesn't continie. Thom Davis is another good resource. I watched video after video trying to figure this stuff out. For the love of God don't watch Zac George though. He's happy and friendly and seems like he has answers, but he does a very bad job.

[@vince71362]

Your videos and knowledge are the best!

[@alanpower8234]

I have a presa / irish staffy cross and she has been doing a fair bit of pulling lately. And the opposite by dragging behind on the way out. Since switching to a harness the problem disappeared completely. Literally like a new dog walking perfectly.. Guess I got lucky but will still work on walking drills for both of our sakes and learning

[@benreform3357]

Amazing content. You’re going to the top.

[@briansinclair2223]

Adopting a retiring Springer gundog in the very near future. I'm enjoying watching your videos so that I have an idea of how to deal with any problems I might have in transitioning a gundog into a household pet. There's a local trainer who does classes in dog training for both pets and gundogs. It might be worth me being taught which commands the dog might already know.

[@fendibeauty123]

Can you practice this without a slip lead. I’m going to get one at then end of the month when I get paid but I want to practice ASAP. I just have a basic metal chain lead that he came with

[@derek2297]

I love your thoughts on being a leader. Dogs are pack animals and pack animals need an alpha. It's just evolution.

[@NONAME-ph5jm]

Imma try this with my malinois!!❤️❤️

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Let us know how it goes!

[@dhowells8569]

Great stuff Will…what do you do if the dog pulls back on the lead rather than forward please?

[@MariaJose-oh5yh]

Very useful! Excellent technic!

[@eastwoodsadventures]

You have inspired me to try again to crack this with our Cocker/King Charles cross who can be exactly the same as that Cocker was at the start. I am strong enough to cope with her but my Wife gets very frustrated with her if she has hold of the lead. Thank you

[@HelgaVanDERMEER-qz4zm]

Where can fine the Seven day training?

[@laurarodwell552]

This is amazing! Could you do a video with a springer spaniel please? Or advise on a springer? At no point is my springer's lead not taught and he is bolting ever other step and we aren't strong enough to do little corrections and my dog notice them.

[@tuszajnojneeg0052]

Yes. You do make it look easy.

[@puremayhemFTW]

i wish this worked for my pitbull. i can tire him out to the point where hes dead on the floor and take him for a walk and he still pulls everywhere. ive tried literally everything. the dog is perfect in every other aspect of obedience except for leash walking.

[@mamao_st_is_mine]

Can someone please tell me what "efforletlessy" means? At first I thought it was an accidental pronunciation of effortlessly but after hearing it in multiple videos, I'm starting to thing that he is saying a word that I don't know. I love the videos, the content and everything this man stands for and because of that I've been afraid to say anything.

[@happygolucky5855]

Finally a leash video with the same dog breed as mine 😅

[@lindaeastment4542]

HI Wonderful Leadership Wonderful Results thanks for sharing your tips all the best Lin 🐕

[@bernardscott1783]

Blimey, brilliant mate.👍

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Glad you think so Bernard!

[@elucas1499]

While you're in the training phases, can you still go on long walks? My dog needs the exercise to burn the energy but we're still working on mastering the heel.

[@chloewolfie7749]

I've watched this video and so many of your other videos time and time again, implementing the steps over and over for months on end and all I'm getting is pulling through the slip lead, no communication, blistered hands from lead burns. I feel like I'll never be able to walk my dog!

[@bigrudd9346]

Excellent work per usual sir.

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Thank you kindly

[@SubieNinja]

I've been working on these methods with my daughter's dog, and he seems to be progressing but ive only been able to use a regular leash and collar so far. i haven't gotten a slip lead yet so i think the message isnt quite as clear when i give him a pop on the leash. he's still progressing a bit though. hes SUUUUPER distractible but he is gradually looking up at me more as i reward him for looking at me. main problem seems to be that the second he gets the reward he goes IMMEDIATELY back to the distracted/ pulling behavior. it seems like hes just "doing a trick" for a reward rather than learning the proper behavior

[@michelleryan2186]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@matthewmcknight4219]

Hi will, I watch a lot of your videos and I’ve tried everything and all your advice. My dog is fully focused on me inside the house great manners great obedience. Then we go outside and all she does is sniff and pull.She’s not fazed at all with the slip lead I pop and pop and she’s not bothered at all I’ve tried food toys everything to get her focus but nothing works, it’s head down and it doesn’t move. I let her off the lead and she loves her ball, she has average recall. absolutely no way will she stop sniffing and pulling. Please help. She’s a 6 month old German Shepard.

[@louisebaines7733]

Great video. I have a working cocker spaneil puppy who is 17 weeks and pulls a lot on the lead. What do I do if I correct and she stops for a couple of seconds but then starts pulling again? Just continue correcting? Basically I cant get enough time where the lead isnt tight like you are in the video so not sure how to move onto the next stage

[@amla4258]

This is excellent. How do you train two dogs at once to walk to heel ?

[@telliiii2289]

I’m assuming since I’ve never trained two at once that you first would have to get a heel down with one at a time and then when they know how to heel on their own you could bring them together and it would be the same since they know the heel command already you would just have one dog on both sides of you and would have your attention on two dogs instead of one you’d also have to use their names more than if you just had one dog But I’m also interested to know how he would tackle this

[@jonathanfuller6055]

Hi there, the videos are great and I am learning quickly. In a low distraction environment such as the garden, my seven month old Irish Setter is the definition of obedience. However, the second we are in a busy environment he is just like this Cocker at the beginning of the video. Any tips? Thank you.

[@Paul_Stillo]

Hi there. Loved the video. I have a 4-month old cockapoo. I've been trying to control her leash-pulling through directional changes, etc.but I don't really see much change in her attitude. Actually, she's become pretty good when we're in the privacy of my backyard, but once we're out and about there are other things that seem to get more of her attention. I noticed that in this video, you didn't even seem to give the puppy any treats?! Is the "secret sauce" the slip lead? How is it different than a regular flat collar/leash? Thank you.

[@sorryilikeyou9803]

Yess needed this thank you so much!

[@CHCTRADING]

How do you maintain the lead right up behind the ears while the dog is ahead of you? When my dog passed me slightly the lead just slides down to mid neck. He is a dashund.

[@saulolvera9943]

Awesome work.

[@alinanausediene9595]

Thanks for your video, how can I get your training leash? Thank you.

[@BespokeShows]

Hey! I can't find your "7 Days" course on the website, is there a new link? Also, very curious about your thoughts on a Martingale collar vs slip lead?

[@annies5584]

Would you recommend a slip collar for miniature dachshunds? Great video

[@markb1971]

Weve rehomed a 2 yr old dachshund . Hes a very scared boy and on the lead he pulls like mad and barks at other dogs when were out on a walk . I think hes been mistteated badly he cowers a lot . What would you suggest ? Thanks

[@homeplate1754]

How early can you start this? My 4 month old Pudelpointer pulls hard

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

It's always worth training your pup to walk to heel if you haven't already, if you're struggling with that give this technique a go!

[@CathyKidd-vc3fi]

Will , is your 7 day heel walking course available in Australia? I can only see UK and USA

[@samanthaness4780]

Hi I’ve a 4 month old cocker would you recommend a slip lead?

[@Sinnedx]

What should you do if the dog is stubborn? Maybe I gave up to soon, but I feel my dog is just so distracted with smells and dogs that I basically don't exist. He totally fine inside the house, but the moment he is outside I feel like i don't exist to him...

[@jackharmston8592]

Start inside your house no distractions Then move to your garden Then start throwing in more and more distractions gradually you have to make sure you don’t rush it and he needs to nail it every time before you add more distraction, if you feel as if he’s starting to slip then go back and gradually do it again, make sure you use plenty of praise and rewards, but I think you could do with reading up on how to be a calm consistent leader, and looking at your dogs body language, once you understand how a dog thinks you’ll find it loads easier, have a look at wills books they have all the information you should need

[@denisestewart7212]

?7 day course link? I tried the link to purchase the 7 day to perfect heeling program but it is not working, is there another way to access this course? Thanks! This video was very helpful

[@nathanguest6964]

Can this be done with two dogs at the same time ?

[@mikebannerman72]

Hi Will, I just wanted to ask your opinion, I have a male Westie called Baxter, he’s a fantastic dog, he’s almost 2 years old, I feel I’ve let him down alittle in training, he has a real anxiety with machine type noise such as kitchen blenders, he’ll hide for ages and I feel bad for him plus he really pulls badly when walking but I’m following your rules and trying to fix this, is there anything I could do about the noise anxiety? I love your channel, you’ve been a real help to us with training.

[@ValhallaRaven]

What I found worked for me with my 11 month old German Shepherd is not to make a big deal about the noise. Usually when there’s something that scares them, they will look to us for guidance. If we give the noise attention (petting them to calm them down) they could see that as having their fear and anxiety reinforced. For example, when my puppy first heard fireworks or thunder, he’d whimper and cry. But when he would do that, I’d say “just relax” in a calm voice and redirect his attention with a toy, and not give the noise any attention myself. Over time it has gotten to where he now sleeps through storms, and during a firework show here in Canada this past weekend, I took him outside during the show and the noise didn’t bother him at all. When I use my blender he looks at me and I say “just relax” he redirects himself with one of his toys, or just lays down on the floor. Maybe that approach could help?

[@mikebannerman72]

@@ValhallaRaven thanks very much for that, I’ll give it try as best I can, I think it may be from when he was a young pup, we got him from a breeder in Qld Australia so he had to be flown to Adelaide and I’m thinking it’s maybe a residual memory from it when the blended goes he runs away and hides, poor wee lad. I try to see if I can redirect him into something else. Thanks again for your advice.

[@ValhallaRaven]

@@mikebannerman72 no worries! I’m by no means an expert..I just found that’s what worked for me, so hopefully it works for you. Puppies also have two fear stages in their lives (8-11 weeks and then 6-14months) where traumatic experiences can stick with them. It can all be trained out and worked with..just takes time, patience, and consistency. Good luck!

[@patr5991]

@@mikebannerman72 I have heard that dogs mostly live in the moment. It is often the human feeling sorry for them or guilty or whatever that is causing the anxiety in the dog. So whatever happened to him in the past is history - over and done with. Now just work in the present and to the future and it will help. They can really feed off your emotions.

[@mikebannerman72]

@@patr5991 oh that’s interesting, Thankyou for that, I’m still having this issue with him but it’s really strange, I can go out to the garden and he’ll follow me and I’ll use the leave blower for example and he doesn’t care but as soon as one of us uses the blender in the kitchen he has a melt down and runs about until he can find a hide spot? 🤷‍♂️

[@ChaosCloud96]

My girlfriend has a 4yr old male cockapoo that she poorly trained, hardly walked him, pulls a lot, nothing horrendous but there is always tension on the lead. The vets told us to walk her more which I now walk her every day as I have pretty much adopted him but they also recommended a pull harness which you recommend against in favour of a slip leash which the vet recommended against. Would I be better off getting the slip leash and doing some directional changes and then heel training? What sort of time frame could I be looking out if I do it every day

[@skylermiles3336]

Does this same approach work with a harness? I am a volunteer dog walker at a humane society and 80% of the dogs pull HARD. I'm relatively new so still trying to figure things out. I usually just stop walking, cue a sit, and wait until they calm down. This works for a about 30 secs MAX and then they're back to pulling

[@kitten88dm]

I have a 4 month old puppy who's an Alaskan doberman mix. She walks really well when no one's around but as soon as there's people or other dogs she's pulling and jumping. Is she too young for a slip lead?

[@beatrizdias4]

This has helped me a lot, however, when my dog sees other dogs everything goes all over the place, what can I do?

[@john-ob7bv]

Did the directional change for 5 days with a 2 year old labradore big boy, also corrected him and pulled his lead when he was pulling with the voice command 'wait' he stops wait 5 seconds i say good boy then say this way harvey and we continue. He sticks to me like glue now. We litrelly slowed the walk down make it the most boring and lethargic walk ever.

[@Grapevine_DJ]

Watched your video. Tried and failed with 5 month old Goldendoodle. Now 6 months, 8:03 Signed up with expensive 1 on 1 dog trainer. Same technique in limited space no distractions. Did ok. Practice on my own, still pretty bad.

[@The-skillschool]

Great tips, my GSD does not pull but she always walks just in front. Is this a protection thing?

[@Allegra11]

I need you to move in with me. Pretty sure you could sort my dog and my life out!

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

You can do it!! 💪🏼

[@Allegra11]

@@willathertoncaninetraining thanks for your confidence in me ~ I’m really trying!

[@kevinaarons1246]

Great video as usual. Is this information contained in the perfect puppy course or is this something that must be purchased separately?

[@wheezzl]

Does this work without a slip leash? They are not allowed in my country (not without a stop at least).

[@sev29]

I'm bringing the forcefield Nina 😂 she's my darling clever cavoodle who just needs better leadership, im trying this...I'll check in when we get it done!

[@jamieperlin9]

Any chance there's an updated US link for the "7 Day To Perfect Heel Walking Course"? When I click on it, it throws a 404 page not found.

[@jasonyau177]

Loving the videos, we recently got a Cockapoo puppy who is now 6 months old and still whines in her crate, more so when we leave her for a short period of time #Seperationanxiety any tips and ticks to improve crate training?

[@scottwombwell8223]

Hi pal, love the videos. What is your opinion on the head leading style leads, like the halti optifit, for a dog that keeps pulling even on a slip lead

[@mrslowesscentedcandles6601]

Hi, I have tried this with my cocker spaniel. She is great with circling same area and will even stop pulling and is really reactive. However, as soon as we move out if that area she’s back to sniffing and not listening. Any advice on how to implement it on a longer area would be much appreciated x

[@lewisr1927]

Hi mate, great channel so glad I found you! quick question if that’s ok. I have a cocker spaniel but she only has 1 eye, and it’s her right eye she’s missing, so if I walk her on my left side there’s that blind spot for her if I was to cut across her to do the left hand turn?

[@willathertoncaninetraining]

Thanks for watching Lewis! it might be best to train her on your right side if you think that's better for her to be see you. It doesn't matter which side you walk her on as long as you stick to the same, consistency is key!

[@JonAllport]

Any tips for breeds that can’t wear a slip lead?