The first area of dog training advice that we need to deal with is training your dog to walk at heel – initially when on the leash, which naturally progresses to them walking to heel when off the leash.

Leash pulling whilst walking with any dog can be tiring, frustrating and also dangerous if the leash slips from your hand. Working to prevent your dog from pulling on the leash should be the first behavior trait to address.

Whether it is a puppy or and older dog that you have taken on, you need to take immediate action if this is going to be overcome. Once you let a dog get used to the fact that they are allowed to pull on the leash and that they actually can pull you along at their pace then it will be very hard to break – so don’t delay.

One method that has achieved good results is – with your dog on your left side take hold of the end of the leash in your right hand and gather the loop of the leash in your left hand. Start walking and if your dog starts to get ahead of you give a gentle pull back with your left hand and at the same time use your chosen word of command – heel – or one that suits you. Then let the leash go slack and continue to walk. Each time your dog moves ahead then repeat the action and the command.

Keep up this practice until the command alone is all that is needed to check any movement forward. Alternative to this method if the problem persists is to hold the leash in just the same way but as your dog move forwards then you just stop walking and gently guide them back to the position beside you – then start walking again.

Keep in mind once you achieve success with either method then is the time to give praise and make a fuss of your dog.

The most important aspect of this part of the training is to ensure that at no time do you allow your dog to pull you along. The leash should never be tight. Resist the temptation to let up on this aspect of behavior and keep focused on it until it is totally set in the dog’s mind.

Often training your dog to walk beside you without creeping forward is all about your dog getting used to the pace at which you walk. If more than one member of the family exercises the dog then it is important that the leash training is kept up at all times so that the dog learns to adjust its pace according to who they are walking with.

Although much is written against the use of choke chains or slip leashes, which will pull tight around the neck if the dog pulls, in certain circumstances they may be the only answer – especially when you are dealing with a big powerful breed.

The important point to make is that this type of collar must be used with caution as they can, if jerked too sharply, damage your dog’s neck. So only consider these as a last resort not the first and do take care.  As soon as you have achieved the desired result then and your dog stops pulling then  you will be able to go back to the more conventional type of collar.

One word of advice – don’t opt to use a harness if you dog continues to pull on a lead – it will only make matters worse.

Whatever anyone says about choke collars and the like many feel it is better than going down the route of spike collars and electronic collars which can be much more unsettling for the dog.

Good leash training should be achievable without too much difficulty with a puppy, but may need a bit more persistence if you adopt and older dog.