Accidentally Training Your Dog to Pull on the Leash

By Jess Rollins
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Want to impress your neighbors with a dog that pulls like a champion of the Iditarod? Luckily, it doesn't take much encouragement to get most dogs to pull like gangbusters!

1. Start by setting your dog up for to pull with maximum force by walking your dog in a place he or she finds really exciting after being pent up in the house for a good long time.
   
   
2. Outfit your dog in a comfortable harness with your leash attached to his back so that he can pull without any discomfort or awkwardness and with maximum force. Use a nice long leash, like a retractable, so that your dog can build up a lot of momentum and really loosen up your shoulder joint!
   
   
3. Definitely don't use these no-pull training aids, they will make your dog wimpy!
   
   
4. When your dog hauls you off to sniff or pee or to say "Hi!" to another dog, make sure to let him get to his goal, especially if he is pulling with gusto. This will teach him that pulling really works to get what he wants.
   
   
5. Follow your dog's lead at all times, but try to lag behind until there is strong pressure on the leash, since that will help your dog to get in a solid habit of pulling on walks.
   
   
6. Do not bring any food, toys or anything that would distract your dog from pulling and cause him or her to pay attention to you. Likewise, you should never praise or talk engagingly to your dog.
   
   
7. Bonus: Walk more than one dog at once following the above instructions and hang on!

If you want to teach your dog not to pull on the leash, check our our article here: Training Your Dog Not to Pull on the Leash.