Discovered a shortcut for leash-pulling that actually worked on my husky

My husky Luna pulls like crazy on walks, especially when she spots a squirrel, and trying to stop and wait her out just made her more frustrated. I tried turning sharply in the opposite direction every time she pulled, and after 3 days of consistent turns she started checking in with me before lunging. Has anyone else found a specific move like this that clicked with their stubborn dog?

3 comments

3 Comments

alicehernandez2d ago

Mila_murphy21 that "this way!" tip is gold - do you think the high pitch matters more for border collies, or would a husky respond just as well to a different tone?

mila_murphy212d ago

My border collie mix was the same way with squirrels. We did 8-10 redirect turns on every single walk for almost a week straight. The game changer for me was pairing the turn with a happy "this way!" in a high pitched voice instead of just yanking the leash. She started whipping her head around mid sprint to look for a treat or the next turn. It took maybe 4 days before she stopped hitting the end of the leash all the time.

ray_campbell462d ago

Oh man, I feel your pain with huskies and squirrels. My Luna is a total maniac too, she’s part speed demon part air raid siren. That sharp turn trick is great but you have to really commit to looking like a fool in public. I swear I spun around so many times in one week I got dizzy and almost fell over trying to dodge a fire hydrant. High pitched voice with a happy treat reward worked wonders for us too, but only if the treat was stinky enough to overpower the squirrel scent in her brain. Just be ready for the day she figures out you’re just tricking her and gives you that side eye that says “really, dad?”