Top Tips for STOPPING PULLING
It is unnatural for dogs to be held on a collar and lead, but restraint is a practical necessity because of dangers such as traffic and the law requires control. Unfortunately, dogs pull as a natural reflex against restraint, possibly driven by an enthusiasm to arrive at journey's end and then to be released. This leaflet explores the theory and practice of how to best control dogs so that they are a pleasure rather than a pain to take for walks.
 Walking has immense health benefits for people; research shows that as little as half an hour per day's brisk exercise has a dramatically positive impact upon the human cardiovascular system. Unsurprisingly, it is also good for dogs that they have exercise and are not just confined to their yards or garden. In addition, walks should be a sociable event in the lives of both dogs and people. Meeting up with other dogs tunes their social skills and should be the high point of their day, as for owners to meet up with like-minded enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the 'No.1' behavioural complaint from dog owners is that their pet pulls on the lead, causing obvious discomfort, annoyance and even injury.
 In 1980, Dr Roger Mugford published a scientific article about the adverse effects of choke chains upon the wellbeing and behaviour of dogs. Simply put, they place harsh pressure upon the delicate structures of the throat and spine if used in the way advocated by traditional dog trainers and epitomised by the late Barbara Woodhouse. There are still some trainers who advocate using choke chains and in North America it is common to see choke chains with inward facing spikes, that cause exceptional pain and even cruel penetration of the skin around the neck. Such approaches are plainly daft and fortunately they are unnecessary in the present era when there is a host of techniques and equipment that allows one to truly "chuck the choke".
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