Going on walks is part of having a dog. When you have an active, energetic breed like the husky, you need to make sure that you are walking with them regularly. Otherwise, they can get bored or potentially destructive.

That said, you want to make sure that your walks are pleasant for both parties. When your husky pulls on their leash, it can definitely be an annoyance. However, learning how to train your husky to walk on a leash is easy to do.

How to Stop a Husky From Pulling?

When going for a walk, there are few things quite as frustrating as having your dog pull. Huskies in particular are an energetic, strong breed. Frequent pulling can not only make the walk unpleasant, but cause pain in your arms and hands.

The good news is that there are a few simple ways to learn how to train your husky to walk on a leash without pulling. Let’s first look at the ways to keep them from getting a little over zealous and pulling during your walk.

Training Young

Part of teaching your husky how to walk properly means starting out at a young age. Dogs of any kind tend to do better with obedience when it is implemented at a younger age. The younger you begin training your husky, the better off you will be.

Most of the time, being good at walking on a leash is simple manners. Teach them while they are young and they will likely be more responsive. Besides, it is just easier to start when they are little as opposed to being well over 50 pounds.

Work on Attention

Another crucial aspect of how to train your husky to walk on a leash is practicing their attention. Huskies tend to be a bit more independent than other breeds, especially when it comes to their listening skills. Sometimes, they just want to go off and do their own thing, resulting in them pulling on their leash.

Keeping them focused during the walk is crucial because of that. Work on getting them to look at you when you say their name. They should offer eye contact without a direct cue. Working on simple commands like drop and leave it are also a crucial part of leash training.

You don’t have to have the best-trained dog on the block but a few of the basic commands are a must. It will make the walk far more enjoyable for the both of you.

Start with a Leash

There are many dog owners who feel like a harness is the preferred way to go when walking. Though there is a lot to like about harnesses, make sure that you start out by training your husky to walk on a leash first.

Yes, it pulls on their neck. But huskies are natural pullers. They pull using their chest and shoulders. If you put them in a harness to start, it actually encourages them to pull because it is easier, and there is a lot less resistance.

Get them used to the consequences of the leash before moving to a harness. It shouldn’t take much time to get them used to how they are supposed to be walking. Before long, you can move over to the more comfortable harness without having to worry about them pulling. Remember that leash manners go a long way. You have to start out with a baseline, or their natural instincts will kick in and make them less than ideal walkers.

Reward, Reward, Reward

As is the case with any type of training, positive reinforcement and rewards are crucial. Remember, working with them on basic commands is necessary. “Heel” is a great position because it makes them walk nicely at your side, keeping a loose leash.

Whenever they walk in the “heel” position, reward them. It becomes a game, and huskies love games. If they move away, they are testing you. If anything they are looking to see if they are going to get a reward by coming back.

Start with a little movement thrown in. Remember, you want them to stay by your side no matter what. You can turn it into more of a game by implementing tighter turns. When they stay nearby, reward them using treats or toys. Dog behaviors are repeated and should be reinforced as doing the right thing.

The same goes for pulling on the leash. When they heel and stay at your side, make sure to let them know that it is what they are supposed to be doing. Before long, they will do it without the heel command. And even if they stray away, you can get them reigned back in easily.

Conclusion

Your dog can be a good walker with just a little bit of direction. Instead of battling them out of frustration, implement a few simple training measures to get them to become a better walker.

Before long, the two of you can enjoy a nice, relaxing walk together. They get the necessary exercise, and you don’t have to worry about whether they will pull or not. It is the best of both worlds and a much more enjoyable experience.