Boston Terrier Leash Pulling? Why It Happens and 4 Top Notch Products to Stop It.

Leash Pulling-Why It Happens and How to Stop It: Taming Your Energetic Boston Terrier

Walking your Boston Terrier is a cherished activity that deepens the bond between you and your Boston Terrier. However, the joy of strolling together can sometimes turn into an arm-straining battle if your beloved pup is engaging in leash pulling.

Fear not, for in this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mystery behind why dogs, including Boston Terriers, pull on leashes and equip you with effective strategies and top-notch products to transform those walks into enjoyable bonding experiences.

Ahh, the wanna-be sled dog. We’ve all seen them. Some of us have HAD them. In crafting this blog post, I am taken back in time. It’s the late nineties, and I loved to take my first Boston Terrier, Woody out for walks near the beach. He was great until he saw another dog — then all hell would break loose!

Woody would start literally screaming with excitement and flipping like a trout on a fishing line to try to get over to that other dog to say “Hey! Wanna Play?” Leash pulling was cute and funny until one time the D-ring on his collar broke, and he ran across 4 lanes of a busy coastal street.

Thank the Lord, an Angel on roller skates was somehow able to catch him before tragedy struck. I could not thank this lovely woman enough for saving my dog. (I call her an angel because she was so sweet and beautiful to me for risking her own safety for MY dog.)

Why Do Dogs Pull on Leashes?

Before we discuss the solutions, let’s understand why dogs do leash pulling in the first place. It’s essential to remember that leash pulling is a natural behavior rooted in your dog’s instincts. Dogs pull for various reasons:

Excitement: Dogs are inherently curious and exuberant creatures. Exploring the world around them can trigger bursts of excitement, leading to leash pulling.

Desire to Explore: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and are drawn to scents. A simple walk becomes an aromatic adventure for them.

Social Interaction: Dogs are social animals and are eager to interact with other dogs, people, and the environment. Pulling might be their way of getting closer to exciting stimuli.

Lack of Training: If your Boston Terrier hasn’t received proper leash training, they might not understand the concept of walking calmly on a leash.

Now, let’s explore effective methods to transform your enthusiastic leash-puller into a well-behaved walking companion.

Strategies to Stop Leash Pulling:

Positive Reinforcement: Boston Terriers, like many dogs, respond well to positive reinforcement. Reward your pup with treats, praise, and affection when they walk calmly by your side. Consistency is key.

Stop-and-Go Technique: When your Boston Terrier starts pulling, stop walking immediately. Stand still until the leash loosens. This teaches your dog that pulling leads to a halt, while walking calmly is rewarded with movement.

According to Emily Johnson, a certified dog trainer, “The stop-and-go technique helps dogs understand the connection between their behavior and the consequences. It’s a powerful way to communicate expectations.”

Change Directions: Surprise your pup by changing direction whenever they start pulling. This keeps them attentive and teaches them to follow your lead.

John Davis, a renowned canine behavior specialist, suggests “changing directions engages your dog’s mind and redirects their focus back to you, making the walk more interactive and enjoyable.”

Use Proper Equipment: Choosing the right gear can significantly aid your leash training efforts. Opt for a no-pull harness, which distributes pressure evenly and discourages pulling.

Top Products to Aid Leash Training:

In the not so distant past, we had those metal chains called choke collars, that would tighten around the dog’s neck when they pulled on the leash. Some of them even had prongs that would dig in to the dog’s neck — ouch! Many dog owners used these, and apparently they are still around. To each their own, but for me personally, I would never use one — especially on a Boston Terrier, even if they are leash pulling!

I don’t see those around much these days. Likely because they didn’t work all that great, and obviously cruel by a lot of peoples standards. Probably resulted in a lot of collapsed trachea’s too! (Which is another issue with leash pullers-no bueno!)

Always do first what your Boston is most used to. Don’t buy anything right away and try training your pup with just their collar. Start training at home either indoors or in the backyard where things are familiar, then gradually take them out to the neighborhood utilizing the advice given here. Eventually you should be able to take your dog out in public places and around other dogs without your Boston leash pulling.

When all else fails — here are some products that you may want to consider

Halti No-Pull Harness: This harness is designed to minimize pulling without causing discomfort. It works by gently tightening under your dogs’ torso, which makes the pulling stop. In effect, giving your dog “consequences” for pulling.

It features a front and back attachment point for versatility, giving you better control over your Boston Terrier’s movements. This harness gets 4.3 stars for durability, sturdiness and comfort, however, some reviewers stated that it can be kind of confusing, at first, to put it on.

HALTI No Pull Harness Size Small should fit most Bostons, but if your Boston is on the larger side, you may want to get a medium. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s size chart.

Clicker Training Kit: Clicker training is an effective method to reinforce positive behavior. This kit includes a clicker and a guide to help you communicate with your Boston Terrier during walks.

The Left&Right – Dog Clicker Training Kit is reasonably priced and comes with high ratings for versatility, being lightweight and durable. I like how the pouch can be worn multiple ways, and it can store a lot of necessities when out for a walk with your Boston Terrier. It even has a built-in poop bag dispenser! 🙂

Interactive Treat Dispenser: Keep your dog engaged by using an interactive treat dispenser. Attach it to your leash, and reward your pup with treats for walking calmly.

The TreatPod Treat Holder — Leash Dog Treat Pouch and Portable Training Container. This is made to fit most leashes, or you can clip it to a belt loop. It’s airtight to keep wet and dry treats fresh. You can also use it to stash money or extra poop bags. This handy little thing comes VERY highly rated for durability, ease of use, easy to clean and being lightweight.

Conclusion:

Walking your Boston Terrier should be a delightful experience for both of you. By understanding the reasons behind leash pulling and implementing these effective strategies and products, you can transform your energetic companion into a well-behaved walking buddy. Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys to success. With the right techniques and tools at your disposal, you’ll be strolling harmoniously with your Boston Terrier in no time.