Most dogs new to leash training will pull ahead to the limit of the leash and try to lead the owner. The reason for this is they don't know the game plan and where they are supposed to be. That information has to be communicated in a consistent and pleasant manner. Training should never be unpleasant for the dog. That means minimum possible use of force, no yelling or raised voice, and no punitive measures. Praise when right and no praise when wrong.
A harness is not needed for teaching a dog to walk on a leash without pulling.
Standard leash walking lesson. Six or eight foot leash.
Dog on left, end of leash in right hand with a loop over finger of left hand. Normal walking speed. Step forward with left foot (dog sees foot move and knows we're going to move). Start walking. dog will catch up and move ahead to end of leash. At that point, pin your left hand to your side holding leash and pivot on your left foot reversing direction and continue walking normally. Dog will be pulled and have to catch up with you again. When dog catches up and again pulls ahead, pin the leash to your left side, pivot and reverse direction again. Walk until dog once more pulls ahead and repeat. The dog will learn very quickly that he has to watch you to know where to go. Do this little lesson for 3 or 4 minutes at a time, twice a day. They learn quickly that they need to be on your left and able to watch your left leg so as to know where to go.
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