Critters 101:  Oh When The Saints Go Marching In! A big complaint of many dog owners is having a dog that pulls on the leash, making the walk into an ordeal.  With a little practice this can be cured and you too can walk and march with the Saints.  Take a few minutes a couple of times a week and work on it.  The reward will be worth any trouble, I promise!  First off, your leash should be six feet long and you will need some small treats.   One technique is called “controlled walking,” which basically teaches the dog not to pull by having the handler make a u-turn every time the dog isn’t paying attention.  Most dogs quickly learn to avoid this by staying more or less in position and keeping the leash slack.  When they do the right thing, give them a treat.  Another good tactic is to make them sit when they begin to pull – they get a treat for that too. A third effective method of controlling leash pullers is to pull the leash down the dog’s chest and under one “arm.”  Then pull the leash back up through and under the back of the collar – making a loop under the dog’s arm.  This arrangement takes all of the pressure off of the dog’s throat and puts it on his chest and arm.  It is completely humane, but far more effective than a pinch or choke collar.  Of course you could not use this technique in the obedience ring, but most people are just interested in a quiet and relaxing walk with their pets.  And when the saints go marching in you and your pet can be in that number.