How to Teach Your Dog to Walk Properly Using the Don Sullivan Training Collar

Training your dog to walk properly on a leash is one of the most important skills you can teach, ensuring enjoyable, stress-free walks for both you and your furry friend. Whether you own an energetic American Bully or any other breed, leash training requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. One effective tool for training is the Don Sullivan Training Collar, which can help guide your dog to walk calmly and confidently by your side.

At Bullies Galore Kennels, we prioritize training methods that create well-behaved, happy dogs. This guide will walk you through the basics of leash training and how to use the Don Sullivan Training Collar to help your dog walk properly.

Why Leash Training is Essential

Teaching your dog to walk properly is more than just avoiding pulled arms or tangled leashes. Leash training:

• Promotes good behavior: A well-trained dog is less likely to lunge, bark, or jump at distractions while walking.

• Encourages physical and mental exercise: A proper walk allows your dog to get the exercise and mental stimulation they need, improving their overall health.

• Strengthens your bond: Walking together creates a stronger relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

If you’ve struggled with leash-pulling or distractions on walks, a training collar can be the solution to getting your dog to walk calmly and obediently.

Step-by-Step Guide to Leash Training with the Don Sullivan Training Collar

The Don Sullivan Training Collar is a highly effective tool designed to help correct behaviors like pulling, lunging, and lagging behind. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:

1. Choose the Right Collar Size

Before you start training, make sure you have the correct collar size for your dog. The Don Sullivan Training Collar should fit snugly around the top of the neck, just behind the ears. This placement gives you the best control, as this is the most sensitive area of a dog’s neck.

For American Bullies, who tend to have thick, muscular necks, make sure the collar isn’t too tight but fits securely. Proper fit is essential for safe and effective training.

2. Introduce Your Dog to the Collar

Allow your dog to become comfortable with the collar before starting any training. Put it on your dog for a few minutes each day, gradually increasing the time. Use positive reinforcement, giving treats and praise to help them associate the collar with a positive experience.

3. Start in a Low-Distraction Area

It’s best to start leash training in a familiar, quiet area, such as your backyard or an empty park. This will allow your dog to focus solely on you and the new collar without any distractions.

• Attach a 6-foot leash to the Don Sullivan Training Collar. Avoid using retractable leashes, as they give your dog too much freedom and reduce control.

4. Teach Your Dog to Follow Your Lead

To encourage your dog to walk by your side, use the following technique:

• Hold the leash firmly but loosely, allowing some slack between you and your dog.

• As soon as your dog starts to pull ahead, give a quick, gentle tug on the leash to get their attention. This tug is not meant to be harsh but rather a correction that mimics how dogs communicate naturally.

• After the tug, immediately release the tension in the leash, rewarding your dog with praise when they walk by your side. This process, called “correction and release,” teaches your dog that they must stay close to avoid the gentle correction.

5. Use Verbal Commands Consistently

Pair each tug and release with a verbal command like “Heel” or “With Me.” Your dog will start to associate this word with the action of walking by your side. Consistency is key, so be sure to use the same command every time.

6. Addressing Common Leash-Walking Challenges

If Your Dog Lags Behind

For dogs who tend to lag, give a gentle forward tug with the collar and use an enthusiastic voice to encourage them to keep up. Use phrases like “Let’s Go” or “Keep Up” to reinforce the action. Reward them with treats and praise when they stay in position.

If Your Dog is Easily Distracted

For dogs who get distracted by every squirrel, car, or passerby, redirect their attention by keeping a few high-value treats in your pocket. When you see a potential distraction, use the collar’s gentle tug and call your dog’s name to regain their focus. Reward them with a treat or praise for paying attention to you instead of the distraction.

7. Practicing in Different Environments

Once your dog is consistently walking by your side in a low-distraction area, gradually introduce them to more challenging environments, such as parks or streets with more activity. By slowly increasing the level of distraction, your dog will learn to ignore various stimuli while walking calmly beside you.

8. Patience and Consistency Are Key

Training an American Bully or any dog to walk properly requires time and patience. Consistent daily practice, clear communication, and positive reinforcement are the most effective ways to ensure success. Keep sessions short, especially in the beginning, and always end on a positive note.

The Benefits of Using the Don Sullivan Training Collar

The Don Sullivan Training Collar is uniquely designed to mimic the way dogs naturally communicate corrections. Unlike traditional choke collars, it provides a gentle yet effective way to communicate with your dog, helping them learn faster without causing harm.

Benefits of the Don Sullivan Training Collar:

• Effective and gentle: Provides a clear correction without causing harm or discomfort.

• Strengthens communication: Enhances your ability to communicate with your dog, building trust.

• Ideal for strong breeds: This collar is effective for strong, muscular breeds like the American Bully, giving you greater control on walks.

Tips for Long-Term Success

Consistency in training is key. Here are some extra tips to maintain proper leash behavior:

• Practice daily: Make leash training a regular part of your routine.

• Reward good behavior: Praise, treats, and even a favorite toy can reinforce your dog’s good behavior.

• Avoid Retractable Leashes: These can encourage pulling, making it difficult to control your dog’s position.

Why the American Bully is Perfect for Leash Training

American Bullies, with their intelligent and people-pleasing nature, are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement. When trained correctly, they make excellent walking companions, eager to learn and follow commands. Their loyalty and affection make them one of the best breeds to train, and with the right techniques and tools, you’ll have a well-mannered walking partner in no time.

At Bullies Galore Kennels, we prioritize proper training and socialization for our American Bullies to ensure they grow into loving, obedient pets. With the right guidance and the help of tools like the Don Sullivan Training Collar, you’ll be able to enjoy every walk with your American Bully.

Conclusion

Leash training doesn’t have to be a struggle. By using effective techniques and tools like the Don Sullivan Training Collar, you can teach your dog to walk calmly by your side, making walks enjoyable for both of you. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential to mastering leash training.

If you're interested in bringing home a well-bred, loyal American Bully who will be a joy to walk, contact Bullies Galore Kennels today. We breed high-quality American Bullies, known for their intelligence, obedience, and loving temperament—ideal for any family looking to add a new member.