Top Activities For Dogs Who Like Pulling

Introduction

So, your dog likes to pull. While some may view this as a bad habit, you should try re-thinking your dog's need to pull and channel that desire into a great activity. There are a good deal of positive ways you can let your pup pull that will hopefully get out some of their energy. While pulling the leash when walking can be bad, something like pulling a sled can be good! Redirect your dog's pulling habits into one of these great activities.

Dog Sled

Popular

0 Votes

Cold Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Treats

Sled

Collar

Rope

Harness

Activity description

Dogs pulling sleds is no new activity. In fact, the Iditarod, a dog race where a dog team pulls a sled across Alaska, has been around since 1973 but commemorates a long history of sled dogs in that area of the country. Dog sled were a primary mode of transportation in snowy areas for centuries. Why not teach your dog who likes to pull how to follow in the paw prints of these dogs in history? Your pup likes to pull and sleds are perfect for pulling! Even though your dog may not become your primary way to get to the grocery store, it can still be a fun activity to do with your pup!

Step

1

Sled shopping

Find a sled that you can use for your dog to pull. There are specific dog sleds that you can purchase that will work best if you plan on having your dog exercise this way frequently. However, a simple snow sled safely attached to a harness will do for the first few times!

Step

2

Get attached

Attach the sled to your pup and make sure your dog is comfortable. A sled should not be a burden or painful for your dog in any way. Your dog should easily be able to move forward, sit down and move their head and paws freely. Once your dog is strapped in, you're ready to go!

Step

3

Pull!

Start off slow by teaching your dog simply how to run with a sled attached to them. Once your dog is comfortable running while pulling the sled, add some weight to the sled. Again, start slow, just a few bags or water bottles will do! Eventually, you can sit on the sled and have your dog take you for a ride!

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Tugging Game

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Rope or Tug Toy

Activity description

Playing tug with your dog seems like a natural game to play. After all, tug of war is on of the most popular and widely thought of games for dogs. Your dog who likes to pull will especially benefit from a game of tug as it will satisfy their need to pull on something. Even if your dog likes to pull on a leash while walking, tug may be a different form of pulling that they would enjoy. It also may be much easier for you to play tug with your pup rather than being pulled down the street on a walk!

Step

1

Toy choice

Grab a toy or rope for you and your pup to play tug with. Look for a toy that is easy to hold on to for both you and your dog. You want something you can easily grip that won't slip from your hand and also a toy that your dog can really sink their teeth into and pull without it breaking or ripping.

Step

2

Location prep

Head to a place where you can play tug with your pooch. You do not necessarily need a lot of space to play tug, any room in your house will do! Just make sure there is nothing fragile around, playing tug can get pretty intense and you don't want to break anything!

Step

3

Tug!

Let your dog grab one end of the tug toy while you hold on to the other. Then pull! Your dog will automatically pull back on the toy and the game of tug has begun! Who is going to win? You? Your dog who likes to pull? The game could go on forever!

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Tree Tug

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Rope

Treats

Tug Toy

Activity description

If you and your dog have already mastered the game of tug, maybe it is time to upgrade your game while also teaching your dog to play on their own. Tree tug is a perfect game to set up for your dog who likes to pull when you need to get some gardening done or are too busy to play all day as your dog would prefer. A sturdy tree that can resist pulling is necessary for this game as is some nice weather (you don't want your dog outside all day in the extreme cold or hot tugging at their toy!). Other than those requirements, this game is easy to play!

Step

1

Tree search

Find a strong tree or even a post that you can tie a toy around. You want to tie the toy to something that will not move when being tugged and yanked. Your dog's strength may surprise you! Those dogs who like to pull can really tug and potentially cause some damage! A strong tree is necessary.

Step

2

Set up

Tie a rope around the tree (around a strong branch or around the base is best). Attach your dog's favorite tug toy to the rope securely. Make sure to tie the knots well so that the game lasts and your pup doesn't just pull the toy right off the tree!

Step

3

Pull forever

Hide a few treats inside the toy to really get your dog's attention. Then, show your pup how to pull at the toy. Get excited and demonstrate to your dog how to pull and then step aside as your pup tries to pull and pull at the toy. Why won't it come free? Your dog may be entertained by this game for hours! Supervise as they play, however, since a rope is part of the game.

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More Fun Ideas...

Skateboarding

Stand on a skateboard and hold your dog's leash. Let your dog start to run and hold on tight as your pup brings you for a ride! Pulling you on a skateboard is actually quite easy to set up and will be a lot of fun for your dog who likes to pull.

Run Together

Bring your dog who likes to pull for a run. While it is ideal for your pup to run by your side, they may actually pull you along and make your run a little easier! Or more challenging as you race to keep up!

Conclusion

Many dogs pull. Whether it is pulling you on a walk or pulling at toys at home, this is a natural habit for a dog to have. While some may think that a dog who pulls is a negative thing, choose to be positive and encourage your dog to pull on the right things. Start with these activities to help your pulling pup have fun while doing something that they are already inclined to do!