My dog pulls, eats things, and won't drop them. How can I train him?

Question

When I take my dog for walk he sniffs everywhere and pulls me. He at times picks things from road. Even when I try to take it from his mouth. He just wouldn't give. So I tried carrying a treat. It didn't work out too. One of my friends suggested to use mouth guard when I take him for walk. But I feel bad about that. Is it good to use mouth guard? I just want him to walk with me. I've seen so many dogs with their owners just waking with them without pulling. How to make him walk like that? Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 9 days old | 40 lbs

C. Rathjens, DVM · Accepted Answer

It's perfectly fine to use a muzzle (I'm assuming that's the same thing as a mouth guard) to make sure Damon stays safe and doesn't eat things he shouldn't. He won't think anything of it. Another option is to work on teaching him a "leave it" command. To do this, have a boring dog treat in one closed fist and hold it out to him, he'll try to get the treat for a while and then give up, as soon as he gives up say "Yes!" and give him a really special treat with the other hand. Repeat and repeat and repeat. Once he's really good at this (and not falling for the trick at all), say "leave it" before putting out the boring treat hand. Keep practicing using better and better treats, but always making sure to reward him with something special. I also love head halters to help with control on walks. Halti and Gentle Leader are two brands to look in to. Good luck to you and Damon!

My dog pulls, eats things, and won't drop them. How can I train him?

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