Going for a walk with your pooch is a pleasant experience, providing exercise and fresh air for both of you.
But if you have a dog who pulls, the outing can turn from something you look forward to, to something you dread.
When a dog pulls or resists direction, it is often called an opposition reflex. Although the action is not a reflex like shaking a leg almost uncontrollably when a favorite spot is scratched, the behavior is called opposition reflex because your dog is struggling against what you have in mind.
And that is a pleasurable walkabout the neighborhood.
Teaching your dog to relax with the leash and let the adventure come as it may isn’t always an easy task. Many dogs like to pull naturally because they are in a rush to get going to whatever exciting destination you have planned.
Dogs are always ready to explore with all of their senses, keeping their nose to the ground and their eyes and ears wide open. Opposition reflex has also been described as freedom reflex, simply a desire to be free to check out the world!