How to Train Your Dog to Not Have Opposition Reflex

Grab some of your pup’s favorite tidbits (such as training treats) and head to a location where there are no distractions. This is not a training session for the park. Start in the backyard, which must be enclosed since you are training off-leash. Let your dog know you have the treats and hold them in your left hand, against your leg.

Have your dog come to your left side. Praise your pooch for the arrival and attention, and happily hand over one of the treats.

Say the command “heel” and start to walk. All the while, the treats are still in your left hand at your side. At five-second intervals, give a treat to keep your pupster by your side. Don’t stop, though. Continue walking as you give the treats.

Give the heel command as you turn right. Pat your leg, so your curious canine remains focused on the treat. When your dog catches up after the turn, give another treat.

Try turning left as you continue the same method. Say heel, give treats as your dog complies, and praise for the great work. Practice this every day for a few weeks, until your dog is heeling without question. Then, you can add the leash and try it on a walk. There should be no opposition reflex.

This method involves halting when your pooch pulls. Start with expectations of control and listening before you even begin the walk. Have your dog sit to get their leash on. Walk to the door, have them “sit and stay” as you wait to open the door. When they are calm, go ahead and step outside together.

If your dog continues to pull in excitement at the door, continue the practice but work at another door they do not usually exit the house from. Train them until they are calm as they leave.

Proceed to the yard. Walk around the yard, and when your dog pulls forward, pull the leash upward and halt. Once your dog stops, release the tension and move forward again, repeating as necessary.

If your dog’s opposition reflex is to resist the leash and the walk by pulling back as you are moving forward, halt. Then with a slack leash, encourage them to follow by giving them a treat. They should learn that not pulling means a treat and continuation of the walk.

After a few weeks of practice, you should not have an issue. When your dog does pull forward or pull back, give the leash a tug up, halt, and proceed. Keep practicing in a distraction-free area until your dog gets the idea.

As with the other methods, start the training for the Name Method in an area that is quiet and free of other people and dogs. Once you feel your dog is getting the idea, you can move to the street and practice as you walk there.

Begin the walk in the yard. When your dog pulls, take a step forward to release the tension enough that your dog notices.

Say your furry buddy’s name with a cheerful voice. The combination of the slack on the leash and you saying their name should encourage your pup to stop and look at you. Give your pooch a treat.

Practice this in the yard until your dog stops using the opposition reflex when walking. Hearing your voice and getting the occasional treat should be enough to move onto the street with success. With the relaxation of the leash, they will soon lose the desire to pull in the opposite direction you have in mind!