If your normally-obedient pooch turns into a freight train when he's on a leash, he needs training in how to take a walk, according to Best Friends professional dog trainers.

"I've seen well-behaved dogs turn into inattentive 'pulling machines' when they're on leash," says Patty Lee, professional trainer at Best Friends Charlotte, NC. "They may be great pets in the house, but they have never been properly trained to walk."

The good news is, it's never too late to train, professionals attest. Lee recommends reinforcing basic training commands before teaching any new ones. Remind your dog what's expected of him, and how rewarding obedience can be.

"There are three steps to successful training," says Lee, "Motivation, praise, and correction." Motivate your dog by teaching her that if she walks in a calm and controlled manner, she gets to continue the walk. Praise your dog when she's walking nicely and following your command. The "correction" involved in teaching proper walking is simply to cease the walk immediately when the dog starts pulling.

Get the right equipment

Before venturing anywhere, be sure you have a properly-fitted collar and the right leash. The professional staff at your local Best Friends can help you decide which products are best suited for you and your dog. Gentle leaders, or head halters, can be favorable at this stage of re-learning how to walk. "Sometimes it's easier to teach dogs what not to do at first, and then build up to the proper behavior techniques," Lee says. (See Are Head Halters Humane for more information.)

At the beginning stages of leash training, it's best not to use retractable leads. Place the dog on whichever side is most comfortable for you and keep the leash at waist level. Your arm should stay relatively close to your side. Do not leave too much space between you and the dog in the beginning, working up to more slack on the lead.

Pinch collars are acceptable for large, thick-haired breeds, but should never be used as punishment. They are reminders that humans are controlling the walk, not the dog.

There's no place like home
Start by working within the home. Some dogs jump up and get excited at the mere prospect of discovering a walk may happen. Teach your dog to be calm when putting her leash on, and use the "sit-stay" command. She's got to learn to contain herself before even heading out the door, Lee stresses.

Start your walk around the inside of the house and praise your dog for not pulling. It's important for the dog to know that she has to obey your verbal commands and body language, or the walk stops. Pulling will simply not be tolerated. Every time she pulls, stop walking. By continuing to walk with her after she pulls on the lead, you are rewarding the undesirable behavior.

Lee also suggests keeping the leash on your dog and then placing a cookie on the floor, some distance away from her. Teach her the "leave it" and "release" or "go get it" commands, which will come in very handy when confronted with outside distractions.

When Doggy seems to be behaving on lead within the home, it's time to head outside. Remember - don't proceed with the walk if the dog pulls or lunges! Your stroll around the block may take a little longer than expected, but the results of this trial will be worth it.

If your canine companion still insists on pulling during your daily promenades, take a refresher course or seek the help of a qualified dog trainer.

Your local Best Friends professional trainers can help you make your pet happier, making you happier.