How to Stop Leash Pulling: A Complete Guide to Calm, Enjoyable Walks
- 8 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Leash pulling is one of the most common — and frustrating — problems dog owners face. Whether your dog drags you toward every scent, lunges at people or other dogs, or simply walks with constant tension on the lead, it can turn what should be a relaxing walk into a daily struggle.
The good news? Pulling on the lead isn’t just bad behaviour — it’s a skill issue. And like any skill, it can be retrained through understanding, structure, and consistency.
If you want a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your dog’s needs, you can explore my Stop Leash Pulling Training Plan — a complete program designed to teach calm walking, focus, and self-control without the use of harsh tools or punishment.
Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
Before we can fix the problem, we need to understand why it happens. Dogs don’t pull because they’re “disobedient” — they pull because:
They naturally move faster than we do. Walking speed mismatch makes pulling almost inevitable if not trained.
They’re excited and overstimulated. Every smell, sound, and sight outdoors is a reward.
Pulling works. When the dog pulls, they move forward — so the behaviour gets reinforced.
They lack impulse control. Dogs that haven’t learned to manage excitement act on instinct.
The lead has become a trigger for tension. Some dogs associate the leash with frustration or restraint.
Understanding this helps shift our mindset from “my dog is being stubborn” to “my dog needs guidance and clarity.”
Step 1: Start Indoors or in a Calm Space
Loose lead walking doesn’t start on the street — it starts where there’s no pressure, no distractions, and plenty of success.
Begin training inside your home or garden.
Clip on the lead, hold a few treats, and walk a few steps.
Reward your dog every time the leash stays loose or they walk by your side.
If they surge ahead, stop immediately — stand still until they return or look at you.
You’re teaching one simple rule: pulling gets you nowhere, calm walking gets you everywhere.
Step 2: Teach Focus and Connection
Pulling isn’t just about the leash — it’s about attention. If your dog’s mind is elsewhere, no leash length will fix it.
Try these simple exercises:
Name Game: Say your dog’s name and reward eye contact.
“Let’s Go” Cue: Say your chosen cue and move forward together. Reward your dog for following your lead.
Reward Behind You: When you give a treat, hold it slightly behind your leg. This encourages your dog to stay close rather than surge ahead.
You’re not forcing obedience — you’re building engagement so your dog wants to stay with you.
Step 3: Use the Right Equipment
A poorly fitted harness or an uncomfortable collar can make pulling worse.
For safety and comfort, I recommend:
A well-fitted Y-shaped harness that allows full shoulder movement.
A double-ended lead (attached to both harness and front clip) for better control.
Avoid headcollars and choke chains — they can cause physical discomfort and emotional stress, making walks unpleasant and unsafe.
The goal isn’t to restrict your dog — it’s to guide them calmly.
Step 4: Use “Stop & Go” to Teach Self-Control
Consistency is everything.
The moment your dog pulls, stop walking.
Wait silently until the leash loosens (even slightly).
The instant there’s slack, say “Yes!” or “Good!” and walk forward again.
Your dog learns that pulling makes the walk stop, while calmness makes it continue.
This step takes patience, but it creates lasting understanding. Dogs quickly realise that pulling gets them nowhere fast.
Step 5: Reward the Right Choices
Dogs repeat what gets rewarded. Keep high-value treats ready and use them strategically.
Reward your dog when they:
Walk beside you or check in with you.
Choose not to lunge or pull toward something exciting.
Match your pace without tension.
As your dog improves, gradually reduce food rewards — but always keep praise, calm energy, and occasional treats in the mix.
Step 6: Add Distractions Slowly
Never jump straight from your living room to a busy park. Gradually increase difficulty:
Start in a quiet garden or street.
Move to slightly busier areas.
Practice near distractions (dogs, people, smells), rewarding calm focus.
If your dog starts pulling again, go back a step. The goal is to make success easy and natural.
Step 7: Build a Calm Pre-Walk Routine
Most leash pulling begins before you even step outside.
If your dog gets hyper when they see the lead, practice calm lead handling:
Pick up the leash, wait for calm, then reward.
Clip it on only when your dog is relaxed.
Open the door, wait for eye contact, then give permission to go out.
This builds self-control from the start of every walk.
Step 8: Make Walks Mentally Enriching
A dog that’s mentally satisfied pulls less. Instead of marching in a straight line, add variety:
Let your dog sniff — it’s natural and calming.
Include short training breaks (sit, stay, heel).
Use different routes to keep walks interesting.
Balanced walks reduce frustration and make calm walking more sustainable long term.
When to Get Professional Help
If your dog’s pulling is intense, paired with reactivity, or feels unmanageable, getting professional help can change everything.
My Stop Leash Pulling Training Plan is designed to:
Identify the root cause of pulling.
Teach safe, pressure-free walking techniques.
Help your dog rebuild focus and calmness around triggers.
It’s a structured, reward-based program that restores joy and balance to your walks — no shouting, no tools, just science-based guidance that works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using punishment or harsh corrections.
These increase stress and make dogs associate the leash with negativity.
❌ Walking too long, too soon.
Short, focused sessions build better habits than exhausting walks full of frustration.
❌ Letting pulling occasionally work.
Inconsistency confuses your dog. Make the rule clear: pulling never gets them forward.
❌ Ignoring emotional needs.
Sometimes pulling isn’t excitement — it’s anxiety, fear, or overstimulation. Addressing the emotional root is just as important as the behaviour itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leash Pulling
Q1: Why does my dog pull even when tired?
Pulling is often a habit, not just about energy. Once learned, it becomes automatic until retrained with new rules.
Q2: Should I use a prong collar or choke chain?
No. These tools may stop pulling short-term, but they cause discomfort and anxiety, often leading to reactivity. Positive training achieves long-term calmness without pain.
Q3: How long does it take to fix leash pulling?
It depends on your consistency and your dog’s history. Some improve within days, others take weeks. A structured plan like my Stop Leash Pulling Training Plan helps you progress
safely and efficiently.
Q4: What should I do if my dog pulls toward other dogs?
Increase distance, ask for focus, and reward calm behaviour. Gradually reduce distance as your dog learns control. Don’t yank or punish — guide calmly instead.
Q5: Is it okay to let my dog sniff on walks?
Absolutely. Sniffing lowers stress and helps dogs process the environment. Allowing sniff breaks teaches them that calm walking is rewarded with exploration time.
Q6: My rescue dog pulls constantly — can this be fixed?
Yes, with patience. Many rescue dogs pull from stress or lack of structure. Gentle, trust-based methods rebuild calmness and connection step by step.
Final Thoughts
Leash pulling isn’t just about control — it’s about communication. When your dog learns that staying near you leads to freedom, fun, and calm, walks transform from chaos into connection.
Every dog can learn to walk beautifully on a lead — no matter their size, age, or past experiences. It just takes the right approach, consistent practice, and a little patience.
If you’re ready to finally enjoy stress-free walks, start today with my Stop Leash Pulling Training Plan — a complete step-by-step guide built on trust, clarity, and understanding.
Comments