You clip the leash, open the door, and suddenly—your dog is pulling you down the street like a sled dog in the Iditarod. Sound familiar? Leash pulling is one of the most common challenges pet parents face. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most fixable behaviors—with the right approach, consistency, and training techniques, your dog can learn to walk politely by your side. 

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Leash? 

Dogs pull for a simple reason: they’re excited to explore! Whether it’s a new scent, another dog, or a fast-moving squirrel, they’re driven by instinct and curiosity. Walks are a full-on sensory experience for dogs, and many have never been taught that they’re expected to walk at a human’s pace. 

Other common causes of leash pulling include: 

– Reinforced habits – If pulling gets them to the fire hydrant, they’ll keep doing it. 

– Lack of impulse control – Especially common in puppies and adolescent dogs. 

– Anxiety or overstimulation – Some dogs pull out of nervous energy in busy environments. 

– Pent-up energy – Dogs who don’t get enough exercise may erupt with energy the moment they step outside. 

Remember, leash pulling isn’t about dominance, it’s about excitement, motivation, or lack of guidance. 

The Problem with Pulling 

Pulling may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can have serious effects over time: 

– Health risks – Dogs can injure their neck, trachea, or shoulders by lunging against a collar. 

– Safety concerns – A strong dog can pull you into traffic or toward an unfriendly dog. 

– Stress for both of you – Walks become frustrating instead of fun. 

– Unwanted behaviors – Pulling often escalates into barking, jumping, or leash reactivity. 

Choosing the Right Equipment 

You don’t need fancy tools to fix leash pulling—but a few upgrades can make training easier: 

– Front-clip harness – Redirects your dog’s movement and gives you more control without discomfort. 

– Standard 4–6 ft leash – Avoid retractable leashes, which encourage pulling and reduce safety. 

– Treat pouch – Having rewards ready allows you to reinforce good behavior the moment it happens. 

Tip: Avoid using prong or choke collars, which can cause pain and increase anxiety or aggression. 

How to Train Loose-Leash Walking 

Training your dog not to pull starts with building focus, trust, and communication. Here’s a step-by-step plan: 

Step 1: Set Clear Expectations 

Use a verbal cue like “Let’s go” when you start your walk. This sets a consistent tone and helps your dog understand the walk is a team activity. 

Step 2: Be a Tree 

When your dog pulls, stop immediately. Do not yank back. Stand still until the leash is slack again, then continue walking. This teaches your dog that pulling gets them nowhere. 

Step 3: Reward Good Behavior 

Every time your dog walks next to you or glances up at you, mark the behavior with a cheerful word (“yes!”) and give a treat. Reinforcing calm walking helps them understand what you do want. 

Step 4: Change Directions 

If your dog continues pulling, turn and walk the opposite direction. This keeps them tuned in to you and not just the path ahead. 

Step 5: Start in Calm Environments 

Practice loose-leash walking indoors or in your backyard before progressing to busier places. Once your dog is confident, gradually introduce distractions like parks, sidewalks, or store parking lots. 

How Long Will It Take? 

Leash training takes time—especially if pulling has been your dog’s default for a while. You might see improvement in a few days, but long-term success comes from consistency and patience. Set aside 5–10 minutes daily to work on loose-leash walking. Short, focused sessions are often more effective than long, tiring ones. 

What to Avoid 

Many pet parents accidentally undo their training by: 

– Inconsistency – Letting their dog pull “just this once” 

– Yelling or leash popping – Increases stress and doesn’t teach alternatives 

– Letting the dog lead the walk – Reinforces that pulling works 

Also, remember progress is not linear. Some days will be better than others. That’s normal. 

What If My Dog Is Reactive? 

Reactivity like barking, lunging, or growling at dogs or people may require more support. This behavior often stems from fear, frustration, or lack of socialization. 

If your dog is reactive: 

– Keep a safe distance from triggers 

– Use treats to reward calm behavior when they see another dog 

– Avoid “corrections” that add to the stress 

– Work with a certified trainer who specializes in reactivity 

Make Walks Enjoyable Again 

Imagine a walk where your dog checks in with you, trots happily by your side, and doesn’t yank your shoulder out of place. Loose-leash walking creates a more enjoyable experience for both of you and strengthens the bond between human and dog. 

It may take time, but the payoff is worth it. You’ll look forward to walks again—and so will your dog. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Let our PUPS trainers help you and your dog master leash walking with personalized, one-on-one support. Learn more here. 

Walking your dog should be one of the best parts of your day, not a power struggle. With the right tools, positive reinforcement, and consistency, leash pulling becomes a manageable and solvable challenge. Start small, celebrate progress, and remember training isn’t about being perfect, it’s about building trust and working together.