Walks should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. However, many dogs develop a habit of pulling on the lead, which can make walks stressful or uncomfortable.
In most cases, dogs pull because they are excited, curious, or have simply learned that pulling gets them where they want to go faster. The good news is that with patience and consistent training, most dogs can learn to walk calmly on a loose lead.
Pulling usually develops over time. Each time a dog pulls and still moves forward, they learn that pulling works.
Other common reasons include:
Because walking at a human pace is slower than a dog’s natural pace, learning to walk calmly beside us can take time.
Before starting lead training:
Reward calm behaviour before leaving the house. This helps prevent your dog becoming overly excited whenever the lead appears.
If your dog becomes too excited, briefly put the lead away and try again once they have settled.
The most effective technique is simple: loose lead walking earns rewards and forward movement, pulling does not.
Start walking and encourage your dog to stay beside you.
When the lead remains loose:
This helps your dog understand that staying close to you is rewarding.
If your dog pulls ahead:
When your dog moves back towards you, reward them and continue walking.
At first, you may need to stop many times during a single walk. Consistency is key, and most dogs begin to understand the pattern with practice.
Dogs repeat behaviours that are rewarding.
Whenever your dog walks beside you with a loose lead:
This teaches your dog that walking calmly keeps the walk going.
Treats are a powerful training tool. They are not bribery; they are a reward for good behaviour.
Choose treats your dog finds very appealing, such as:
High-value rewards help your dog stay focused on you, even when distractions appear.
Over time, treats can gradually be reduced and replaced with praise or play.
For dogs that pull strongly, a well-fitted harness is often recommended. Harnesses reduce pressure on the neck and help prevent injury, once they don’t inhibit natural movement as some ‘anti-pull’ harnesses do. If you are in any doubt about which harness is best for your dog, please ask you vet or vet nurse for advice.
Avoid equipment designed to cause pain or discomfort, such as choke chains or prong collars.
For very strong dogs or reactive dogs, a headcollar may provide extra control during training. However, if used incorrectly, there is potential for injury to the neck or even the eyes.
Headcollars work similarly to horse headcollars, allowing gentle steering from under the chin.
However, they must be introduced gradually and positively. Many dogs initially find them unusual, so slow training at home is important before using them on walks.
A headcollar should be seen as a training aid rather than a permanent solution.
Additional tips that can help include:
Dogs enjoy exploring the world through scent, so allowing them to sniff is the highlight of their day and helps them feel content as they have been given the opportunity to express their natural behaviour.
Training a dog to stop pulling can take time, especially if the habit has been learned over many months or years.
The most important things are consistency, patience and positive reinforcement. With practice and encouragement, most dogs learn that walking calmly beside you is the best way to enjoy their walk.
