How to Stop Your Dog Pulling on a Leash
Have you ever felt that you are actually walking the dog, and they are leading the way instead of the other way round? Picture walking out for a nice walk in the neighborhood then suddenly you are running with your dog through the neighborhood like they are the next movie superhero. It’s actually quite a…
Have you ever felt that you are actually walking the dog, and they are leading the way instead of the other way round? Picture walking out for a nice walk in the neighborhood then suddenly you are running with your dog through the neighborhood like they are the next movie superhero.
It’s actually quite a popular problem, and the good news is that you are not the only one facing it. Now let’s look at how it’s possible to transform that tugging dog into a gentle walking companion.
Why Does Your Dog Think They’re in Charge of the Walk?
In order to correct the pulling we have to know what pulling is. Dogs pull for many reasons and sometimes the biggest reason is that they are just plain old excited about something or other like smells, things they see, or people they meet.
Think about going to the supermarket and seeing all beautiful and shining, of course, you want to touch everything at once. Dogs never learn the difference between a slow, steady walk; they are merely happy to be outside and that joy shows up in pulling.
Another reason might be that your dog has learned that pulling gets him or her what they have been asked for. They pull, and you move forward, so you get the message that tugging works.
However; don’t worry; with some more time and effort and the right materials, you can let them know that being right by your side is just as beneficial.
Tip: It is advised to let your dog sniff around for about a minute before you begin with each walk. Forcing is often caused by early pulls and this can be eliminated by this in order to prevent it.
Gear Up: Picking the Perfect Leash and Harness for Your Pup
Having the right equipment at hand usually sees the world of a difference. A body harness that is meant to discourage pulling is effective in helping you regain control over your dog without applying excess pressure on his/her neck.
Front-clip harnesses are generally preferred, especially because if the dog tries to pull forward, the harness calmly turns him back towards the handler.
🐾 Leash your child and use the front-clip harness to help control your child in shopping malls or grocery stores.
🐾 They do not recommend retractable leashes since they lead to pulling.
🐾 Begin training by using a basic sturdy collar combined with a no-pull dog harness.
Do not use the retractable leashes, because it seems to encourage pulling and sometimes makes it difficult for the dogs to realize the appropriate range.
An ordinary and robust leash combined with a no-pull harness can be considered ideal if you start your training.
Fun Training Tricks for Loose Leash Walking
It may take time, but practice makes perfect and therefore loose leash walking is very much possible. To begin with, stop moving each time your dog begins to pull on the leash.
This leads them to understand that pulling does not make progress. When the leash becomes loose, give him a treat and proceed to walk again. Similarly, This ‘stop-and-go’ helps them understand that, in order to be closer to you, they will have more fun and move around more.
🐾 Stand still when your dog pulls to teach them pulling doesn’t work.
🐾 Change direction often to keep your dog focused on you.
One of them is the use of frequent turn taking while walking the dog. If your dog pulls out ahead of you, go in the opposite direction immediately. This will ensure that your pup follows you like a shadow and ensure you reinforce his or her beliefs that following you is the right thing to do.
Another technique is to turn frequently during your walk. These are to be used when your dog pulls ahead: pull on the leash and turn round, and walk in the opposite direction. This will help keep your puppy’s attention on you and further drive home the concept to your dog that they must follow your movements.
Why Treats and Praise Make All the Difference
We shall treat here as our best friend. I would like to stress the following, any time your dog is walking beside you without pulling do give him/her a treat. Of course, it can’t and doesn’t have to be treated; words of encouragement, stroking them, pointing to something interesting might also be rewarding to them.
🐾 Reward your dog with treats, praise, or petting when they walk calmly.
🐾 Use positive reinforcement consistently to encourage good walking behavior.
The purpose is to make walking without pulling the most rewarding for your dog. They will soon notice that with them aiming at ‘catching up’ with you, more positive things happen! Just to help remind everyone, consistency is important and that means that the behavior that is being rewarded will continue.
Compensations are your best friend here. Every time your dog walks next to you with no pulling, regardless if it was required or not, find some treat to give to your dog. This doesn’t necessarily mean sweets – words of encouragement/strokes or even allowing the dogs to sniff at something interesting will do.
The walker with or without pulling should be the most rewarding experience for the dog. Soon they will understand that they actually get just as much good fortune as they keep up chasing after you! It is also important to always stick to this policy because rewarding always reinforces the targeted behavior.
Tip: It’s recommended that you should have a few treats with you all the time so that you may reward your pet right on the spot. The last thing that every employee wants is to have to wait for their rewards which is why quick rewards go a long way!
Stick with It: How Consistency and Patience Pay Off
Loose leash walking takes time. Your dog won’t change their habits overnight, and it’s important to stay patient. Consistent training sessions—even if they’re short—will pay off in the long run. Celebrate the small victories, like a few steps without pulling, and build from there.
If you’re finding the process tough, consider working with a professional dog trainer who specializes in positive reinforcement techniques. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you and your pup succeed.
You’ve Got This, Keep It Up!
Training your dog not to pull on the leash takes time, patience, and a lot of practice, but the reward is a much more enjoyable walk for both of you.
Remember that your dog’s excitement isn’t a bad thing—it just needs a little channeling. With the right harness, consistent training, and a pocket full of treats, you’ll soon be strolling in harmony. Keep up the great work, and don’t forget—every small step forward counts!
For more detailed tips on training, check out this guide.
