What to Do When Your Dog Pulls on the Leash

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable activity for both of you. But if your dog constantly pulls on the leash, it can turn a peaceful stroll into a frustrating tug-of-war. The good news is that leash pulling is one of the most common training challenges—and with patience and consistency, it’s absolutely fixable.

Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

Dogs don’t naturally understand how to walk politely by our side. To them, the world is full of exciting smells, sights, and sounds. Pulling gets them closer to what they want—faster. If we allow them to move forward while pulling, they learn that tugging works.

Pulling on the leash can be jarring, frustrating and unsafe. It is important to teach your dog loose leash skills.

Step 1: Stop the Pulling Power

When your dog pulls, avoid yanking back or engaging in a battle of strength. Instead, stop walking. Plant your feet and wait until your dog releases tension on the leash. The moment the leash loosens, praise and continue walking. This teaches your dog that pulling gets them nowhere, but walking politely keeps the adventure going.

Step 2: Reward Good Walking

Carry small, tasty treats and reward your dog for walking at your side with a loose leash. You can mark the behavior with a cheerful “Yes!” or a click if you use a clicker. Reinforcing your dog when they’re walking nicely helps them connect good leash manners with good things happening.

Step 3: Use Direction Changes

If your dog forges ahead, turn and walk in the opposite direction. This keeps them focused on you and prevents them from predicting where the walk is going. Over time, they’ll learn to check in with you instead of charging ahead.

Step 4: Consider Training Tools

While training, a front-clip harness or head halter can give you more control and reduce pulling without causing harm. Avoid choke chains or prong collars, as they can create fear, discomfort, and even physical damage. Tools are most effective when paired with positive reinforcement, not as a substitute for training.

Step 5: Be Consistent

Leash manners don’t happen overnight. Everyone in your household should follow the same rules during walks—no allowing pulling sometimes and correcting it other times. Dogs learn best through repetition and consistency.

Step 6: Make Walks Engaging

A dog that pulls is often a dog that’s excited and under-stimulated. Give your dog opportunities to sniff, explore, and enjoy the walk—just on your terms. You can add “sniff breaks” as a reward for good leash behavior. This creates balance between structure and freedom.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog not to pull on the leash takes time, but the reward is worth it: stress-free, enjoyable walks where you and your dog move together as a team. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you’ll transform those tug-of-war walks into peaceful adventures.

To learn more about training your dog to not pull on the leash, contact me by call/text: 250-688-5392 or email: celestegoodhope@live.ca

dog training cranbrook

dog training cranbrook