What to Do When Your Dog Pulls on the Leash
- celestegoodhope
- Nov 24
- 3 min read
Why it happens, how to fix it, and how to build a calmer walk together.
Leash pulling is one of the most common frustrations dog guardians face — and one of the quickest ways a peaceful walk turns into a battle of wills. But here’s the truth most people don’t hear:
Dogs don’t pull to be “dominant.” They pull because they’re excited, curious, anxious, overstimulated, or simply untrained for that environment.
When you understand why your dog pulls, you can finally teach them how to walk with you in a way that feels good for both of you.
Let’s break down the psychology behind pulling and the practical steps to stop it.
Having a dog that pulls on leash can be embarrassing, anxiety provoking and create safety issues for you, your dog and others.
🐾 Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
1. The world is exciting
Grass, smells, people, squirrels — your dog’s nose and brain are wired to explore. Walking slowly beside you is not natural for them. We must teach it.
2. They’ve been unintentionally rewarded
Every time your dog pulls forward and gets to sniff, greet, or move ahead, the pulling behavior is reinforced. Dogs repeat what works.
3. Overstimulation or anxiety
Some dogs pull because they can’t regulate their arousal levels. Their brains are buzzing with information, and they rush toward or away from things.
4. They’ve never learned leash skills
Leash manners aren’t instinct. Just like sit, stay, or recall, loose-leash walking is a trained behavior.
🌿 What to Do Before You Start Training
Choose the right equipment
A well-fitted harness (front-clip for pullers), a 6–8 ft leash, and high-value treats set you up for success. Avoid choke chains, prongs, or corrections — they suppress behavior but do not teach emotional regulation. Halt's or Gentle Leaders are also a great tool for dogs who pull.
Pick an easy environment first
Start in your yard, driveway, or a quiet street. Teaching loose-leash walking in the middle of a busy trail is like learning math at a rock concert.
🎓 Training Step 1: Teach “Reward Zone”
Your dog should learn that the magic happens next to you — not ten feet ahead.
Start standing still.
The moment your dog is next to your leg, mark (“Yes!”) and treat.
Take one step. If they stay with you, mark and treat.
Repeat, slowly building steps.
For dogs who love sniffing, use both treats and access to the environment as a reward.
🚶♀️ Training Step 2: Pattern Walking
Patterns help dogs regulate their nervous system and focus their brain.
Try:
U-turns
Figure-8s
Two steps → reward
Stop → Treat → Walk again
This creates a predictable rhythm and teaches your dog that following you is worthwhile.
🔄 Training Step 3: The “Turn and Reset”
If your dog forges ahead and tightens the leash:
Stop moving.
Say nothing.
Wait for the leash to slacken or your dog to check in.
Mark and reward for returning to your side.
Begin walking again in the opposite direction.
This teaches your dog:
“Tight leash? We pause. Loose leash? We walk.”
Over time, they learn to monitor the leash themselves.
🐕🦺 Training Step 4: Reward What You Want
Dogs repeat behaviors that get reinforced. So whenever your dog walks beside you:
✨ Praise softly
✨ Treat generously
✨ Give sniff breaks frequently
Sniffing is natural, grounding, and mentally rewarding — and giving controlled sniff breaks actually reduces pulling overall.
💛 Understanding the Emotional Side of Pulling
Some dogs pull because they’re:
Anxious
Fearful
Frustrated
Overexcited
Lacking impulse control
If this is your dog, add:
Calm pre-walk routines
Decompression walks (long-line in quiet areas)
Sniffing opportunities
Shorter training sessions
More distance from triggers
Nervous system regulation games (pattern games, hand targets, scatter feeding)
A calmer brain = a calmer body = a calm leash.
🗝️ Consistency Is What Changes Everything
Loose-leash walking will not become automatic overnight.It takes:
Daily practice
A manageable training environment
Emotional support for your dog
Patience, compassion, and clear expectations
But when you stay consistent, your dog learns that:
“Walking with my human is safe, predictable, and rewarding.”
🌈 The Payoff: A Walk You’ll Both Love
With practice, your walks will stop feeling like a tug-of-war and start feeling like a connected, relaxing time together.
Your dog will:✔ Check in more✔ Pull less✔ Regulate better✔ Listen more✔ Enjoy walks more
And you will feel the difference — the leash will soften, the stress will melt away, and you’ll finally walk in partnership, not opposition.
To learn more about teaching your dog self-regulation and pull reduction, contact me by call/text: 250-688-5392 or email at: celestegoodhope@live.ca
Invermere Dog Trainer
Comments