Teaching your pup to stop pulling on the leash may seem like a tiresome task. With so many new sights and smells, it’s only natural when our dogs start pulling on the leash to take off and explore. 

We understand the frustration of feeling like you're on a retractable leash, limiting their adventure but wanting to keep your dog safe. You want your dog to walk calmly and create harmony between having control and keeping your dog happy and comfortable. 

Here’s where we can help! These next 5 steps to stop your dog from pulling on the lead are just the beginning of bettering you and your dog’s time together. From choosing the right kind of harness to using the right kind of positive reinforcements, we can help you regain that control with ease.

These tricks will help you understand why your dog pulls on the leash and how to help put a stop to it.

WHY WON’T MY DOG STOP LEASH PULLING?

It may seem challenging to understand why your dog is pulling on the lead, but for a dog, a lead is one thing: restriction. For many dogs, that restrictive association (combined with new senses) can be overwhelming and often the reason your dog would want to walk in every direction. 

When we allow our dogs to pull, we are ultimately informing them that doing that action is the only way to go where they are set to be. By erasing this habit, your dog can still explore safely by your side. 

Remember, training your dog to be on their best behaviour will take time and effort. You have to be willing to offer support and patience while they learn these new behaviours. Having the right attitude, along with the correct tools such as treats and the harness of your choice (front clip dog harness, adjustable harness, matching lead) will make this process seamless and simple. 

Walking your dog should be a pleasurable experience. Yet, if your dog pulls on the lead every time you go out, it becomes less about enjoyment and more about controlling a pulling spree. To stop a dog from pulling, you need to understand that leash walking is not instinctive but can be taught over time.

Starting from a standstill position, wait for your dog to stop pulling on the leash, making sure the leash is loose before proceeding. This process can help your dog to stop pulling by teaching them that loose leash walking is rewarded while pulling gets them nowhere. This patience might require a halt at every few steps, but it's worth it when you're on the path to good leash manners.

Equip yourself with a no-pull harness or chest-led harness that redirects your dog back towards you when they pull. Unlike a retractable leash that encourages pulling by extending further when your dog pulls, a short, loose lead can make a difference in signalling to your dog not to pull.

Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Your dog might react better to treats or toys. Encourage your dog to focus on you during walks by using these incentives. This strategy can make you more interesting than the distractions that cause your dog to pull.

It is also crucial to teach your dog to remain calm when they see another dog. If they start pulling towards the other dog, stop and say a firm "No" or "Wait," then only proceed when the leash is loose again. Over time, the dog learns that pulling means stop, while walking on a loose leash leads to rewards and praise. By the end of your training, you'll likely find your dog walking calmly by your side, making daily walks a joy instead of a struggle.

So, when you train your dog to walk without pulling, ensure you have enough time to train them properly. Any pain or discomfort, like using prong collars, can cause more problems. Therefore, keep your dog comfortable and set them up for success. With time, patience, and consistency, your dog will learn that walking on a loose leash without pulling makes for a good dog and a happy owner.

HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM PULLING ON THE LEAD

TRICK #1: START WITH STANDING

When you're starting out with leash walking training, it's important to establish yourself as the leader right from the beginning. Standing still next to your dog, without moving, is a great way to do this. If your dog gets excited or tries to move forward, remain calm and wait for them to settle down. Once your dog is calm, give them a treat and start walking. This way your dog learns that pulling on the leash won't get them anywhere.

TRICK #2: REINFORCE AND REWARD

Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage your dog to behave well on the leash. Whenever your dog is walking nicely beside you, praise them and offer a treat. This will teach your dog that good behaviour is rewarded, and they will be more likely to repeat it.

TRICK #3: WALK THEN WAIT

Sometimes, dogs pull on the lead because they are trying to lead the way. When you feel your dog starting to pull, stop and wait for them to calm down. When your dog has calmed down, praise them and start walking again. This will help your dog understand that you are in control and that they need to follow your lead.

TRICK #4: ENCOURAGE YOUR DOG AND KEEP AN EYE CONTACT

Making eye contact with your dog is an excellent way to build a strong bond and reinforce your leadership. Not every dog will immediately change old habits, so when you feel that your dog is about to pull on the lead, encourage your dog to look up at you while you're walking by praising them or offering a treat. This will help them stay focused on you and less likely to pull on the lead.

TRICK #5: REDIRECT THEN REPEAT

If your dog is still struggling to walk nicely on the leash, consider using a toy or treat to redirect their attention. You could also try changing direction, walking in circles or zig-zags, or simply stop and stand still until your dog calms down before starting again. Remember to praise your dog when they are doing well, and be patient - learning to walk without pulling on the leash can take time.

WHAT NOT TO DO WITH YOUR DOG’S PULLING

Like many, we all have the best intentions for our dogs. However, some everyday accessories might be the very reason your dog still finds difficulty during walks. 

You should eliminate the use of any tool that is purposely designed to cause your dog pain or discomfort, especially during bonding times like going for a walk. Some of these products include electric collars, pronged collars, spray correctors, etc.

We want to create a positive experience for our dogs. Confusing them with negative restrictions and negative reinforcements can cause frustration and fear in your dog’s life. These products will not only make walking more challenging but could also trigger aggressive behaviour in other situations down the road. 

EXTRA TIPS FOR PUPS THAT PULL

Just like us, every dog is an individual with different preferences. So, as you begin leash training, you may discover your dog enjoys a variety of products. From treats to leads, it’s down to us to determine what works best:

Tip 1: Harnesses and short leads provide extra support. Instead of focusing pressure and pulling around the neck, you can use a harness to establish comfort and confidence everywhere you go, while a short lead can optimise control.

Tip 2: Treats go a long way. Find one that not only supports your dog’s active lifestyle, and make sure it is small and light and perfect for those positive learning moments. Maybe even grab something for yourself – we deserve treats too!

Tip 3: Distract when necessary. Sometimes on walks, we find that there’s too much happening around our dogs. Bring your dog’s favourite toy to help bring the focus back to you. 

Tip 4: Be consistent in your training. Try to practice every day, and use the same commands and techniques.

Tip 5: Avoid pulling on the leash yourself. This can lead to a tug-of-war and encourage your dog to pull even harder.

Tip 6: Consider enrolling in a dog training class with a professional dog trainer to learn more techniques and get professional help if needed.

REMEMBER, YOU’RE LEARNING TOO

Like with any new skill you’re trying to develop, staying constant and positive will bring you closer to your goal. You both are learning, and we know that with the right tools and accessories, you and your dog will feel comfortable and confident on every outing. So bring some extra treats and decide what commands work best for you both. 

Teaching your dog to walk calmly on the lead is a process that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By using the tricks and tips mentioned above, you can help your dog learn to walk calmly beside you and enjoy your walks together. Remember to stay calm, be patient, and most importantly, have fun with your good dog!