Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, a chance to explore the neighborhood, get some exercise, and strengthen your bond. However, for many dog owners, what starts as an exciting outing quickly turns into a frustrating battle of wills, with their beloved companion dragging them down the street. Leash pulling is one of the most common and challenging behaviors dog owners face, making walks stressful and even dangerous. Nobody wants to be pulled off their feet, and with larger breeds, strong pulling can lead to injuries for both the human and the dog. Understanding How To Get Your Dog From Pulling On The Leash is crucial for ensuring safe, pleasant walks and fostering a well-behaved companion.
While letting your dog off-leash is often against local regulations and can pose significant safety risks – from encounters with other dogs to running away – keeping them on a lead gives you control. The good news is that despite its prevalence, leash pulling is a learned behavior that can be corrected with simple, consistent training techniques. By adjusting your approach and incorporating positive reinforcement, you can transform your walks from a chore into a harmonious stroll. Follow these expert tips from Dog Care Story to turn your tug-of-war into a partnership, and soon you and your dog will be walking together, in step and at peace. For additional proactive strategies, explore our guide on preventing leash pulling before it becomes a habit.
1. Always Reward Good Leash Behavior
Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Just as humans appreciate recognition for a job well done, dogs thrive on rewards for exhibiting desired behaviors. This principle applies strongly to achieving polite leash walking. If you only react when your dog pulls or misbehaves, you’re missing countless opportunities to reinforce the good choices they make. Dogs naturally repeat behaviors that lead to positive outcomes, whether that’s a tasty treat, enthusiastic praise, or even the chance to stop and sniff something interesting. Overlooking calm walking can lead your dog to believe that pulling is the only way to get your attention or achieve their goals.
Make it a habit to carry high-value treats with you on every walk, or be ready with verbal praise and gentle pets. Whenever your dog walks beside you with a loose leash, even for a few steps, immediately offer a reward. In the initial stages of training, be generous and frequent with your rewards. This strong association helps your dog understand exactly what behavior you’re looking for. As they become more proficient, you can gradually reduce the frequency of treats, substituting them with “life rewards” like the opportunity to explore a scent patch or greet a calm passerby, which we’ll discuss further below. This consistent positive feedback will build a strong foundation for polite leash manners.
2. Never Let Your Dog Walk When They Are Pulling
The most fundamental rule for stopping leash pulling is to eliminate the reward your dog seeks: forward momentum. Your dog pulls because they want to go somewhere – to that interesting tree, to greet another dog, or simply to move faster. If you continue walking while they are pulling, you are inadvertently rewarding their pulling behavior. They learn that pulling works to get them where they want to go. This reinforces the very habit you’re trying to break.
The solution is simple but requires consistency: the moment your dog starts to pull, stop immediately. Plant your feet firmly and become a tree. Do not move forward. Wait patiently for your dog to respond. This might involve them turning back to look at you, or simply loosening the tension on the leash. The key is to wait for that moment of slack before you take another step. This teaches your dog that pulling makes the walk stop, while a loose leash allows it to continue.
3. Wait for a Loose Leash Before You Walk
So, you’ve stopped walking when your dog pulls. How do you know when it’s okay to resume? The indicator is a loose leash. The leash should hang in a gentle ‘J’ shape, not taut and straight. Furthermore, your dog should ideally turn their attention back to you, even if it’s just a glance. Initially, this waiting period might feel long, and your dog might be confused or try different tactics to get you moving. But eventually, they will check back with you, wondering why the exciting walk has halted.
The instant you see that loose leash and a moment of attention from your dog, offer immediate praise and a treat right at your side. Then, calmly continue your walk. You might find yourself stopping and starting every few steps in the beginning, especially if your dog is an eager puller. This “stop-and-go” method is incredibly effective because it clearly communicates the consequence of pulling (the walk stops) and the reward for polite walking (the walk continues, along with treats and praise). With repetition, your dog will quickly connect the dots: a tight leash means no progress, a loose leash means forward movement.
4. Incorporate Life Rewards on Your Walk
Walks are far more than just potty breaks; they should be rich, stimulating experiences that cater to your dog’s physical and mental needs. While you’re focusing on how to get your dog from pulling on the leash, it might feel like the fun is being sidelined. However, you can actually boost your training by strategically using “life rewards” – everyday things your dog naturally enjoys – as incentives for good behavior.
Life rewards are powerful motivators. For instance, if your dog walks politely on a loose leash for a set distance (say, 10 feet), release them with a cue like “Go sniff!” to explore a shrub or patch of grass for a few minutes. If they maintain a loose leash past a challenging distraction, allow them to calmly greet a friendly stranger or another dog. These bonus rewards are highly effective because they are intrinsically motivating for your dog and reinforce the idea that good leash manners open up opportunities for enjoyment. This method teaches your dog that walking calmly earns them the very experiences they desire during a walk.
5. Walk at a Good Pace
Often, humans walk at a much slower pace than a dog’s natural gait, even for small breeds. This disparity in desired speeds is a common reason why dogs pull; they simply want to get to where they’re going faster. Matching your dog’s pace can make a significant difference in their willingness to walk politely.
While you can certainly train your dog to match your slower speed over time, especially when introducing your puppy to a lead, adopting a slightly quicker, more energetic pace during initial training can be very helpful. A brisker walk can make your dog feel more engaged and less inclined to pull ahead, as they are already moving at a satisfying speed. Find a comfortable rhythm that works for both of you, ensuring it’s not so fast that you struggle to keep up, but quick enough to satisfy your dog’s urge to move.
6. Be Consistent With Your No-Pulling Rule
Consistency is the cornerstone of all effective dog training. This is particularly true when addressing a deeply ingrained habit like leash pulling. It can be incredibly tempting to let your dog pull just this once – perhaps you’re running late, or the weather is terrible, and you want to get their business done quickly. However, every single time you allow your dog to pull, you are reinforcing the behavior and undermining all your previous training efforts. You effectively tell them, “Sometimes pulling works!”
To truly teach your dog how to get your dog from pulling on the leash, the “no-pulling” rule must be absolute, regardless of the circumstances. If you’re pressed for time or the environment isn’t conducive to a dedicated training walk, it’s better to let your dog relieve themselves in the yard or a very controlled, minimal-distraction area. Save structured walks for when you have the time and patience to enforce the no-pulling rule without exception. Inconsistency creates confusion and slows down progress, much like how inconsistent rules can lead to puppy crate challenges.
7. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
Training a dog to stop pulling on the leash, especially a determined puller, can be challenging and, at times, frustrating. You might find yourselves barely making it to the end of your driveway in a 15-minute session. It’s crucial not to push your dog (or yourself) to the point of exasperation. Lengthy, arduous training sessions can quickly become negative experiences, making your dog associate walks or training with stress rather than enjoyment.
Keep your training sessions brief, positive, and upbeat. For puppies, in particular, attention spans are short, and overwhelming them will be counterproductive. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions a few times a day rather than one long, grueling one. Remember, the goal isn’t to cover a certain distance initially, but to achieve a loose leash for any distance, even if it’s just to the mailbox and back. Ending on a high note, even if it’s after a short success, will keep your dog eager for the next training opportunity.
8. Be Interesting and Engaging on Walks
For a dog, the world outside is an explosion of fascinating sights, sounds, and most importantly, smells. These myriad distractions constantly compete for your dog’s attention and often entice them to pull ahead. If you’re walking passively, perhaps engrossed in your phone or simply letting your dog lead the way, there’s little reason for them to focus on you.
To counteract these external temptations, you need to become the most interesting thing on the walk. Talk to your dog, use a cheerful voice, and occasionally make unexpected turns. Incorporate quick bursts of mini-training: ask for a “sit” or a “stay” for a second or two, then reward them. Play a short game of “find it” by tossing a treat into the grass. By being unpredictable and engaging, you teach your dog to pay attention to you, wondering what fun activity or command you’ll offer next. This proactive engagement makes you a focal point, increasing their responsiveness and desire to walk politely.
9. Stay Calm
A calm Cavalier King Charles Spaniel walking politely on a lead outdoors, demonstrating good behavior in distracting environments.
Walks can present various emotionally charged situations, from encountering a favorite neighbor to passing a barking dog or a startling noise. Your emotional state has a profound impact on your dog, as they are incredibly adept at reading human emotions. If you become tense, anxious, or frustrated, that energy transmits down the leash, potentially escalating your dog’s excitement, fear, or anxiety, making them even more likely to pull or react inappropriately.
To help your dog navigate these situations calmly, you must maintain your own composure. Speak in a calm, reassuring tone, and keep your body language relaxed. If you project a sense of “there’s nothing to worry about,” your dog is more likely to mirror that tranquility. A relaxed dog is a dog capable of listening and responding to your cues. Your calm demeanor creates a secure environment, allowing your dog to focus on you rather than reacting to external stimuli, which is a key step in teaching them how to get your dog from pulling on the leash.
10. Engage Your Dog In Distracting Situations
Distractions are the ultimate test of leash manners. Whether it’s another dog, a scurrying squirrel, or even a novel human, these stimuli can instantly cause your dog to forget their training and either pull intensely towards the object of interest or try to bolt in the opposite direction if they are fearful. Similarly, if strangers make your dog nervous, they might pull towards or away from them.
To manage distractions effectively, shift your dog’s focus back to you. Be proactive: try to spot potential distractions before your dog does. As soon as you notice something that might grab their attention, calmly engage them. Offer high-value treats and ask for simple, familiar commands like “sit,” “watch me,” or a hand target. These exercises are easy for your dog to perform, keeping their mind occupied and connected to you as the distraction passes. A “watch me” cue, in particular, teaches your dog to make eye contact, giving you control over where they are looking and helping them ignore the tempting environment. Consistency in managing these moments is as important as teaching good house manners, such as stopping puppy jumping on the couch or teaching a dog to stay off furniture. By consistently guiding their attention, you empower your dog to make better choices on the leash.
Conclusion
Mastering loose leash walking is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of positive reinforcement. While a dog eagerly pulling on the leash can transform a simple walk into a strenuous workout, the good news is that this common behavior is entirely trainable. By consistently applying the ten expert tips outlined above – from rewarding polite behavior and stopping when your dog pulls, to making yourself engaging and handling distractions calmly – you can effectively teach your dog how to get your dog from pulling on the leash.
Remember, training is a continuous process that strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion. Focus on short, positive sessions, maintain a consistent approach, and always strive to make walks an enjoyable and enriching experience for your dog. With dedication, you’ll soon be enjoying peaceful, controlled walks, transforming those stressful outings into harmonious adventures. Should you encounter persistent challenges or wish to delve deeper into specific training techniques, explore additional resources on Dog Care Story or consider consulting with a certified professional dog trainer to help you achieve your walking goals.
