One of the greatest joys of dog ownership is the simple pleasure of a walk together. However, that joy can quickly turn into frustration when your furry companion transforms into a miniature sled dog, pulling you along like a racer determined to win. If you’re tired of walks feeling like a strenuous workout rather than a relaxing bonding experience, it’s time to master the art of Teaching Your Dog To Not Pull On Leash, a skill that transforms chaotic strolls into harmonious adventures. This guide will provide a comprehensive, positive reinforcement approach to loose leash walking, ensuring both you and your dog can truly enjoy your time outdoors. You can learn more about how to address pulling behavior effectively with positive methods, as described in this guide on how to correct a dog that pulls on a leash.
Teaching your dog to not pull on leash is often one of the most challenging behaviors for them to learn, simply because they aren’t born with an innate understanding of polite leash manners. It’s also one of the most common issues dog owners seek help for. This article will assure you that with patience and consistent positive reinforcement, every dog can become a delightful walking partner. We firmly believe in avoiding aversive tools like choke chains or shock collars. If you wouldn’t use it on a toddler, it shouldn’t be used on your dog.
Many misconceptions exist about why dogs pull, often incorrectly attributing it to dominance or a desire for control. The truth is much simpler: pulling merely indicates that your dog hasn’t been taught polite leash boundaries and is currently more focused on the fascinating environment around them than on you. It’s our responsibility as owners to guide them and teach them what we expect during walks. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings have led some owners to become impatient and even punish their dogs for pulling. As positive trainers, we are against such methods and can guarantee that you can absolutely, 100% teach your dog to walk nicely using positive training techniques.
This guide is intentionally thorough, aiming to address the common disappointment with overly simplistic “5 steps to stop pulling” articles that often lack the depth needed for real success. Consider this your go-to resource for everything you need to know about teaching your dog to not pull on leash, ensuring enjoyable walks and a stronger bond. We strongly recommend reading the entire article to fully grasp the interconnected concepts.
Why Do Dogs Pull on Leash? Unraveling the Mystery
Contrary to popular belief, your dog pulling on the leash has nothing to do with dominance, control, or being “naughty.” The actual reasons are far more straightforward:
1. Insufficient Exercise
Most dogs don’t receive enough exercise for their breed, leaving them with abundant pent-up energy. For many, a short 30-minute walk is their only chance to exert themselves, which is often far from adequate. It’s unrealistic to expect a dog with excess energy to walk calmly beside you. To achieve success, ensure your dog is sufficiently tired before your loose leash walking training sessions. Options include off-leash running, playing fetch, or visiting a dog park. If time is a constraint, consider a dog walker or doggy daycare. Meeting your dog’s breed-specific exercise needs is a fundamental aspect of responsible dog ownership.
2. Humans Are Slow
Dogs naturally walk at a faster pace than humans. Imagine walking a turtle – eventually, you’d want to speed up, wouldn’t you? To dogs, we are often the turtles. It’s important to recognize how challenging it is for them to slow their natural pace and to be empathetic to the effort this requires. While it’s hard, they can absolutely learn.
3. Outside Smells Amazing
For dogs, the outdoor environment is a sensory explosion. Consider how difficult it would be for you to focus on work if your favorite TV show was playing nearby. For dogs, outside sights and, especially, smells are equally distracting during the “job” of walking politely. Dogs possess approximately 50 times more scent receptors and 40 times more brain space dedicated to processing smells than humans. They can detect scents diluted to 1-2 parts per trillion. What appears as a simple patch of grass to you is a symphony of scents to your dog.
Sled dogs pulling a person in a harness, demonstrating strong pulling behavior
This incredible sense of smell also means that sniffing is inherently rewarding for dogs. If your dog has been pulling you towards interesting smells for months or years, they have been inadvertently rewarded for this behavior. Changing this habit will require time and the introduction of new, more desirable rewards.
Understanding How Your Dog Learns
To effectively teach your dog to not pull on leash, it’s vital to understand the basic principles of canine learning. In simple terms, there are two primary approaches to dog training:
- Reward desired behaviors: This involves giving a treat or praise when your dog walks nicely or makes eye contact with you. This encourages the repetition of good behavior.
- Punish unwanted behaviors: This might involve using a prong collar or other aversive tools when your dog pulls.
As positive reinforcement trainers, we advocate for teaching dogs what we want them to do, rather than punishing them for what not to do. Imagine being expected to learn a new skill at work through punishment without clear instructions – it would be incredibly stressful and ineffective. It is our responsibility to clearly teach our dogs our expectations.
When teaching your dog to not pull on leash, it’s crucial to begin in an environment where they can succeed. Why? Because you need ample opportunities to reward them for getting it right! For many dogs, this means starting loose leash training inside your home, where distractions are minimal.
The level of distraction significantly impacts your dog’s ability to learn and perform. Consider this analogy:
- Reciting the ABCs in your head: Easy, low distraction. (Equivalent to your dog heeling indoors.)
- Reciting the ABCs to a family member: Slightly more distracting, but manageable. (Equivalent to your dog heeling in your backyard.)
- Singing the ABCs on stage in front of 10,000 people: Overwhelming, likely leading to forgetting even the basics. (Equivalent to asking your dog to walk politely in a highly distracting environment.)
How stressed would you feel if threatened with punishment for not singing the ABCs perfectly in that overwhelming scenario? This illustrates why punishing your dog for being overwhelmed or unable to “perform” in a difficult situation is unfair and ineffective. Effective positive training involves setting your dog up for success, allowing them opportunities to earn praise and rewards, and gradually increasing the difficulty. They can learn to walk nicely in highly distracting environments, but it won’t happen overnight. Slowly build up the difficulty to solidify their skills.
Essential Skills to Master Before Leash Training
Before diving into teaching your dog to not pull on leash, there are three foundational skills that will dramatically increase your success and save you a lot of frustration. Do not skip these! These skills build impulse control, teach your dog that focusing on you leads to great things, and are invaluable for maintaining focus in distracting environments. A focused, engaged dog is far less likely to pull. Practice these consistently for at least a few days before starting any loose leash walking training.
A dog attentively watching its owner, demonstrating focused attention in an outdoor setting
Sit
“Sit” is a fundamental obedience command every dog should know. It’s incredibly helpful as a transition cue during loose leash walking training, providing a brief “time-out” or a moment for your dog to gather themselves in distracting settings. For tips on starting early with good habits, consider when to begin when to train a puppy to walk on a leash.
Focus
The “focus” command teaches your dog to check in with you and make eye contact. This is a critical building block for all advanced obedience and strengthens your bond. Focus teaches your dog that looking at you results in positive outcomes, fostering crucial communication. In distracting environments, a well-trained “focus” can help calm your dog and redirect their attention back to you.
Leave It
“Leave it” is an essential life-saving skill. It’s incredibly useful for distraction training, like when teaching your dog to not pull on leash, but also prevents them from ingesting dangerous items found on the ground. A solid “leave it” allows you to communicate to your dog to ignore something without physical restraint. This command is a promise: if they don’t engage with the tempting item, they’ll receive an even better reward from you. This skill also complements broader impulse control training, such as learning how do i stop a dog from jumping on me.
Heeling vs. Loose Leash Walking: What’s the Difference?
The terms “heeling” and “loose leash walking” are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct behaviors. In our approach, we recognize and utilize both, as each serves a unique purpose.
Heeling
Heeling means your dog walks precisely at your side, typically on your left, without falling behind or moving ahead of your knee. My personal preference is for dogs to walk on my left side, which is what I teach. The expectations and boundaries for heeling are very strict: the dog stays exactly at your side, matching your pace, with no sniff breaks or greetings. While this sounds strict, it’s an excellent way to teach clear boundaries and expectations during the learning phase, as the rules are unambiguous and dogs often grasp them quickly. While teaching your dog to not pull on leash, I recommend incorporating “heel” approximately 50% of the time. Once fully trained, heeling can be reserved for about 10% or less of your walks, primarily for busy sidewalks or highly distracting situations where precise control is necessary.
Below is a video of a dog I trained named Kiki. She pulled so badly that her owners were concerned about walking her in the winter! It only took about a week to get her to heel like you see in this video. Positive training works!
However, I also firmly believe that walks should be enjoyable for the dog! As your dog progresses in training, you should gradually increase the amount of time they spend in loose leash walking rather than a perfect heel. Loose leash walking provides the freedom to sniff and simply “be a dog.” Remember, the walk should be as much for your dog as it is for you.
Loose Leash Walking
Once your dog has mastered heeling, we recommend transitioning to loose leash walking for the majority of your outings. For this, we suggest a 6-foot leash, which provides enough length for freedom and sniffing opportunities. Let them explore! However, we strongly advise against retractable leashes due to safety concerns and inconsistent tension.
So, what exactly is loose leash walking? I define it as your dog’s ability to explore anywhere within the boundaries of their 6-foot leash, without any pressure or pulling on the leash. If your dog wants to sniff politely (without pulling), stop and allow them! Sniffing is a natural and healthy activity. If a sniff break becomes too long and you wish to continue, a simple verbal cue should prompt your dog to rejoin you without either of you pulling.
Watch Kiki loose leash walk in this video. I let her sniff something she’s interested in, then without any leash tension I get her to walk with me again when asked.
Kiki Loose Leash Walking Video
Teaching Your Dog Not to Pull on Leash: Positive Reinforcement Methods
Training your dog to heel or loose leash walk requires patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. Imagine being able to enjoy a relaxing walk, lost in your thoughts, with your dog gracefully by your side. This dream is achievable! I have helped countless dog owners successfully teach their dogs to not pull.
Every dog possesses the ability to walk politely on a leash; they simply need time and clear guidance to learn. Your goal is to build a strong association that wonderful things happen when your dog is close to you and paying attention during walks. We achieve this primarily through treats and praise. Over time, treats can be phased out (or significantly reduced), and your dog will continue to walk nicely.
Important Things to Know About Teaching Loose Leash Walking:
- Slow Progression: We will gradually increase the level of distraction. It may take several weeks before you can take your dog on a “real walk” as opposed to a dedicated training walk. During this period, ensure your dog gets sufficient exercise through activities like fetch, dog parks, or backyard play. Expecting them to walk nicely when under-exercised is unfair.
- No Rewarding Pulling: From the very first day you commit to teaching your dog to not pull on leash, that behavior must never be rewarded. This means pulling never results in them getting what they want. If they pull to sniff something, that scent serves as a reward for pulling. You must consistently prevent pulling from achieving their goal. If you give in when your dog pulls hard enough, you inadvertently teach them to pull even harder next time. Consistency is key in dog training. Reinforce good behavior, not pulling.
- Start in a Successful Environment: It is crucial to begin in an environment where your dog has a high chance of success, allowing you ample opportunities to reward correct behavior. Always start your first sessions inside your home where distractions are minimal.
- Lavish Rewards: You are asking your dog to learn a challenging skill, so reward their efforts generously! If you feel like a “Pez dispenser” with treats during loose leash training, you’re likely doing it right. Keep a good supply of pre-broken, tiny, high-value treats in your treat pouch for every session. Use these treats to clearly communicate when your dog is doing an excellent job. To avoid overfeeding, you can slightly reduce their meal portions during intensive training periods. Treats will eventually be reduced, but don’t phase them out too quickly!
A dog happily receiving a treat from its owner during a training session, emphasizing positive reinforcement
What You’ll Need:
A comfortable leash (6ft recommended), high-value treats, and a treat pouch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Dog to Heel
Get Yourself Ready:
Begin with your dog in a sit position on your left side. Hold a small quantity of treats in your left hand and the leash in your right. Always deliver treats with your left hand to prevent your dog from cutting in front of you for a reward. The leash should remain loose at all times; your dog is learning to pace themselves, not be held in place.
Choose a Movement Phrase:
Select a specific phrase you will use to signal the start of movement. “Let’s go!” is a common choice, but any consistent phrase works.
Get Your Dog’s Attention:
Ask your dog to “focus” on you, rewarding them with a treat when they make eye contact.
Begin:
Say your chosen movement phrase (e.g., “Let’s go!”) and use the treat in your left hand as a lure, keeping it just in front of your dog’s nose to maintain their position right at your side. Take 3 steps with your dog beside you, then immediately reward with a treat. Once your dog begins to understand this game, start adding the cue “heel” as you begin walking.
Practice:
Dedicate time to practicing this. Gradually increase the number of steps you can take in a perfect heel, aiming for 10 steps. Once your dog consistently performs 10 steps successfully, they are likely ready to move your training sessions outside to your yard.
Increase Distraction (Move Outside):
Remember, every time you increase the distraction level, you must take a step back in difficulty. Since you’ve moved outside, revert to luring for 3 steps before offering a treat. As your dog finds this easy, slowly increase back to 10 steps.
Phase Out the Lure:
Once your dog consistently masters 10 steps in the yard, it’s time to stop using the treat as a continuous lure in front of their nose. Reward your dog for sitting next to you, then say “Let’s go!” followed by “heel.” Gradually try to increase the number of steps you can take with your dog maintaining a perfect heel position. If you notice their focus waning, try talking to them to re-engage their attention. Reward your dog every time they make eye contact with you. Aim to keep your dog in a heel for a full minute between treats.
Continued Practice:
If your dog is accustomed to pulling, you’ll likely need several days of consistent practice in your yard to solidify their heeling skills. They are learning a new, challenging skill. Remember to progress slowly! Behavior change takes time and effort for both of you. Keep training sessions short, around 20 minutes twice a day, to prevent either you or your dog from becoming overwhelmed or frustrated.
If your dog tries to sniff or pulls sideways while heeling, calmly say “leave it” and use the slightest, gentle pressure on the leash to guide them back to your side. Reward them immediately when they return to position. Crucially, pulling must never get your dog what they want.
If your dog tries to pull ahead of you, say “Let’s go!” and immediately turn and walk in the opposite direction. Reward them when they follow you. This teaches your dog to pay attention to your movements and that good things happen when they stay beside you. Teach them that you might change direction at any second, and following you is always rewarding. This mirrors principles in teaching general obedience and awareness, such as when starting to teach how to teach your puppy to walk.
Avoid adding loose leash walking until your dog has mastered one full minute of heeling consistently. Learning two complex skills simultaneously requires more mental effort. Focus on heeling first, incorporating sniff and play breaks between heeling sessions to keep training fun.
Once your dog can easily heel for a minute in your yard, slowly progress to environments with increasing distractions. Start with a quiet street or path without other dogs; the new smells alone will be distracting enough. Remember the rule: when increasing distraction, take a step back in other difficulty. We usually recommend going back to rewarding your dog every 10 steps in each new walking environment. Your dog will likely learn faster in subsequent new settings, so adjust the pace to their individual progress. Once your dog can consistently heel for a minute, you are ready to introduce loose leash walking instead of stationary sniff/play breaks.
Transitioning to Loose Leash Walking
After your dog has grasped the basic rules of heeling, it’s time to introduce loose leash walking! As defined earlier, this means your dog is allowed to explore anywhere within the bounds of their leash, without any tension or pulling. If you cannot easily hold the leash with one finger, it’s not a loose leash walk.
If your dog wants to sniff during a loose leash walk, stop and let them! While pulling is never allowed, loose leash walking offers the freedom to simply be a dog. Walks should be enjoyable for them too.
How to Teach Your Dog to Loose Leash Walk:
With your dog in a sit at your left side, say “Let’s go!” to initiate movement, immediately followed by “Ok!” and point forward. Your dog might hesitate initially, being accustomed to heeling. Continue walking and allow your dog to move away from your immediate side. If they stop to sniff something politely, let them! If the sniffing lasts too long, say their name followed by either “Let’s go” or “Leave it,” and reward them with a treat when they start walking with you again.
It’s valuable to practice transitioning between heeling and loose leash walking. During the learning phase, make it easier by having your dog sit between transitions. “Let’s go” always signals movement, while “Heel” or “Ok” specifies the boundaries of where they should walk. Consistency in your verbal cues is paramount for your dog’s understanding.
Your dog will be naturally enticed by more smells and freedom during loose leash walking, so understand that it can be a challenging skill to master.
A Few Tips:
- Maintain the No-Pulling Policy: Be vigilant not to accidentally reinforce pulling by letting your dog drag you to an interesting smell. Dogs earn their freedom on walks by maintaining polite leash manners.
- Encourage Check-Ins: You want your dog to want to check in with you and be aware of your location. You should notice them looking up at you more after practicing “focus” and heeling. Keep this going! Offer a treat every time your dog looks up at you without being cued.
- Watch Body Language: Carefully observe your dog’s body language during loose leash walking. Most dogs exhibit a “tell” just before they pull – often, their eyes will lock onto something, or their ears will point downwards. If you notice these signs, say “Let’s go!” and turn in the opposite direction before they actually pull. Reward your dog for following you in the new direction. The most effective way to correct pulling is to prevent it before it starts.
- Manage Distractions: If an unexpected distraction arises during training, try to increase the distance between it and your dog. This might mean crossing the street if you spot another dog or turning to walk in a different direction. If your dog seems overly distracted, have them sit and practice focus work, rewarding heavily for each successful focus. Sometimes your dog just needs a short break to reset.
- Handle Irresistible Smells: If you encounter a spot with a smell so enticing your dog can’t help but pull towards it, tell them to “leave it” and use a treat to change directions. Then, turn and try to pass it again. If they still can’t resist pulling the second time, temporarily switch them into “heel” mode and use a treat to lure them past it. Making mistakes is part of learning, but never reward pulling by giving in.
- Gradual Increase in Difficulty: Slowly increase the duration and distraction levels of your loose leash walking sessions. Remember to build the skill incrementally. You want to provide ample opportunities for your dog to make the right choices and be rewarded for them. Consistent training, as emphasized here, forms the backbone of any successful dog behavior modification, much like the commitment needed for tasks such as how to train your dog for diabetes.
Both You & Your Dog Deserve Enjoyable Walks
Undoing the ingrained behavior of pulling on the leash takes time and dedication, but the effort is incredibly worthwhile. Imagine this: in just one month, you could be confidently enjoying walks with your dog, free from pulling and frustration! How truly amazing would that be?
Please share your success stories in the comments below once you’ve achieved loose leash walking with your dog!
Happy training!
