If your dog pulls you down the street every time you go for a walk…
👉 You’re not alone.
Lead pulling is one of the most common struggles dog owners face, and if left unchecked, it can turn every walk into a stressful experience.
I’ve worked with countless owners dealing with this exact problem, and the good news is:
👉 It’s completely fixable.
In this guide, I’ll show you:
- Why dogs pull on the lead
- How to stop it
- A simple step-by-step method that actually works
⚠️ Why Lead Pulling Is a Problem
Before we fix it, let’s be clear:
👉 Lead pulling isn’t just annoying, it can be dangerous.
- You can trip or fall
- You can lose control of the lead
- Equipment can fail under pressure
That’s why I personally have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to lead pulling.
👉 When the lead is on, good behaviour is expected.
🧠 Why Dogs Pull on the Lead
To fix the problem, you need to understand it first.
1. Excitement & Curiosity
The outside world is full of:
- Smells
- Sounds
- Movement
👉 Your dog wants to explore everything.
2. You’ve (Accidentally) Taught Them To Pull
This is the big one.
If your dog pulls…
…and you keep walking…
👉 You’ve just rewarded the behaviour.
From your dog’s perspective:
👉 “Pulling works”
3. Lack of Clear Training
Most dogs simply haven’t been taught:
👉 How to walk properly on a lead
🛠️ What You Need Before You Start
Keep it simple:
- A 4-6ft lead
- A sturdy collar
- A low distraction environment
🔗 Pro Tip:
Start somewhere quiet:
- Your street
- An empty park
- Early morning walks
👉 Set yourself up for success
🐾 Step-by-Step: How to Teach Loose Lead Walking
This is where things change.
Follow this properly, and stay consistent.
🥇 Step 1: Start With Focus
Before you even walk:
👉 Your dog must be paying attention to you
Wait for:
- Eye contact
- Engagement
Important:
👉 The reward is NOT food
The reward is:
👉 moving forward
🥈 Step 2: Walk… Then Stop
Start walking.
Just before the lead goes tight:
👉 STOP immediately
- No warning
- No talking
- Just stop
Why this works:
Your dog learns:
👉 “Pulling = I don’t get where I want to go”
🥉 Step 3: Change Direction (No Commands)
Instead of stopping every time:
👉 Turn and walk the other way
No commands. No talking.
What this does:
Your dog starts thinking:
👉 “I need to pay attention or I’ll lose track of them”
🏃 Step 4: Combine Stops + Direction Changes
Now bring it all together:
- Stop before tension
- Change direction randomly
- Repeat consistently
Result:
👉 Your dog starts focusing on YOU
👉 The lead becomes loose
👉 Walks become enjoyable
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Letting them pull “just this once”
👉 This resets your progress
❌ Talking too much
👉 Let your actions teach, not your voice
❌ Starting in busy environments
👉 Build up gradually
🐾 Final Thoughts
Loose lead walking isn’t complicated…
👉 But it DOES require consistency
If you:
- Stop rewarding pulling
- Stay consistent
- Keep your standards high
👉 Your dog will learn quickly
🎯 Remember This
👉 “If the lead is tight, the walk stops”
That one rule alone can completely change your walks.
👉 Want Faster Results?
If you want to improve your dog’s focus and engagement on walks:
With the right approach…
👉 Walks can go from stressful to enjoyable, for both you and your dog.