Leash pulling is one of the most common challenges dog owners face. For many dogs, it’s a natural response to excitement—they want to explore every sight, sound, and smell all at once. Whether it’s a flock of birds taking off nearby or the enticing scent of another dog, the world is an exciting place for your pup, and they often forget there’s someone holding the other end of the dog leash.
Teaching your dog not to pull on the leash isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety. A dog that pulls risks straining their neck or throat and can turn walks into a stressful experience.
The good news? Leash training doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. With consistency and the right techniques, you can teach your dog to walk calmly with a leash on. Putting in a little effort every day can lead to huge improvements and turn your walks into an activity you both enjoy.
Why Does My Dog Pull on Their Leash?
Leash pulling is a common behaviour, but it’s not because your dog is trying to be difficult. It often comes down to instincts, energy, and habits formed over time. Understanding the reasons why your dog pulls on the leash will help you address the behaviour more effectively. Here are possible reasons behind leash pulling:
Natural Instincts
Dogs are naturally curious creatures full of energy, and this often drives them to pull on the leash. They’re eager to explore their surroundings, chase after moving animals, or investigate exciting scents. A strong whiff of another dog or the sight of a possum darting up a tree can make them forget the leash even exists. For young or energetic dogs especially, it’s their way of engaging with the world at full speed.
Lack of Training
Many dogs pull simply because they haven’t been taught how to walk on a leash properly. Without the right training, your dog won’t understand what’s expected of them, so they follow their instincts to move ahead as quickly as possible.
If your dog is used to running freely in the backyard, the concept of walking calmly beside you on a leash might not come as naturally. Teaching leash manners is a skill that requires patience and guidance.
Reinforcement of Behaviour
At times, leash pulling is unintentionally reinforced by owners. If your dog pulls and you follow them, they learn that pulling gets them where they want to go. Have you ever found yourself speeding up to keep up when your dog pulls toward the park? If so, they’re likely to repeat the behaviour because they’ve learned it works. The trick is to recognise this pattern to break the habit and teach your dog that pulling won’t get the results they expect.
The Importance of Proper Equipment
Using the right equipment can make all the difference in managing leash pulling and making walks more enjoyable. Choosing the best leash and harness or collar combo will help you maintain control while keeping your dog safe and comfortable. Let’s explore options that might work for you and your pup:
Choosing the Right Leash and Collar
The type of leash you use can impact how well you keep your dog in line during walks, offering varying levels of control and suitability depending on your dog’s needs and walking environment.
- Standard Leashes: Made of nylon or leather, standard leashes are reliable, durable, and provide good control for everyday walks around the park or neighbourhood.
- Retractable Leashes: These leashes allow more freedom but can encourage pulling due to inconsistent boundaries. This makes retractable leashes less ideal for training.
- Long Lines: This type of leash is great for training in open spaces but not practical for regular walks due to its length and the lack of control it gives in busy areas.
When it comes to collars, selecting the right type will keep your dog comfortable and help you manage them effectively on walks.
- Flat Collars
- Pros: Flat collars are simple, widely available, and often the easiest option for attaching a leash. They’re ideal for dogs that don’t pull and can also hold ID tags for added safety.
- Cons: For dogs that pull, flat collars can strain the neck, especially for smaller breeds or those with delicate necks. They may also provide less control compared to other options.
- Harnesses
- Pros: Harnesses are a safer choice for dogs that pull, as they distribute pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders rather than focusing it all on the neck. They can also be paired with front-clip harnesses for added control during training.
- Cons: If not fitted properly, harnesses can cause chafing or restricted movement. Some dogs may also take time to adjust to wearing a harness.
- Head Halters
- Pros: Head halters give excellent control, especially for strong or large dogs that tend to pull. They work by redirecting the dog’s attention, which makes it easier to manage them during walks.
- Cons: These collars can feel restrictive for some dogs and require a proper introduction to ensure they’re comfortable. They also need to be fitted correctly to avoid causing irritation.
Specialised Equipment
For dogs that pull persistently, a no-pull harness can be a game-changer for your walks. These harnesses are designed to reduce pulling by gently redirecting the dog’s movement when they pull forward. They’re particularly useful for larger or more energetic dogs.
Fitting is crucial—ill-fitting equipment can cause chafing or restrict movement, making walks uncomfortable for your dog. It’s important to always make sure the harness or collar is snug but not tight, and take time to adjust it properly before heading out. Using the right specialised equipment will make training more effective and your walks far more enjoyable.
Key Training Techniques to Prevent Pulling
As dog owners, we understand how frustrating leash pulling can be, but with consistent training and the right approach, your dog will learn to walk calmly by your side. These tried-and-tested methods focus on rewarding good behaviour and gently redirecting unwanted actions to make walking a positive experience.
Positive Reinforcement Training
There’s a reason why positive reinforcement is a popular recommendation for dog training. It’s one of the most effective ways to teach your dog leash manners, as it encourages good behaviour through rewards, making it easier for your dog to make the association between walking calmly with treats or praise.
The next time you go for a walk, you can say, “Good job!” and offer a treat when your dog is walking without pulling. Over time, they’ll understand that staying near you and keeping the leash loose leads to rewards. This will make them less likely to pull ahead the more you practice.
The Stop-and-Go Technique
This technique involves stopping immediately whenever your dog starts to pull. Once the leash is slack again, you resume walking. It sends a clear message to your pup: pulling gets them nowhere. If your dog lunges forward to sniff a tree, for instance, stop in your tracks until they come back toward you. It will take some patience, especially at first, but this method will teach your dog that walking calmly is the only way to move forward.
The Turn-Around Method
If your dog starts pulling, changing direction can help them refocus on you. This technique works by interrupting their forward momentum and teaching them to pay closer attention to your movements. When your dog pulls toward a tree, bush, or another dog, turn and walk in the opposite direction. This will encourage your dog to stay alert to where you’re going. With consistency, this method reinforces that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is another great way to encourage desirable leash behaviour. Use a clicker to mark the moment your dog is walking calmly to let them know they’re doing the right thing. When your dog is by your side with a loose leash, press the clicker and immediately offer a treat. Your dog will learn to associate the sound with the reward and eventually keep their calm during walks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Teaching your dog leash manners requires consistency, patience, and understanding. While many owners have the best intentions, a few common mistakes can make the training process harder and leave you both frustrated. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for—and how to avoid them.
Inconsistent Training
Consistency is key when it comes to leash training. Letting your dog pull occasionally, like when they’re excited to reach the park, sends mixed signals and reinforces the behaviour. For example, if you allow pulling during certain walks but not others, your dog won’t understand the boundaries you’re trying to set. Make it a rule that pulling is never rewarded, even if it means taking more time to reach your destination.
Using Punishment-Based Methods
Punishment-based techniques, like yanking the leash or scolding, can harm your dog physically and damage the trust you’ve built. These methods often leave dogs confused or fearful rather than teaching them what you want. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting unwanted behaviour. When your dog pulls, stop and wait for the leash to loosen, then reward them for calming down.
Overlooking Your Dog’s Physical or Mental Exercise Needs
A dog that hasn’t had enough exercise or mental stimulation is more likely to pull on the leash out of pent-up energy or boredom. Before training sessions, ensure your dog has had time to play, run, or engage in activities that challenge their mind. A high-energy breed like a Border Collie will find it hard to stay focused on leash training if they haven’t had a chance to burn off some energy first. Regular exercise and enrichment activities go hand in hand with effective leash training.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a clear and consistent path to success, making leash training more enjoyable for both of you.
Understanding Your Dog’s Needs
Every dog is unique, and their behaviour on the leash often ties back to their individual energy levels, mental stimulation needs, and breed-specific traits. By understanding these factors, it’ll be easier for you to set the stage for a smoother training experience.
Energy Levels
Dogs with high energy levels need an outlet before they’re ready to focus on training. Without enough physical activity, they may pull on the leash simply because they’re bursting with excitement. Taking your dog for a quick game of fetch or a short run before a training session will release some pent-up energy and improve their ability to concentrate. Even a 15-minute game of fetch can make a big difference for dogs that seem too excitable during walks.
Mental Stimulation
Dogs are smart animals and mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. This is especially important for intelligent breeds that require more than a walk to stay satisfied. Consider adding games, puzzles, or scent-based activities into their routine can reduce excitability and help your dog stay calm on the leash.
A treat-dispensing puzzle toy or practising basic commands like “sit” or “‘stay” can keep your pup’s mind engaged and focused. Remember, a mentally stimulated dog is less likely to become distracted or overwhelmed during a walk.
Breed-Specific Traits
Certain breeds are naturally more prone to pulling due to their history or temperament. For example, Huskies were bred to pull sleds, and Terriers have a strong drive to catch prey, which makes them more likely to chase after squirrels or birds. Recognising your dog’s breed traits can help you tailor your training approach.
For instance, a Labrador’s eagerness to please might make them more responsive to positive reinforcement, while a Beagle’s strong noise might require extra focus on redirecting their attention during walks.
Consistency and Patience: The Keys to Success
Training a dog to walk calmly on a leash doesn’t happen overnight, but with a consistent approach and plenty of patience, you’ll see progress over time. These two elements help to build good habits and create a supportive training process.
Establishing Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so setting consistent training times and methods is crucial. Whether it’s a quick session every morning or a longer one in the evening, regular practice helps your dog understand what’s expected.
One way to establish a routine is to always practice leash training before going for a walk. Over time, your dog will learn to associate calm behaviour with moving forward. Make sure to use the same commands and reward them for good behaviour. This will reinforce the lessons and make it easier for your dog to learn and retain the information.
Gradual Progression
Starting in a distraction-free environment is key to helping your dog focus during training. Find a quiet area like your backyard or a nearby park when it’s not crowded. Once your dog is confidently walking without pulling, gradually introduce more distractions, such as walking around other dogs or in busier areas.
Is your dog struggling to stay calm near other dogs? Start practising at a distance and slowly decrease the gap over time. This step-by-step approach ensures your dog isn’t overwhelmed and can build confidence in different settings.
Advanced Tips for Persistent Pullers
If your dog continues to pull despite your best efforts, don’t worry—some dogs need a bit more guidance to master leash manners. These advanced tips can help even the most persistent pullers to walk calmly by your side.
Engage a Professional Trainer
There are instances when seeking help from a professional trainer is the best option for addressing leash-pulling behaviours. Trainers can assess your dog’s unique challenges and tailor a plan that works specifically for them.
If your dog’s pulling is tied to reactivity or overexcitement, a trainer can guide you through focused exercises to build their self-control. Bringing in an expert will also save you time and a lot of frustration while making sure your dog gets the support they need.
Group Classes
Have you considered enrolling in group training classes? These classes offer the benefit of structured learning in a controlled environment. Working alongside other dogs will help your pup get used to distractions while practising calm behaviour.
Group exercises like walking in pairs or practising sit-and-stay commands to help reinforce leash manners while building social confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded dog owners and learn alongside them, sharing tips and encouragement.
Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT)
For dogs that struggle with reactivity—such as barking, lunging, or pulling toward triggers, Behaviour Adjustment Training (BAT) can be a helpful method. BAT focuses on teaching your dog to stay calm by rewarding them for making good choices, like looking away from a trigger instead of reacting.
When your dog becomes agitated at the sight of another dog, BAT focuses on encouraging calm responses by increasing distance and rewarding relaxed behaviour. This technique helps dogs build confidence and gradually reduces reactivity during walks.
Additional Resources
Support your dog’s training with these helpful resources. Whether you prefer books, online courses, or expert advice, there’s something here to guide you every step of the way.
Books
- The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller: This guide focuses on reward-based training methods, offering step-by-step instructions to build a strong bond with your dog.
- The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog's Pawtential by Sarah Rutten: This book focuses on using positive reinforcement to address training challenges, including leash pulling.
- How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science by Annie Grossman: This book combines scientific principles with compassionate training techniques to improve your dog’s leash manners.
Online Courses and Videos
- Dunbar Academy: Founded by Dr. Ian Dunbar, this platform offers free courses for dog owners and professionals, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques.
- Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: A popular YouTube channel focused on dog training, offering free content to help dog owners build strong, healthy bonds with their pets.
- Dog Training by Kikopup: Created by professional dog trainer Emily Larlham, this channel offers a comprehensive collection of dog training videos, including leash training and behaviour modification.
Pet Training Organisations
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT): A national association committed to building better trainers through education and promoting force-free training methods.
- National Dog Trainers Federation (NDFT): The national representative body in Australia for dog trainers from all fields, offering accredited courses and a directory of professional trainers.
- Australian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (AAPDT): An organisation accrediting professional dog trainers, emphasising humane and effective training methods.
- Therapy & Support Animals Australia (TASAA): Offers vet-recommended dog training, puppy training, and therapy dog services, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques.
Turning Walks into Your Favourite Routine
Training your dog to walk nicely on a leash takes patience and consistency, but it’s worth it. Teaching them in a calm, steady way not only helps with their behaviour but will also bring you two closer together.
There’s nothing better than a peaceful, enjoyable walk with your dog by your side. It might take some time, but every little bit of progress counts. Stick with it, and soon enough, those walks will be something you both look forward to each day.
Training your dog to walk nicely on a leash takes patience and consistency, but it’s worth it. Teaching them in a calm, steady way not only helps with their behaviour but will also bring you two closer together.
There’s nothing better than a peaceful, enjoyable walk with your dog by your side. It might take some time, but every little bit of progress counts. Stick with it, and soon enough, those walks will be something you both look forward to each day.
