🐾 Loose Lead Walking: Turning Pulling Into Polite Strolling!

Going for a walk should be one of the highlights of your dog’s day—but if your arm feels like it’s being yanked out of its socket, you’re not alone! I am often contacted by clients with similar problems.

The good news is: with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can teach your dog to walk politely by your side.

In this post, I’ll break down why dogs pull, how to set up for success, and step-by-step tips to teach a loose lead walk—so you and your dog can actually enjoy your walks again.

🐕 Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?

Dogs aren’t being “naughty” when they pull—they're just doing what comes naturally:

• They walk faster than us.

• The world is full of exciting smells! Remember, they can smell 100,000 times better than us!

• Pulling often works (they get to where they want to go).

If pulling gets them results, they’ll keep doing it—unless we show them a better way.

🧰 Setting Yourself Up for Success

Before you start training, check your gear and mindset.

✔️ Equipment Matters:

• Use a well-fitted harness, preferably one with a front clip (like a Y-shaped harness). Avoid choke chains —these can cause pain and make pulling worse.

• A 1.2–2m standard lead is ideal. Retractable leads are not suitable for training loose lead walking.

✔️ Pick the Right Time and Place:

Start training in a quiet, low-distraction area—like your backyard, driveway, or even inside. Once your dog is walking nicely, slowly increase distractions.

🐾 How to Teach Loose Lead Walking

Step 1: Reward Position

• Choose which side you want your dog to walk on (left or right) and stick with it. Make sure everyone who walks your dog is doing the same thing to avoid confusion.

• Hold a treat by your side and take a few steps.

• The moment your dog walks next to you, say “yes!” or use a clicker, and reward.

Repeat often—make being beside you the most rewarding place to be!

Step 2: Stop and Go

If your dog pulls ahead:

1. Stop walking. Stand still and wait.

2. When they turn back or take pressure off the lead, mark and reward.

3. Begin walking again.

This teaches: “Pulling = no movement. Loose lead = forward progress.”

Step 3: Change Direction

If your dog keeps pulling, calmly turn and walk the other way. This helps them focus back on you and teaches them to pay attention to your movements.

You might feel a bit silly zig-zagging—but it works!

Step 4: Keep It Interesting

Dogs pull because the world is exciting—so become part of that excitement!

• Change your pace.

• Talk to your dog.

• Bring yummy treats or toys to reward good walking.

If your dog checks in with you, reward them—even if you didn’t ask for it! I can't tell you how important that is.

🧠 Tips From a Trainer

• Practice in short sessions (5–10 minutes) daily.

• Be patient and consistent—pulling is a habit, and habits take time to change. Think of it this way, if your dog has been practising a behaviour for 6 months, it's probably going to take at least half that time to retrain an alternative behaviour.

• Reward often at first—you can fade this out as your dog improves. Suppose you are getting a positive response 9/10 times. It's time to start fading the reward.

  
  

💬 Final Thoughts

Loose lead walking takes time and consistency, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in your relationship with your dog. With clear communication, the right tools, and rewards that matter to your dog, you’ll be walking in harmony before you know it.

Remember: every step forward, no matter how small, is a form of progress. You’ve got this!

💡 Need help with a strong puller or reactive dog? Reach out for some 1-on-1 training with me—you don’t have to do it alone!