š¾ Loose Lead Walking: Turning Pulling Into Polite Strolling!
- Lisa
- Jun 27
- 3 min read

Going for a walk should be one of the highlights of your dogās dayābut if your arm feels like itās being yanked out of its socket, youāre 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 canĀ teach your dog to walk politely by your side.
In this post, Iāll break down why dogs pull, how to set up for success, and step-by-step tips to teach a loose lead walkāso you and your dog can actually enjoy your walks again.
š Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?
Dogs arenāt being ānaughtyā when they pullāthey'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 worksĀ (they get to where they want to go).
If pulling gets them results, theyāll keep doing itāunless we show them a better way.
š§° Setting Yourself Up for Success
Before you start training, check your gear and mindset.
āļø Equipment Matters:
Use a well-fitted harness, preferably one with a front clip (like a Y-shaped harness). Avoid choke chains āthese can cause pain and make pulling worse.
A 1.2ā2m standard leadĀ is ideal. Retractable leads are not suitable for training loose lead walking.
āļø Pick the Right Time and Place:
Start training in a quiet, low-distraction areaālike your backyard, driveway, or even inside. Once your dog is walking nicely, slowly increase distractions.
š¾ 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 āyes!āĀ or use a clicker, and reward.
Repeat oftenāmake being beside you the most rewarding place to be!
Step 2: Stop and Go
If your dog pulls ahead:
Stop walking. Stand still and wait.
When they turn back or take pressure off the lead, mark and reward.
Begin walking again.
This teaches: āPulling = no movement. Loose lead = forward progress.ā
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-zaggingābut it works!
Step 4: Keep It Interesting
Dogs pull because the world is excitingāso 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 themāeven if you didnāt ask for it! I can't tell you how important that is.
š§ Tips From a Trainer
Be patient and consistentāpulling 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 firstāyou 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.
š¬ Final Thoughts
Loose lead walking takes time and consistency, but itās 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, youāll be walking in harmony before you know it.
Remember: every step forward, no matter how small, is a form of progress. Youāve got this!
š” Need help with a strong puller or reactive dog? Reach out for some 1-on-1 training with meāyou donāt have to do it alone!
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