HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM PULLING ON THE LEASH
As a dog trainer, I am often asked: “What is the most important command for my dog to know?” Well, it depends on where you live. If you live in a rural or country area, it is a tie between “Come” and “Down.” The reason is that dogs in rural or country areas will be off-leash more, and in an emergency, you may need your dog to plop into the “Down” position and wait for further instructions or to come to you at rapid speed. If you live in a city or heavily populated area, teaching your dog to walk on a leash without pulling may be one of the most important behaviors you can teach your dog. The golden rule of dog training and ownership is, “Thou shall not pull.” It is among the most fundamental aspects of building a robust relationship with your furry friend. It’s about fostering a deep bond rather than merely mastering the mechanics of a walk. In this post, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and steps to master this art, ensuring your walks are enjoyable, and your connection with your dog strengthens.
A dog that constantly pulls its owner around becomes a nuisance, and dogs that continue to be nuisances are not a pleasure to live with. Dogs not a pleasure to live with have a greater chance of ending up in the local dog shelter. Sad. But true. In many municipalities, you must have your dog on a leash, or law enforcement can fine you if you do not adhere to it. So, this blog post will focus on “how to stop your dog from pulling on the leash.”
The bad news is that teaching your dog to walk without pulling is one of the most challenging behaviors. The good news is that it is also fun and worth the effort. Let’s get started and make the vision a reality.
The method discussed today is the best for the average dog owner. As a clicker trainer, I generally start teaching this behavior off-leash in a wooded area. Clicker and positive reinforcement training are methods I recommend you keep reading about to become the perfect doggie owner.
I always recommend a leather or nylon buckle collar (not a choke collar—neither nylon nor chain versions nor a prong collar). I also do not recommend e-collars for teaching your dog not to pull on the leash.
Many people use and have heard professional dog trainers recommend various types of harnesses. However, harnesses are designed to make pulling easier and more comfortable for dogs.
Step 1: Setting Up for Success
Leash training begins with choosing the right equipment. Again, rule out harnesses because of their design. Instead, opt for a six-foot leather leash and a sturdy nylon, cotton, or leather collar — ensuring comfort and control that stands the test of large breeds like Rottweilers and German Shepherds.
Key Tools:
- Six-foot leather leash.
- Durable buckle collar (½ inch wide, or wider for larger dogs).
Remember, the treats you carry are equally important. They should be irresistible to your pup and kept handy, ideally in the pocket opposite the hand holding the leash.
Our tools are a six-foot leather leash and nylon, cotton, or leather collar that is at least ½ inch wide (I always prefer inch-wide collars, but I am a large dog person- Rottweilers and German Shepherds are my favorite breeds)
Next is the essential step—have treats in your pocket that the dog will go “bananas over.” The easiest way to do this is to keep the treats in the pocket opposite the hand holding the end of the leash.
Remember “the Golden Rule of Loose Leash Walking”: You should never cause tension on the leash. Holding the leash tight causes a reflexive action that increases your dog’s desire to pull.
Next, choose which side you will have your dog walk on. The traditional dog-handling approach always had the dog on the left side of the owner/handler.
It was for practical reasons. The dog owner or handler was a hunter or guard/police officer or whatever he was- chances were that they were right-handed, so the dog would not impede any necessary movement on the left side. But the side your dog is on does not matter. However, until the dog learns the behavior, if more than one person trains the dog, all parties should stay consistent with the same leg. Once the dog learns the behavior, you can mix it up and get them accustomed to walking next to both legs.
So, here we are! The dog in this example is on your left side. Place your right thumb through the loophole of the leash and grasp your first around it with the other fingers. Hold the leash around the middle at its lowest point to approximately the ¾ level with the right hand. We are teaching the dog behavior, not a command, so there is no verbal cue necessary for the dog. We would begin with “ Heel. “If we were teaching the dog to walk closely by your side on command, we would begin with “Heel.”
Begin walking. Whenever you feel tension on the leash, turn abruptly in the opposite direction.
The Golden Rule of Loose Leash Walking: Never maintain tension on the leash. Tension triggers a reflex in your dog that makes them want to pull further.
Decide on which side your dog will walk. Tradition suggests the left, but the choice is yours. Consistency is crucial, especially if multiple people are involved in training.
Step 2: Movement and Reward
With your dog on your chosen side and your right thumb through the leash’s loop, begin walking. The moment you feel tension, turn sharply in the opposite direction. This abrupt change teaches your dog that pulling isn’t the way to proceed.
Once your dog catches on and moves with you, without creating tension, offer a hearty “Good girl/boy!” and dispense those much-loved treats. This reinforcement makes staying by your side not only comfortable but rewarding.
Step 3: The Challenge of Distractions
Hopefully, you are seeing progress in your handling skills, and your dog is becoming more attentive to your movements. After mastering the tension-free walk in quiet areas, look for opportunities to add distractions. If you live in a heavily populated area, then distractions come naturally. If not, you must be more intentional and find places with lots of people, noise, and other things that will tempt your dog to pull ahead or lag.
Training with distractions can be challenging, as heavily populated or noisy environments naturally draw your dog’s curiosity and eagerness to explore. However, it’s crucial for real-world adaptation and ensures your dog remains attentive and close, regardless of what’s happening around them.
Step 2: Being By Your Side Is Comforting
Once the dog feels the pull on its neck and as soon as it turns towards the direction you are moving, let’s hear you say “Good girl” or “Good boy” and deliver the goodies. Keep repeating this on your walks and schedule time to begin developing this behavior. Once the dog consistently starts turning and returning to your side without any tension on the leash, then “move the goal post.” Now reward the dog when it makes the turn with you; there is never any tension on the leash.
Common Challenges in Leash Training
Teaching your dog to walk without pulling is challenging but equally fun and fulfilling. Consistency is your greatest ally, and inconsistency is your biggest foe. Allowing your dog to draw ahead sometimes and attempting to correct it at other times only confuses them. Maintaining tension on the leash exacerbates the situation, as it instinctively encourages pulling.
Finding time and a distraction-free space for practice is essential for progress. Yet, making this commitment is where many falter despite its undeniable value in achieving a well-behaved, leash-savvy companion.
Further Your Knowledge
Expanding your understanding and expertise in leash training can transform your experience. The RSPCA provides an excellent starting point with insightful advice on walking your dog nicely. Diving deeper into clicker training and other positive reinforcement strategies can also enhance your approach, paving the way for a harmonious relationship with your dog.
Leash training is more than teaching a dog how to walk by your side; it’s about building trust, understanding, and mutual respect. With patience, consistency, and the proper techniques, you and your furry companion are on the path to enjoying countless unforgettable walks together.
I want to communicate the basic principles and techniques for developing a better relationship with your dog and training it to be your ideal companion.
My goal is always to empower you as an owner to communicate most effectively with your dog.
