Loose lead walking is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog, but it’s also one of the most challenging. Many dogs naturally walk faster than humans, are excited by their environment, and have a strong instinct to move toward things that interest them. If pulling has worked for them in the past, getting them closer to a smell, another dog, or even just forward motion, they will continue to do it. Teaching loose lead walking is all about changing that pattern so that walking nicely becomes more rewarding than pulling.
Dogs don’t instinctively know how to walk on a loose lead. It’s not something that comes naturally to them, and if we don’t actively teach it, they will assume pulling is part of how a walk works.
Some common reasons dogs pull include:
Excitement – The world is full of new smells, sounds, and sights, and your dog wants to get to them quickly.
Reinforcement history – If pulling has worked before (e.g., getting closer to a park or another dog), they’ll keep doing it.
Lack of training – If a dog has never been taught to walk nicely, they won’t know what’s expected.
Built-in drive – Some breeds have a strong pulling instinct due to their genetics (e.g., sled dogs like Huskies).
Pulling is self-rewarding, every time it gets them closer to something exciting, they learn that it works. The key is to change the way they see the walk so that staying close to you becomes more rewarding than forging ahead.
Loose lead walking isn’t about forcing your dog to stay perfectly by your side at all times. Instead, the goal is to create a relaxed, comfortable walk where your dog isn’t pulling. Dogs repeat behaviours that are rewarded, so teaching them that staying near you brings good things is crucial. The best way to do this is by rewarding them frequently when they walk by your side.
Use high-value treats (something special like chicken, cheese, or sausage) to reinforce the behaviour.
Mark and reward whenever your dog is walking nicely. This teaches them that being near you is worth their while.
Be consistent with rewards at the beginning, dogs need repetition to understand what is expected.
If your dog pulls, stop immediately. Do not yank them back or pull against them, that just creates opposition reflex where they instinctively resist the pressure and can cause injuries. Instead, be a "tree" and wait until they loosen the lead before continuing.
If your dog pulls, pause and wait for the lead to go slack.
When they turn to check in with you or stop pulling, reward and continue walking.
This teaches them that pulling makes the walk stop, while staying close means the walk keeps going.
If your dog is too excited and keeps pulling, try the change-of-direction technique. Instead of battling them, simply turn and walk in the opposite direction.
Every time they pull, turn and go the other way.
Use an encouraging tone and keep your movement fluid so they naturally follow.
Reward them when they check back in and walk nicely.
This helps teach them that keeping an eye on you is important. Over time, they will begin to focus more on where you are rather than forging ahead.
The equipment you use can make a huge difference in lead training. A well-fitted harness with a front-clip attachment helps discourage pulling without causing discomfort. Some useful tools include:
Front-clip harness – Helps redirect pulling without putting pressure on the neck.
Standard 4-6ft lead – Avoid retractable leads, as they encourage pulling by allowing inconsistent freedom.
Treat pouch – Makes it easy to reward good walking behaviour quickly.
Loose lead walking isn’t just about physical exercise, it should be a mentally enriching experience too. Many dogs pull because they’re eager to explore. Instead of trying to suppress this curiosity, use it to your advantage.
Let your dog stop and sniff, smelling their environment is mentally enriching and can actually reduce pulling.
Use a "go sniff" cue to let them know when they can explore freely and when it’s time to focus.
Switch up routes to keep things interesting and provide new experiences.
Teaching loose lead walking takes time, and it’s unrealistic to expect perfect behaviour on every walk right away. Keep training sessions short and focused, even five-minute training walks can make a big impact.
Start in low-distraction environments before practising in busy areas.
Gradually increase difficulty by adding distractions like other dogs, people, and new places.
Celebrate small wins, every walk where your dog pulls less than before is progress!
Some common mistakes to avoid:
Inconsistency – If sometimes pulling gets them where they want to go, they’ll keep doing it. Make sure everyone who walks the dog follows the same training techniques.
Using aversive tools – Prong collars, choke chains, and slip leads can cause pain and stress without actually teaching proper walking skills. Positive reinforcement is far more effective.
Expecting perfection too soon – Loose lead walking is a skill that takes time. Be patient and focus on gradual improvement.
If your dog’s pulling is extreme, they lunge, react aggressively, or seem overly anxious on walks, working with a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist can help. Some dogs need extra support due to reactivity, past experiences, or strong prey drive.
Loose lead walking isn’t about forcing your dog into a strict heel position, it’s about teaching them how to walk calmly without pulling. By rewarding good behaviour, managing excitement, and making walking enjoyable, you’ll turn frustrating, tug-of-war-style walks into a relaxed, enjoyable experience for both of you.
With patience, consistency, and the right approach, loose lead walking can become second nature, transforming daily walks from a battle into a bonding experience. If you need personalised help, get in touch, I’d love to help you and your dog enjoy stress-free walks together!
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