How To Stop Your Dog From Pulling On The Lead

Walking your dog can be a wonderful time for building your relationship, but it often becomes a tug-of-war when your dog starts pulling on the lead. This is a common issue that many dog owners face, and it can turn a pleasant stroll into a bit of a struggle. Luckily, with the right approach, you can teach your dog to walk nicely by your side and enjoy peaceful outings together.

Stopping your dog from pulling is all about using the right techniques. With some patience and consistency, you can correct this behaviour. We'll explore why dogs tend to pull on their lead and share simple strategies to help them learn to walk calmly. By understanding these methods, you can make your walks much more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Understanding Why Dogs Pull on the Lead

There are several reasons why dogs might pull when they're on a lead, so understanding the cause is really helpful. Many dogs pull out of sheer excitement, as it often means they are going somewhere fun or discovering new scents. Lack of training is another major reason, especially for younger dogs who haven't learned how to walk properly on a lead. Curiosity also plays a big role. Dogs are natural explorers and often want to check out every little thing on the path.

To address pulling effectively, it’s key to know why your dog is doing it. Is it because of the excitement when they step outside? Or is it a lack of clear cues during training sessions? Knowing this can guide you in choosing the right approach. Sometimes, a dog's behaviour also reflects their personality. While one dog might pull to greet every passer-by, another might do it to chase birds or squirrels.

Consider using these questions to gauge the root of the behaviour:

- Does the dog only pull when approaching other dogs or people?

- Is pulling more frequent at the start of a walk or throughout?

- Does the dog respond to any corrections or cues today?

Understanding these aspects helps create a training plan that guides your dog toward better walking habits. This approach, paired with consistent training, makes all the difference in improving your dog's lead manners.

Teaching Your Dog to Walk Nicely

Once you’ve figured out why your dog pulls, the next step is teaching a better way to walk. Training sessions should feel like short, fun lessons. Keep them relaxed and positive, especially at the start. If your dog pulls ahead, calmly encourage a u-turn with a cue like “This way,” then reward them with a treat and praise when they come around and walk next to you in the new direction. Over time, your dog will start to link walking by your side with good things happening.

Positive reinforcement really helps here. Use small treats and upbeat praise when your dog walks calmly next to you. Say a clear cue like “Let’s go” in a cheerful tone, then give a treat when they follow along without pulling. Repeating this a few times during a walk will help the behaviour stick.

Begin in a quiet spot like your back garden or a calm area near home where there are fewer distractions. Once your dog improves in these settings, you can build up to busier pavements or parks. A short session each day goes a long way. Just remember, progress might be slow at first, but that’s normal. Dogs need time to learn.

Keep things simple by doing the following:

- Use tiny, soft treats that your dog really enjoys

- Walk at a pace that matches your dog’s energy level

- Keep walks short to avoid losing your dog’s attention

- Take breaks and let your dog sniff every now and then

Teaching your dog to walk nicely isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating better habits. Stick with it and keep things upbeat.

Perfecting the Use of Walking Aids

When used the right way, certain walking aids can make training easier and give you better control. A well-fitted harness, for example, helps reduce pulling and keeps pressure off your dog’s neck. Head collars can give even more control, especially for larger or more energetic dogs, though they take a bit of getting used to.

Your choice of lead matters too. Choose one that gives you good grip and control, without being too long. Retractable leads often confuse training because they teach dogs it’s okay to pull to go ahead. Stick with a fixed-length lead while working on proper walking.

It’s important to introduce any walking aid slowly. Let your dog sniff and get used to it before heading outside. Pair the tool with treats and praise, so your dog connects it with good things. Don’t rely on the gear alone either. It should be used to guide better behaviour alongside training.

When picking a walking aid, think about:

- Your dog’s size and energy level

- How much pulling they do now

- Whether you need more control or better comfort

- What feels comfortable for you to use

Always test any new equipment during a short walk to see how your dog responds. If there’s any discomfort, stop and check the fit. Getting the right mix of training and the right gear will help lead pulling become a thing of the past.

Consistency And Patience In Training

Consistency really is key with dog behaviour training. If one day you let your dog pull and the next day you stop every time, it sends mixed messages. Dogs learn best when the same rules apply every time. Stick to your walking routines and make the rules clear. If you use your u-turn cue and reward your dog for coming back to your side each time they pull ahead, your dog will learn that walking with you is what keeps the walk going.

Patience is just as important. Every dog learns at their own pace, and some may need more time than others. It’s easy to feel frustrated when progress seems slow, but getting upset won’t help your dog improve. Celebrate the little wins instead. Even walking just a few steps without pulling is worth giving a treat and a smile.

Set realistic goals for your training sessions. Some days will go better than others, and that’s completely normal. Creating a habit takes time. Like building muscles, your dog needs practice. Try writing down what works and what doesn’t, so you don’t lose track of progress.

Here’s how to stay consistent with your sessions:

- Walk at roughly the same time each day

- Use the same cue words so there’s no confusion

- Praise calmly and clearly when your dog gets it right

- Don’t expect every walk to be perfect

Consistency builds understanding. Over time, your daily walks will become calmer and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Wrapping Up Your Walks

Once your dog starts listening to cues and walking beside you more calmly, walks feel a lot more fun. It’s not just about control, it’s about keeping things safe and relaxing. Ending your walks in a calm and steady way helps settle your dog and tells them the outing is done.

Keep in mind that dogs remember what happens in the final minutes of an activity. If a walk ends in pulling and chaos, that memory tends to stick. Try bringing it to a close with a few minutes of quiet walking and a final cue like “All done” before heading home. A little calm-before-close helps wrap up the session clearly.

If your dog is still having a hard time despite your efforts, it might be time to go a bit deeper. It’s always okay to ask for help. Some behaviours need more tailored advice, especially if pulling has been going on for a while or is linked to something like fear or overexcitement. A personalised plan can make all the difference.

Tailor Your Training With Professional Help

Every dog is different, and sometimes basic cues and daily walks aren’t enough to solve pulling on the lead. If progress feels slow or you’re unsure where to start, speaking with a pro trainer can really clear things up. They’ll spot things you might not notice and guide you toward steps that suit your dog’s personality and energy.

It’s also helpful when you’re dealing with more than just walking issues. Whether it’s pulling when passing other dogs, reacting to traffic, or jumping during walks, a professional can create a plan that tackles it all together. The right training doesn’t just stop your dog from pulling. It improves your whole time together by making walks easier, safer, and far more enjoyable. For ongoing support with your young dog, you can also join our Paws Puppy Club at www.thetrainingofdogs.com/paws-puppy-club for step-by-step guidance, videos, and expert help at home.

If pulling on the lead has become a daily challenge and you're ready to see lasting change, our team at Paws Academy Dog Training can help guide you through the next steps. Learn more about how proper dog behaviour training can improve your walks, boost your dog’s focus, and make outings more enjoyable for you both.