Few things sap the joy from a walk faster than a dog towing you like a sled. Pulling is normal—dogs move faster than we do, and the world is a giant sniff buffet—but it’s also fixable without harsh tools. The key is to make a loose leash the ticket to forward motion and a tight leash the pause button. With short, upbeat sessions you can reframe the whole game.
Why Dogs Pull (and Why It’s Not “Stubbornnessâ€)
Dogs learn what works. If leaning into the leash gets them to the tree faster, they’ll repeat it. Punishing the pull often suppresses behavior temporarily without teaching what to do instead. We’ll flip that script by rewarding position and attention.
Foundation: Reinforce Slack
Start indoors or in a boring driveway. Hold a treat at your knee, take two steps, and as the leash sags, mark (“Yes!â€) and feed by your leg. Repeat, gradually taking more steps between rewards. Pay generously at first—think every 2–3 steps—so your dog understands the target zone.
Be a Tree (Kind, Patient, Predictable)
When the leash tightens, stop. No yanking; just wait. The moment your dog looks back or steps toward you, mark and reward at your side. You’re teaching a simple rule: tight leash = no go; slack leash = we roll.
Make You Worth Following
- Turn games: Walk 8–10 steps and pivot 180°. Mark and treat when your dog swings with you.
- Check-in cue: Say your dog’s name; when they glance up, reward. Sprinkle this every few yards.
- Pattern stops: Pause at every curb, cue a sit, reward, then release with “Let’s go.â€
Level Up Gradually
Distractions explode outdoors. Use higher-value rewards and widen distance from triggers (barking fences, skateboards). If focus evaporates, reduce difficulty: slower streets, shorter sessions, more treats.
Helpful Gear (No Pain Required)
- Front-clip harness for gentle leverage
- 4–6 ft leash (skip retractables while training)
- Treat pouch so reinforcement is instant
Consistency Wins
Loose-leash walking is a conversation, not a command. Three five-minute sessions beat one long, frustrating walk. Over a few weeks, you’ll notice your dog naturally checking in and choosing the slack leash path—because it pays.
