Why dogs pull on the leash
The answer is simple: because it works. When a dog pulls forward and you follow, they learn that pulling gets them to the interesting smell, the other dog, or the park gate. You have inadvertently trained them to pull.
This is why equipment that applies pressure — choke chains, prong collars — rarely solves the problem. The dog may tolerate the discomfort but the pulling often returns the moment the equipment is removed, because the underlying learning has not changed.
The core principle
Loose-leash walking requires two things to be true simultaneously:
- Pulling must never result in forward movement
- Walking with a loose leash must be consistently rewarding
If even one of these breaks down — on a single walk, with a single family member — you undermine progress significantly. Dogs learn from patterns, not lectures.
The stop-start method
This is the most reliable approach for most dogs:
- Begin walking. The moment the leash becomes taut, stop completely. Do not say anything.
- Wait. The dog will eventually turn to look at you or move back toward you, releasing tension on the leash.
- The instant the leash is loose, mark with ‘yes’ or a clicker and resume walking. This is the reward — forward movement.
- Repeat consistently. Every walk, every person in the household, every time.
Initial walks will be very slow. A ten-minute walk may cover twenty metres. This is normal and necessary. Within one to three weeks of consistent application, most dogs show significant improvement.
Adding a reward
For dogs that are especially motivated by food, you can accelerate progress by rewarding frequently when the leash is loose — particularly near distractions. Walk, give a treat while the dog is beside you at a loose leash, continue walking. The treat is delivered in the position you want them in, which reinforces that position.
Common mistakes
- Inconsistency: If one family member allows pulling, progress stalls for everyone.
- Tight leash: Holding the leash with constant tension teaches the dog to lean into pressure. Keep it loose when the dog is in position.
- Expecting instant results: If your dog has been pulling for two years, expect two to four weeks of consistent work before seeing real change.
