If your dog won't stop pulling on leash during walks, you need to try these tips for loose leash walking, including tools, training, and other methods.

Here’s the thing about walking on a leash: dogs aren’t born knowing how to do it. That’s why dogs pulling on their leash is such a common problem among pup parents.

But it’s really important for our dogs to learn how to properly walk on leashes – in some cases, it can be a matter of safety.

So what can we do? A lot actually! With the right technique, a little patience, and a lot of practice, you can stop your dog from pulling on the leash and master the art of loose leash walking.

Loose leash walking is when your dog walks calmly at your side, with no tension in the leash and no pulling. 

Not only is it a more comfortable way for you to walk your dog, it plays a huge role in reducing leash reactivity and improving overall leash manners.

If you relate to that GIF, you’re not alone. And if you’re sitting here thinking “there’s no way I can get my dog to walk nicely at my side,” you’re also not alone.

But you’d also be wrong. There are ways to teach leash loose leash walking and other leash manners – here are tips for doing so.

You wouldn’t start fixing a car engine without seeing if you have the necessary tools on hand, would you? The same should go for addressing your dog’s behavior.

Before you start loose leash training, take some time to gather everything you’ll need, including:

We do not recommend using aversive tools like prong collars or shock collars since they can cause injury, fear, and/or aggression. 

The Leash Walking Course in Pupford Academy gives more details on tools to use, including how to hold the leash and fit a harness properly.

Once you have everything you need for a positive reinforcement approach to leash walking you'll be ready for the rest of the tips!

“Figure 8s” is a drill that can help with a number of leash walking issues, including pulling on the leash. 

Place two cones (or other markers) a few steps apart to serve as the ends of the figure 8.

Start walking slowly, ensuring your dog is at your side and making frequent eye contact

Walk in a figure 8 pattern, leading your dog through the inside and outside turns with a treat to keep them at your desired side

Repeat, reducing the frequency of rewards until your dog is able to walk the pattern with little or no assistance

You can use Figure 8’s to teach loose leash walking, or in the moment when something distracts your dog and causes pulling. Figure 8 walks also strengthen communication and focus, two important factors for better walks!

Note: You may also hear the term “circle method,” which is similar but will have you always walking with your dog in one direction and staying on the outside of them at all times. More on the Circle Method here. 

The Treat Drop method is another great way to keep your dog at your side and focused on you. Here’s how it works:

With your dog on their leash, hold a treat out in front of your dog’s nose

Give them the treat or drop it on the ground in front of them (whichever you prefer)

Gradually take more and more steps between treats

Tip: if you notice something that is about to distract your dog, like a person walking by or another dog, get their attention and drop a treat in front of them to keep them on task

With this method, it’s the focus and attention that matters the most – not how far you can get your dog to go. 

A key component of loose leash walking is that your dog’s focus and attention is on you rather than distractions around them.

You can build better focus through moments of eye contact known as “check-ins.” 

The idea here is really simple – reward your dog for remaining near you and making eye contact during walks. Vary the length of eye contact needed to give the reward so your dog stays engaged.

Also, be sure to pair the reward with a marker like “good” or a clicker sound so your dog doesn’t always rely on a treat to signal that they are doing the right thing! 

Letting you in on a little secret: not all walks are created equally. Some walks are for exercise, some are for sniffing and exploration, and some are for adventure.

So what are structured walks for? Focus, attention, and loose leash walking.

During a structured walk, you will guide your dog to walk loosely on a leash near your side for the whole duration of the walk (with the exception of bathroom breaks, of course). 

You can signal to your dog that a walk is a structured walk by staying completely focused on the walk yourself (yes, that means you have to put your phone away!) and asking for frequent eye contact. You both will work together to ignore distractions and stay on a controlled path.

Structured walks should only make up a portion of your dog’s walks! Give them plenty of opportunities to take walks that involve exploring, sniffing, and seeing new things, as they are super important for mental enrichment.

SO CAN YOU REALLY STOP YOUR DOG FROM PULLING ON A LEASH?

You sure can! It won’t happen overnight, but consistently putting these tips into action will lead your dog (no pun intended) towards successful loose-leash walking. 

Remember though, that you may need to change the way you approach walking. Set goals based on your dog’s attention, focus, and calmness, rather than trying to tackle a certain number of miles. Remember, an hour of leash training is an hour-long walk, even if you never leave your driveway! 

For more leash training tips and tricks, see the Leash Training Course in the Pupford Academy! 

What else does your dog need help with when it comes to leash walking? Drop your leash manner questions in the comments below.

Stop Your Dog from Pulling on Leash: Tips for Loose Leash Walking | Pupford