How to Get Your Dog to Stop Pulling During Walks

Walking your dog should be a relaxing and enjoyable activity, but for many owners, it can feel more like a tug-of-war. Dogs naturally walk faster than we do, and many get excited about smells, other animals, and people along the way. This often results in pulling, lunging, or dragging their owner down the street. Luckily, pulling on the leash is a behavior you can change with patience, consistency, and the right techniques.

Understand Why Dogs Pull

Before working on solutions, it helps to understand the “why.” Most dogs don’t pull out of disobedience—they pull because:

• Their natural walking pace is faster than ours.

• They’re excited to explore new smells and sights.

• They’ve learned that pulling gets them where they want to go.

Dogs repeat behaviors that get rewarded. If pulling makes the walk move faster or helps them reach something interesting, they’ll continue to do it. The key to stopping pulling is teaching your dog that a loose leash is what leads to progress, not a tight one.

Choose the Right Equipment

While training is the foundation of solving pulling, the equipment you use can make the process easier and safer. A few options to consider:

• Front-clip harness: These help redirect your dog’s momentum back toward you when they pull, making it harder for them to lunge forward.

• Head halters: These give more control over large or strong dogs by guiding the head, but they require a gentle introduction to avoid discomfort.

• Standard flat collar: Fine for calm walkers, but not the best choice for dogs that pull heavily.

Avoid choke chains or prong collars. While they may suppress pulling in the short term, they can cause pain, fear, and damage to your dog’s neck and throat. Humane equipment paired with training is always the best route.

Teach “Be a Tree”

One of the simplest and most effective methods is often called the “be a tree” technique. Here’s how it works:

1. Start walking with your dog on a standard leash (4–6 feet long, not retractable).

2. The moment your dog begins to pull, stop moving completely.

3. Wait until the leash is loose again—whether your dog steps back toward you or stops straining.

4. The second the leash slackens, continue walking.

This method teaches your dog that pulling makes the walk stop, while a loose leash makes the walk continue. Over time, most dogs learn that keeping the leash slack is the quickest way to get where they want to go.

Reward Good Walking Behavior

Dogs need feedback when they’re doing the right thing. Keep small, soft treats in your pocket and reward your dog frequently when the leash is loose or when they’re walking nicely by your side.

At first, you may need to treat every few steps. As your dog improves, gradually reduce the frequency of treats while still offering praise and encouragement. This consistent positive reinforcement helps your dog understand that walking calmly is rewarding in itself.

Practice “Change Direction” Training

Another powerful tool is to teach your dog to pay more attention to you on walks. Here’s how:

1. Begin walking in one direction.

2. As soon as your dog pulls ahead, say something upbeat like “this way!” and turn 180 degrees.

3. Reward your dog when they follow you.

Changing direction frequently teaches your dog that they need to keep an eye on you to know where the walk is going. It turns the walk into a game, where staying close and attentive to you is the best strategy.

Start with Short, Focused Sessions

If your dog is a chronic puller, don’t expect to fix the behavior on a two-mile walk. Instead, start with short training sessions in low-distraction areas, like your driveway, yard, or a quiet street.

Focus on 5–10 minutes of loose-leash training where you stop when the leash tightens and reward when it’s loose. As your dog improves, gradually increase the time and move to more distracting environments.

Exercise Before the Walk

Sometimes dogs pull simply because they have too much energy to burn. If your dog is especially hyper, try giving them a chance to release some energy before the walk. A quick game of fetch in the yard, a tug session, or even some puzzle feeders before heading out can help take the edge off.

A calmer dog will be more focused and responsive to training during the walk.

Be Consistent

One of the most important parts of leash training is consistency. If you sometimes allow pulling and sometimes don’t, your dog won’t understand the rules. Make sure everyone in your household follows the same approach when walking the dog.

Remember—dogs don’t learn overnight. It may take weeks or even months for pulling to improve, especially if it’s a long-standing habit. Stick with it, and the results will come.

When to Seek Help

If your dog’s pulling is severe, especially if it’s combined with lunging or reactivity toward other dogs or people, consider working with a professional dog trainer. A certified trainer can provide personalized strategies and help you regain control in a safe, positive way.