Why Dogs Pull on the Lead & How to Stop It
Walking your dog should be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day – fresh air, exercise, and quality time together. But if your dog is constantly dragging you down the street, it can feel more like a workout than a walk. Lead pulling is one of the most common frustrations for owners, but the good news is: it can be fixed.
Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?
Before we solve the problem, it helps to understand why it happens:
Excitement – The outside world is full of smells, sights, and sounds. Many dogs are simply too eager to explore.
Lack of Training – Dogs don’t automatically know how to walk nicely beside us; it’s a skill they must learn.
Rewarding the Behaviour – If pulling gets them where they want to go faster, they’ll keep doing it.
Breed Traits – Some breeds are naturally stronger pullers due to high energy or working backgrounds.
Why It’s a Problem
Pulling isn’t just annoying – it can be dangerous. A large dog can cause injury to their handler, escape a lead, or create unsafe situations around roads or other dogs. Consistent pulling also puts strain on the dog’s neck, shoulders, and joints.
How to Stop Lead Pulling
Here are some proven strategies we use at Frontier K9 Services to help dogs (and owners) enjoy calmer walks:
1. Teach Loose-Lead Walking
Start in a quiet environment with minimal distractions. Reward your dog every time the lead is slack, and stop moving when they pull. They’ll quickly learn that pulling gets them nowhere, but walking nicely moves the walk forward.
2. Use the Right Training Tools
Balanced training means using the right tools to guide, correct, and support your dog’s learning. Leads, collars, or other training equipment are not shortcuts, they’re there to help you communicate more clearly and fairly, giving your dog the structure they need to succeed.
3. Reward Good Behaviour
Carry treats or use praise when your dog walks by your side. Positive reinforcement makes learning enjoyable and strengthens your bond.
4. Be Consistent
Everyone in the household should follow the same rules. If one person lets the dog drag them down the street, training progress will stall.
5. Build Focus
Incorporate short training sessions that teach your dog to pay attention to you on walks. Games like “look at me” or practicing sits at the kerb help redirect their focus from distractions.
Patience Is Key
Like any training, loose-lead walking takes time and consistency. Some dogs pick it up quickly, while others need more practice. Stay calm, celebrate the small wins, and remember that progress comes step by step.
Need Help?
If lead pulling is turning your daily walks into a struggle, you don’t have to tackle it alone. At Frontier K9 Services, we specialise in balanced, effective training that makes life easier for both you and your dog. Get in touch today, and let’s make your next walk the best one yet.