Loose Leash Walking: Why Pulling Happens and How to Fix It
Does your dog drag you down the street like a sled dog on espresso? You’re not alone. Loose leash walking is one of the most common challenges dog owners face—and one of the most important skills to teach.
Pulling on the lead isn't your dog being stubborn or dominant. It’s usually one of three things:
Lack of training – Your dog simply doesn’t know what’s expected yet.
Excitement – They’re eager to explore, meet people, or sniff everything in sight.
Reinforcement – If pulling gets them where they want to go, they’ll keep doing it.
As a professional dog obedience trainer, I focus on clear communication and calm leadership. Here’s how to start:
Be consistent: Don’t let pulling “sometimes” work. Every walk is a training session.
Reward the right spot: Reinforce your dog for staying by your side with treats, praise, or freedom.
Stop/start: When they pull, stop walking. Wait for slack in the lead, then move forward again.
Use tools that support—not correct: A flat collar or front-clip harness can help guide without pain or confusion.
Loose leash walking isn’t about controlling your dog—it’s about walking together as a team.
Dog leash training | Loose leash tips | Tweed Heads dog trainer
