How to Easily Train Your Dog to Stop Pulling on Walks

Walking your dog should be a relaxing experience, not a tug-of-war. But if your dog pulls on the lead, it can quickly turn frustrating or even dangerous—especially around traffic, other dogs, or uneven ground. The good news? With a few simple changes and a bit of consistency, you can train your dog to walk calmly beside you.

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The first step is making sure you have the right equipment. A secure lead and a durable dog collar are essential, particularly for dogs that lunge or pull suddenly. Some owners prefer harnesses for extra control, but for many dogs, a well-fitted collar is perfectly suitable when used with the right training techniques.

Once you’re set up, it’s time to focus on the actual training.

Understand Why Dogs Pull

Pulling is natural for dogs—they walk faster than us, are excited to explore, and often don’t realise that their pulling creates tension. They pull because it works. If pulling gets them to that interesting smell or moving object, they’ll keep doing it.

To change this behaviour, your goal is to teach your dog that walking beside you brings more rewards than charging ahead.

Use the Stop-and-Go Method

This is one of the simplest ways to discourage pulling, and it only requires your attention and patience.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start your walk as normal with your dog on a short but relaxed lead.
2. The moment they begin to pull, stop walking completely. Don’t yank the lead—just freeze.
3. Wait until your dog turns to look at you or releases tension on the lead.
4. Once the lead is slack, say “yes” or “good” and continue walking.
5. Repeat every time your dog pulls.

Over time, your dog will learn that pulling gets them nowhere, while a loose lead means they get to move forward.

Reward Good Behaviour

Positive reinforcement is key. Keep a few small treats in your pocket and reward your dog whenever they walk nicely beside you. Timing is important—deliver the treat while the lead is slack and your dog is walking in the right position.

You can also use praise, a cheerful tone of voice, or even a favourite toy if your dog is more motivated by attention or play.

Change Direction Often

To keep your dog focused on you, try changing direction every so often—especially if they begin to get distracted or start pulling. A sudden change of pace or a gentle “let’s go this way” helps your dog stay engaged and look to you for guidance.

This also helps break the habit of pulling towards specific locations (like the park or a favourite tree) and reinforces the idea that you're the one leading the walk.

Keep Walks Short and Frequent

Training a loose-lead walk can be mentally demanding for your dog, especially if they’ve been pulling for a long time. In the early stages, aim for shorter walks—perhaps just around the block—and build up gradually. Multiple short sessions each day are often more effective than one long, frustrating walk.

Stay Consistent

It’s crucial that everyone who walks your dog follows the same rules. If one person lets the dog pull, it can undo the progress made by someone else. Consistency in expectations, rewards, and corrections helps your dog learn faster and reduces confusion.

Pulling on the lead is a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent one. With the right gear, clear communication, and regular training, you can turn your walks into calm, enjoyable outings. Stick with it—your dog will catch on, and you’ll both look forward to those daily adventures together.