How to Stop Dog from Pulling on Leash
Ah, the classic tug-of-war between you and your dog during walks—sound familiar? You step out for a relaxing stroll, leash in hand, only to find yourself being dragged like a sled through the Iditarod. Whether it’s chasing squirrels, sniffing every tree, or sheer enthusiasm, leash pulling is one of the most common issues dog parents face.
But don’t worry. You’re not alone. And more importantly—you can fix it. Let’s dive into why dogs pull on the leash, what you can do about it, and how to turn those chaotic walks into calm, connected adventures.
Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
Before we talk solutions, let’s get into the dog-brain a little. Pulling isn’t your pup trying to rebel. More often, it’s just a matter of:
Excitement – “WALKIES!!” is probably the best part of their day.
Lack of Training – If they’ve never been taught to walk nicely, why would they?
Distractions – Squirrels. Birds. That other dog across the street.
Fear or Stress – Some dogs pull out of discomfort or to escape triggering situations.
Each of these root causes can be addressed with the right training plan. The key? Start with structure and build from there.
Step One: Set the Stage for Success
Before any training session, preparation is everything. Imagine trying to learn algebra while on a rollercoaster—it’s kind of the same for your dog if you dive in without getting the basics down.
Choose the Right Gear
Skip the retractable leash. Seriously—those things are a leash-pulling nightmare. Instead, opt for:
A 6-ft standard leash (not too long, not too short)
A slip leash
A Prong Collar
Or a head halter
Make sure everything fits well. A poorly fitted can lead to discomfort and more pulling.
Find a Calm Space
Start training in your yard, driveway, or even your living room. The fewer distractions, the better. Your dog needs to learn the concept of loose-leash walking before trying it out on a busy trail.
Step Two: Teach the Behavior You Do Want
Let’s face it—just saying “No pulling!” won’t cut it. Dogs don’t generalize the way we do. You have to teach them what to do instead.
The Stop-and-Go Method
It’s simple: if your dog pulls, you stop. No yanking, no yelling. Just freeze. When the leash slackens, move forward again. Over time, your dog learns, “Pulling = no movement, loose leash = forward fun!”
This method is slow at first, but wow does it work.
Turn Around Technique
Another great one: the moment your dog pulls ahead, turn and walk in the opposite direction. It teaches them to pay attention to you, not the birds.
Consistency is key here. Think of yourself as their GPS. If they start going rogue, recalculate and redirect.
Use Treats Like Magic
Keep your dog focused and engaged by rewarding them every few steps for walking next to you. Use their daily meals—especially in the early stages.
Pro tip: Have the food bag on the same side as your dog. When your dogs head is in the spot you want them to be pay them on that side. . That’s the sweet spot for a perfect heel. Feeding your dog across your body will result in your dog being just in front of your leg waiting for the food.
Step Three: Introduce Verbal Cues
Now that your pup is beginning to understand the behavior, add verbal cues like:
“With me”
“Let’s go”
“Heel” (for a more formal walk)
Say the cue just as they walk nicely by your side. Over time, they’ll connect the command with the action.
Also, teach a “look at me” cue using food to build focus. This one’s a lifesaver in distracting environments.
Mistakes to Avoid
Training is all about timing and tone. Avoid these common errors:
Yanking the leash – It can damage your dog’s trachea and build fear.
Punishing excitement – You want your dog to enjoy walks. The goal is calm excitement, not shutdown.
Inconsistency – If one family member lets the dog pull and the other doesn’t, the dog gets confused. Create a consistent routine everyone can follow.
What If My Dog Is Still Pulling?
Some dogs need a little extra support. Maybe they’re strong, stubborn, or have deeply ingrained habits. That’s okay. Here’s what to do:
Go back to basics – Reinforce the stop-and-go method indoors again.
Shorten the walk – Focus on training quality, not distance.
Add mental stimulation – Tired brains = calm bodies. Try puzzle toys or scent games before walks.
And if you’ve been at it for a while with little progress…
Let Kindred Dog PDX Help You Out
At Kindred Dog PDX, we specialize in helping dogs—and their humans—work through even the most challenging leash-pulling issues. Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, excitable, or just a little too enthusiastic about life, we’ve seen it all and trained through it all.
With over a decade of experience, we’ve helped countless dogs who’ve bounced from trainer to trainer find calm, connected walks through our balanced, relationship-based methods. And the best part? We meet you where you are. No judgment. No overwhelm. Just progress, one pawstep at a time.
We offer personalized support for:
Leash reactivity
Basic to advanced obedience
Fearful or anxious dogs
Puppy foundations
Off-leash mastery
And yep—plenty of leash-walking support. Whether you’re starting fresh or starting over, there is hope. Let us show you that your dog can walk calmly and joyfully with you, not against you.
Keep It Going: Long-Term Success
Once your dog is walking nicely, don’t stop training. It’s like going to the gym—you’ve got to keep practicing to stay in shape.
Use walks as mini training sessions
Vary your rewards so your dog stays interested
Keep praising and rewarding calm leash behavior
Slowly introduce more distractions as your dog improves
And hey—make it fun! Walks should be a time to bond, explore, and enjoy each other’s company.
Final Thoughts
Leash pulling is one of those challenges that feels frustrating at first but is totally beatable with the right mindset and tools. With a little patience, consistency, and maybe a few chicken treats up your sleeve, your dog can become the walking buddy of your dreams.
And if you ever feel stuck, remember—we’re here for you at Kindred Dog PDX. Let’s make walks joyful again.
