Stop Pulling, Start Bonding - Teach A Loose Lead

Mar 2
"How do I stop my dog pulling on the lead"
"No matter what I do he still pulls"

One of the worst things we do is assume that a dog knows they shouldn't be pulling but do it anyway.

That's when the poor-quality dog trainer creeps in with their confirmations of a determined, obtuse dog and their tools to put the situation right.

Dogs don't pull on purpose despite knowing they shouldn't. They are not our enemy; they are our friend, and if they are lucky enough to be with a half-awake guardian, also our family.

Why Do They Keep Pulling? 

Dogs pull on the lead for a few reasons:

  • They have never been taught not to pull.
  • The reward for pulling is greater than the reward for not pulling.
  • They are stressed or over aroused on walks.
  • Walks are the only time they get to practice natural behaviour.
  • They were not born on a collar and lead, meaning they were not born trained.
  • They walk at a different pace to the person they are walking with and it's uncomfortable to change their pace.
  • They have a specific reinforcement history for pulling on the lead.

The above list is not exhaustive. However, I can promise you that it's closer to the truth than a dog who is consciously aware that they are causing you problems but doing it anyway.
Let's look at some examples:

  • A dog who has been dragged back and shouted at for pulling is more likely to want to get as far as possible from the dragger and shouter so pulls on the lead.

  • A dog who only ever gets some mental stimulation outside the house gets very aroused with all the sights and sounds and just cannot control their emotional response (whether it's a good or a bad response for example excitement or stress) pulls because they can't focus on training.

  • A dog who can focus on training isn't given it, in a way that motivates them or builds them to being able to carry out the training in the given situation. So many people take a dog on a walk and try to train them and that's never going to work, we need to teach for the situation, not in it.

I'm hoping you're starting to understand that when your dog pulls on the lead there's a reason for it that simply does not justify punishing them or threatening them with pain, shock or intimidation if they pull.

I really hope you're starting to see now that your own dog's pulling is based on how they feel. That your dog is just trying their best with the opportunities and situations they are put in, that they are not simply untrained, but unsupported.

I hope you're starting to empathise with your dog, despite them adding to your stress. Just as I can empathise with you, even when you have been in a situation where someone has already done something bad to your dog.

How To Teach Loose Lead

Start with how we teach anything, understand how your dog feels, make sure their natural needs are met, remove as much stress as possible from their lives and practice the behaviour you need to create outside of the situation you want to see it in.

So, how does your dog feel? How does your dog feel on walks? Have they been exposed to negative things on walks? For example, a tight slip lead, tellings off, yanks, bad methods, triggers in the environment? If so – you need to work on them feeling safe first.

How often do they get to practice their natural behaviours (enrichment, scentwork, suitable play, foraging)? These things build confidence and optimism, and a dog who pulls on the lead can learn not to in a much more effective way if they are confident and optimistic. Optimism really matters, learn more here. 

Then simply show your dog that a loose lead is much more rewarding than a tight one.

  1. A two point of contact harness is a great way to start if you need immediate control. A Perfect Fit or TTouch harness will work as it gives free range of movement. Add a double ended lead to your dog's back and front clip. This soothes the body therefore an emotional response and can have an immediate positive effect (it's also much cheaper in every way than a dodgy dog trainer with a grot lead, promises and lack of empathy)

  2. Then go somewhere quiet, for example your garden. Take a variety of tiny treats and create a loose lead by changing direction and rewarding every time the loose lead naturally occurs. You can add a marker to the loose lead occurrences too – for example YES, then drop the treat or hand it to your dog.

  3. Walk in different directions, slow, fast, mark, reward every time the lead gets loose, finish (8-10 minutes is plenty) Give your dog lots of praise and play if you can afterwards, play cements learning.

  4. Practice this a few times over a couple of days, then when a loose lead becomes natural and your dog starts paying more attention to you on walks (because you pay out for a slack lead and you are becoming more interesting by the second because of that) add a couple of minutes practice on quiet walks too.

  5. Remember your dog is a living, feeling and emotional being, sometimes life rewards are more fulfilling, so for now they could still pull. Just getting your practice in on quiet areas and not expecting instant results will create change.

  6. Then grow your practice, don't drop them in at the deep end, build distractions and expectations at their learning pace.

The best thing, your bond will grow, they will find you more interesting, you are not harming, threatening them or putting something archaic on their precious necks. Our dogs only have us, let's be worthy of them.


So, to summarise:

  1. Are your dog's natural needs being met? If not meet them through enrichment, scentwork, foraging, connection and care.
  2. Is your dog relaxed on walks? If not, learn more about how they feel and why they feel that way; follow us we will show you.
  3. Do they have a history of negative walks? Turn them into positive experiences as outlined above.


Teach your dog that a loose lead is rewarding, that your connection is more important than getting away from you, gradually in a way they understand. It's not hard, it doesn't take long, it's way better than letting an uneducated trainer at that most precious being you have brought into your home and your life.

This type of learning will work, for every dog, for every other animal including humans. It's proven and if it isn't working it's about the delivery, not the dog. Of you can't get it to work, please contact me and I can either help you or put you in touch with someone local and more importantly - educated and kind. 

Stick with us, we will help you, it's why we exist, for you and your beautiful, sweet dog.

Thanks for reading. 

Stay in Touch

Sign Up Here For More Free Advice
Thank you!
Created with