Leash training 101: stop the pulling, start the walking
Pulling on the leash isn't dominance, anxiety or stubbornness. It's reinforcement: forward motion is the reward your dog gets for pulling. Stop reinforcing and the behaviour stops.
The three-step method
- Stop walking when the leash goes tight. Stand still. Don't pull back, don't say anything.
- Wait for slack. When the leash relaxes (your dog turns to look at you, or steps back), say "yes" and resume walking.
- Reward heavy in the first week. Treats every 10 steps for walking near you. Gradually fade as the habit forms.
Equipment that helps
Front-clip harness redirects without choking. Avoid retractable leashes — they teach pulling. Avoid prong/shock collars — they suppress symptoms without solving the underlying cause.
Timeline
Most dogs show clear improvement in 10 days, are reliable in 4–6 weeks. Reactive dogs (lunging at other dogs) need a separate reactive-dog protocol from a professional.
Ready to book? Create an account and explore verified providers near you.