Stop Dog Pulling Leash - 5 Best Tips

Is it difficult to take your dog on a walk as they keep pulling on their leash?

This is frustrating to try and train them to stop.  Puppies especially are full of energy and haven't been trained, so you are probably finding it difficult to train them.

However, you can train to stop your dog from pulling on their leash, but you are using the wrong training methods. 

I struggled with my dog for the longest time until a dog trainer showed me the correct training methods to get them to stop.

Stop Dog PullingLeash - Understanding Their Behavior

Dogs like to pull on leashes because they are eager to get at something, 

Stop Dog Pulling Leash - Desire to get at something

Sometimes, dogs pull on their leashes because they see something exciting, such as another dog, a squirrel, or someone nearby. 

Their instinct tells them to go towards whatever has caught their eye.

They want to check it out right away!

Here are the steps you need:

1.  The first thing is to get the proper training tools.

You will need a no-pull harness so you can help guide your dog when walking and keep them focused.  

This is especially helpful for larger or stronger dogs who tend to pull more on walks.

These harnesses reduce the strain on their neck and prevent neck injury compared to traditional collars. 

They provide a safer and more comfortable walking experience for your adult dog or puppy.

Below is a recommended No Pull Dog Harness. 

Stop Dog Pulling Leash - Use Treats

2.  You want to use treats to reward your dog when they don't pull on their leash.

This way, they learn that staying by your side is good behavior.

It will take patience and practice.   By giving them a treat for not pulling they will eventualy get the idea and the pulling will get less so eventually they will stop.

Stop Dog Pulling Leash -  Inconsistent training methods

Dogs don't just pull because they want to get somewhere; how we train them matters too.

If you teach your dog different things each time, they will get mixed messages and won't learn.

An example is if you let them pull one day because you are in a hurry and then the next day you scold them for pulling, your dog won't understand what's right.

Imagine trying to follow rules that keep changing – it's confusing!

To make leash walking work, you must be clear and steady with rules.  Every time you take your dog on a walk is a way to train. 

You want to always use the same commands and rewards to get your dog to understand.

The no-pull harness can help by making it easier to guide your dog without hurting their neck while you practice them not to pull while walking.

Let me reiterate,  if you let them jump around one day and then the next day you give them strict rules, your dog will be confused about what to do. 

Consistent training every single day helps them understand that pulling is never okay - this makes your walks much more enjoyable.

Stop Dog Pulling  Leash - Lack of exercise is another reason they pull on their leash

You also need to take your dog on a daily walk especially a puppy, as they are full of energy and need exercise.  If you don't give them enough exercise with walking it will be even more difficult to train them. 

All dogs need to run and play a lot!  Without that, they will pull on their leash because they have so much energy built up.

Think of how you feel when you can't wait to go outside,  Dogs are the same way as they feel better when they are active.

Regular walks, playing with their dog toys, and playing fetch are important.

Without these activities, your dog might decide instead of walking that they will want to run. 

Not only that, but exercise keeps their muscles strong and minds sharp.   This is important for obedience training.

Stop Dog Pulling Leash - Teach "heel" command

I use positive reinforcement to teach my dog the "heel" command.

I start by walking with my dog on a leash and gently guiding them to my side using treats as rewards.

When they stay in the proper position, I praise and treat them.

Using consistent training and patience helped my dog to understand where they should be when walking beside me.

This technique is effective in teaching dogs not to pull on the leash.

Next, you should practice directional changes to help stop a dog from pulling on the leash.

Practice directional changes and reward good behavior

After teaching the "heel" command, practice directional changes and then reward their good behavior.  

When you change direction suddenly, your dog will pay attention and stay close.

This technique also prevents pulling and keeps the dog alert and engaged.

Now by rewarding your dog with treats or praise, they will follow your lead.  This will encourage your dog to stop pulling on their leash.

Plus, using positive reinforcement will create a pleasant association with walking calmly on the leash.

To sum it up, these are effective ways to stop a dog from pulling on the leash.

Using positive reinforcement and appropriate training tools can teach your dog good behavior and prevent your dog from pulling on their leash.

Check out my article if you need help with online dog training.