Going out for a walk can be the most exciting part of your dog’s day, so it makes sense why they may start pulling on their lead to get where they want to go faster. To make sure you’re safe from being pulled over, you need to teach your dog how to walk calmly. This will take a great deal of patience and time, but it will be worth it. 

Why Does My Dog Pull on the Lead?

Most of the time, your dog will pull on the lead because they are excited to go on a walk. This excitement usually happens before you’ve even left the house! Whilst this behaviour is understandable, most dog owners would like the option of having anyone in the family walk the dog without the risk of being pulled over. Therefore, for your dog to effectively learn how to behave on the lead, they must learn to keep calm before leaving the house. 

Teach Your Dog How to Stop Pulling on a Lead

  1. Before training begins, it’s a good idea to let your dog out into the garden to release some energy before going on a walk. This may help them to respond better to you, without being overly excitable. 
  2. Whilst they are in the garden, fill up your treat bag with tasty food and get your training lead ready. Ask them to sit before attaching the lead and reward calm behaviour. 
  3. Stand still and quiet whilst allowing your dog the full length of the lead. Once they start to pay attention to you, praise them and give them a treat. 
  4. Begin your walk by using your voice and treats to encourage your dog to stay close to you when walking. Always reward them when they are walking on a loose lead. 
  5. If they start to move too far away, before the lead goes tight, stop and be still and quiet until they are paying attention to you again. Once they move closer to you, reward them and start again. Repeat this step each time your dog moves away from you. 
  6. Be consistent with your training each time you go out with your dog. This may take time, but it will be worth the effort in the end. 
  7. Expect these walks to take longer whilst your dog is learning, and be patient with them.

Top Tips for Training Your Dog to Stop Pulling on a Lead

  • Make the area around you fun and rewarding so that your dog enjoys being closer to you. 
  • Bring your dog’s favourite toy with you to help bring their focus back to you if they get distracted, easily. 
  • Ensure your dog understands basic obedience commands like ‘stop’, ‘heel’, ‘come’, ‘stay’. This keeps your dog and others safe. 
  • Harnesses provide extra support and comfort for your dog, rather than having pressure and pulling around their neck with a collar. 
  • Consider enrolling in one of A&T Trained Dogs’ dog training classes to learn further techniques.

Enrol in One of A&T Trained Dogs’ Training Classes

Teaching your dog to walk calmly on the lead is a process and requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. However, if you require any extra support, we offer a variety of dog training classes, including residential, obedience, or boot camp. 

With a large indoor and outdoor facility based in Lancaster, our experienced trainers will create a tailored plan to suit your needs. Call us on 01524 587315 or contact us online to discuss further.