Taking your dog for a walk should be an enjoyable experience for both of you—but leash pulling can turn it into a frustrating struggle. Whether your dog is excited, curious, or simply untrained, excessive pulling can make walks uncomfortable and even dangerous. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash. Here are some effective strategies to stop the pulling and make every walk a pleasant one.

Use the Right Equipment

The type of leash and harness you use can make a big difference in managing pulling behavior. A front-clip harness helps redirect your dog’s movement, making it easier to handle sudden lunges. Avoid retractable leashes, which reduce control and often encourage pulling.

Teach Loose-Leash Walking

Begin training in a low-distraction area like your backyard or a quiet street. Hold the leash at a comfortable length and start walking. If your dog pulls ahead, stop immediately. Stand still until the leash slackens, then resume walking. This teaches your dog that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.

Reinforce Good Behavior

Use treats, praise, or toys to reward your dog for walking calmly by your side. Positive reinforcement helps them associate loose-leash walking with positive outcomes. Keep high-value treats on hand to encourage good behavior.

Use Direction Changes

If your dog begins pulling, abruptly change direction and call them to follow. This keeps your dog engaged with you and discourages pulling. Over time, they’ll learn to stay focused on your movements.

Practice the “Stop and Go” Method

Whenever pulling starts, stop walking and wait for your dog to look back at you. When they do, resume walking. This reinforces that forward motion only happens when the leash is loose.

Keep Walks Engaging

Dogs often pull out of boredom or overexcitement. Vary your walking route, allow time for sniffing, and mix in short training exercises to provide mental stimulation and reduce impulsive behavior.

Be Consistent and Patient

Consistency is key to successful leash training. Make sure all family members follow the same rules and techniques. With regular practice, your dog will develop lasting good habits.

Enjoy Stress-Free Walks with Your Dog

With time and consistency, leash pulling can become a thing of the past. A well-trained dog is not only safer but also more enjoyable to walk.

If you're having trouble with leash training or have concerns about your dog’s behavior, contact Santa Monica Pet Medical Center to schedule a consultation. Visit our Santa Monica office or call (310) 393-8218 today.