Improve Lead Pulling Without Spending a Fortune

Does your dog or puppy pull on a lead? It can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and even painful for both you and your dog. Lead pulling is one of the most common challenges dog owners face. It’s completely normal, and every dog parent has experienced it.

Dogs naturally walk faster than we do; they have two extra feet after all. They also have something called an opposition reflex: a natural instinct to pull against pressure.

While it’s normal, that doesn’t mean it’s pleasant. Before you begin your loose-lead training journey, I’ve put together three simple improvements that you can easily implement. As always, consistency is key.

LET THEM SNIFF

Dogs see the world through their noses; it’s how they gather information about their environment and engage their brains. One of the reasons dogs pull is to squeeze in as many sniffs as doggy possible.

Allowing your dog to spend time sniffing will provide essential mental stimulation, work their brain, meet their needs and most importantly for your arms, reduce their need to pull. A dog who has had time to sniff will often be calmer, more satisfied, and better able to walk politely on the lead.

If you’re limited for time, instead of rushing to get the steps in, try setting a timer - it will tire them out much more than speed walking the local block!

GIVE THEM CHOICE

If you want less pulling, give your dog more freedom, loosen the lead and let them guide you. If sniffing meets your dog’s mental and emotional needs, helps them stay calm, and removes the urgency that causes lead pulling in the first place, then the solution isn’t harsher training methods to get results, it’s simply letting your dog be a dog.

Your dog’s life is controlled in every aspect. Giving more choices improves confidence, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances well-being, bonding, and behaviour.

USE A LONGER LEAD

Remember when I mentioned the opposition reflex? Shorter leads provide more tension and build frustration, causing your dog to instinctively pull against it. A relaxed lead will result in a calmer, more relaxed dog.

Ditch the myth that you need to be the boss, the leader. Forcing your dog to the side of you and angrily shouting “heel” and “stop” won’t solve your lead-pulling problems; in fact, it will have the opposite effect and may even cause more behavioural difficulties. 

Choose a lead length of at least 1.5m to give them plenty of room to move, make choices and sniff.