Dog Lead Pulling Training Notes

As with all dog training, teaching a puppy never to pull on the lead is far easier than stopping them pulling later.

But, whether you’re teaching a puppy or an older dog, the training process is much the same – it just takes longer to teach a dog who’s already learned that pulling on the lead is a fun thing to do – even if they seem to be choking themselves. Start off in a quiet place in the house and simply lure your dog or puppy to your leg and give them a treat. Take a step, give another treat. Take two steps and another treat (or click and treat). Take several steps and give a treat. Do this around the house and garden before using the lead. Then repeat the process with the lead on, but without using it to pull your puppy or dog to you.

If they do try to pull on the lead, just stand still, holding the lead. Don’t play tug of war. Simply stand still. As soon as your dog stops pulling then say “good” and give them a treat.

When your dog no longer pulls on the lead around the house and garden, or when they at least understand the game a little, then go for a walk. Take good handful (i.e. perhaps half the meal!) of your dogs food (if your not feeding complete dry food then use equivalent treats) with you. Walk slowly, practising both luring your dog to your leg and also standing still when they pull. Continue to reward them as above, each time they stop pulling or walk to heel. Gradually building up the number of steps you can take without them pulling on the lead.

Doesn’t it all sound so simple? Well, with lots of training practice and consistency, your dog should learn that pulling on the lead is not nearly as rewarding as being by your side. But, work slowly, gradually building up the training, and don’t expect miracles.

Obviously some dogs don’t take to this as well as others and some seem to have a genetically inbuilt obsession to lead pulling. So, sometimes more help is needed. Gentle Leaders or Halti Harnesses are both excellent products to help to stop your dog pulling. Please take care when introducing these to your dog and ensure that they are an appropriate product for your dog’s circumstances. Some dogs also need behaviour therapy to help them learn.

General dog training will also help with your dog’s responsiveness and clicker training can significantly increase the effectiveness of the training.

Important Notes :

And finally – take things slowly! - If you can’t get your dog to stop pulling on the lead when you’re standing still then they will never learn to stop pulling when they’ve got some walking momentum.

Have fun training your dog to learn not to pull on the lead. And, if you need any further help, please contact Pawsability or a behaviourist or trainer near you.