Why Your Dog Pulls on the Leash (and How to Start Fixing It Today)

If every walk with your dog feels like a tug-of-war, you’re not alone. Leash pulling is one of the most common struggles dog owners face, and it can turn what should be a relaxing outing into a daily frustration. Many owners tell me they avoid walks altogether because it feels too stressful or embarrassing.

Here’s the good news: leash pulling isn’t a sign your dog is “stubborn” or that you’ve failed as an owner. It’s simply a behaviour your dog has learned, and with the right guidance, it can be unlearned. With a few small adjustments and a clear plan, you can start transforming chaotic walks into calm, enjoyable outings.

Let’s look at why dogs pull and some simple first steps you can try today.

Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

Dogs pull for lots of reasons, and usually it’s not about “being naughty.” Understanding the why behind the behaviour is the first step to fixing it.

1. Excitement overload: The outdoors is like a giant theme park for dogs; every scent, sound, and sight is irresistible. Pulling is simply their way of rushing toward the fun.

2. It works: If pulling gets them closer to the park, another dog, or that interesting smell, the behaviour is rewarded and repeated.

3. No clear picture: Many dogs are never shown what “loose leash walking” actually looks like, so they default to what feels natural, charging ahead.

4. Big distractions: Other dogs, people, or even a fluttering leaf can hijack focus, especially for younger or high-energy dogs.

5. Equipment matters: Some equipment can encourage pulling, while the right collar/harness and lead setup makes training much easier.

Quick Wins You Can Try Today

While teaching loose leash walking is a skill that develops over time, there are a few quick wins you can put into practice on your very next walk:

• Switch Equipment: For loose lead walking, I recommend different tools depending on your dog. Adult dogs usually do well with a flat collar and lead, if they have a history of pulling on a harness. Puppies are best started on a harness, as it’s gentler while they’re learning. For dogs with a strong history of pulling, a headcollar (such as a Halti) can give you extra control and make walks more manageable while you work on training.

• Change direction often: If your dog surges ahead, calmly turn and walk the other way. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go, but checking in with you does.

• Reward the right position: Carry treats and reward your dog whenever they walk beside you, even for a moment. Reinforcing the behaviour you want is far more effective than just correcting pulling.

• Keep sessions short: Instead of battling through a full walk, break it into 10-minute training walks. Quality beats quantity when you’re building new habits.

These small tweaks can immediately reduce frustration and start teaching your dog that walking with you is more rewarding than dragging you down the street.

Want a Clear, Step-by-Step Training Plan?

The tips above are a great start, but lasting change comes from following a simple, consistent system. Without a roadmap, it’s easy to get stuck or lose motivation.

That’s why I created the Loose Leash Walking Quick Wins Guide, a short, practical PDF designed for busy dog owners who want stress-free walks without hours of training every day.

👉 Inside you’ll get:

• A step-by-step training sequence you can start today

• The “pattern walking” drill to build focus and calmness

• A printable daily tracker to help you stay on track and see progress

• Troubleshooting tips for common problems like lunging, freezing, or ignoring you

With just 10 minutes a day, you’ll build better habits, clearer communication, and calmer walks.

[Get the Loose Leash Walking Quick Wins Guide for just $35 CLICK HERE]

Turn tug-of-war into teamwork- one walk at a time.