How to stop a dog pulling on the lead

Step 1: Prepare for your walk

Make sure your dog is calm and well-rested. Any type of training works well when your dog is relaxed. Even simple recall training may fail if your dog is agitated or anxious.

If your dog tends to get over excited when you’re getting ready to go outside follow this process: :

• Make nothing of your dog reacting when you pick up a lead or keys
• Avert eye contact and place the item down again
• Repeat until your dog exhibits calm behaviour

You’ll need to find the right location to train your dog to walk on a lead. Learning takes place in your dog’s time frame as opposed to your expectations. Begin short sessions at home or a quiet space with few people or dogs.

Step 2: Off lead training (at home)

Start by calling your dog and giving gentle praise. Back away and encourage them to follow
so they’re moving while focussing on you. Stop regularly to give praise and encourage them.

Continue practising for short 5-minute sessions in the house and garden with a trailing lead attached to a harness picking up and dropping the lead periodically.

Don’t overextend your training sessions and stop while your pup is still in a happy place. Smaller
frequent lessons will have better results than longer sessions which may end up frustrating your dog.

Step 3: Training with the lead on (at home and beyond)

Start your training in quiet locations that won’t trigger your dog. Once they’re more confident
you can slowly build up to busier more distracting places.

If you notice a known trigger for your dog walk away at 90 degrees before they can react or pull on the lead.

While you are taking your dog on a walk it’s important to remember that stopping and taking your time is also crucial. Take breaks to rest just enjoy your surroundings give your dog a gentle massage
or play with a ball. Give them time to sniff and forage for some tasty dog treats you can spread around.

How to stop dog's pulling on the lead.