Walking a dog that constantly pulls can be frustrating—and it’s one of the most common training challenges I’m called to help with (second only to jumping puppies!). Luckily, teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash is possible with the right approach, equipment, and consistency.
🦴 The Right Equipment for Success
The gear you use can make or break your training. Avoid prong, choke, shock, or Martingale collars—they don’t address the root of pulling and may harm your dog’s mental state.
Instead, here’s what I recommend:
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Front-clip harness (EasyWalk) – Proper fit is critical. Use the size chart and measure your dog carefully. The Deluxe model has extra padding but fewer size options. The regular EasyWalk.
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Appropriate leash – Small dogs do best with lightweight leashes with small clasps. I prefer a 6-foot length. For larger dogs, I prefer an 8-foot x 3/8-inch leather leash—it’s gentler on your hands than nylon or rope.
🌳 Rethink What a Walk Means
Loose leash walking starts with shifting your perspective:
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Focus on time spent outside, not distance covered. A 20-minute walk might only cover 100 feet, and that’s okay.
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Leave the sidewalk. Dogs quickly learn your predictable straight-line patterns. Instead, walk on grass, change direction often, and stop frequently.
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Don’t pull back. If your dog pulls, stand still and step on the leash instead. Pulling back triggers the opposition reflex—the instinct to resist pressure.
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Encourage sniffing and skills. Let your dog use their nose and practice cues you’ve already taught indoors.
🚫 The One Rule You Can’t Break
Never allow pulling. If you’re consistent nine times but give in on the tenth because you’re in a hurry, you’ve just taught your dog persistence. This is why focusing on time over distance is so important.
🐾 Extra Tips for Better Walks
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Skip retractable leashes. They break easily, slip out of hands, and put constant tension on your dog—bad news for anxious dogs or introductions. The constant tension also counteracts the loose leash walk you’re trying to teach! Lastly, retractables can increase your liability risk, depending on where you live.
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Try long-line walking. Once your dog has mastered loose leash skills, experiment with a 10+ foot leash. It requires two-hand management but gives your dog more freedom. Check your leash laws first as many have a length restriction.
✅ Need More Help?
This article is based on my detailed Loose Leash Walking Guide that you can download for free. If you’d like hands-on training, don’t hesitate to contact me here.
