Dog Pulling on the Lead? - Here Is How to Stop It

You might be wondering why dog training is so important?

Training your dog in certain skills and commands will give them an improved quality of life through a better relationship with you and more confidence in themselves.

A dog training guide looks at the behaviour of a dog and the reasons why training will give them comfort and direction, as well as some guidance on how to go about training, such as some tips to train an aggressive dog or a guide to toilet training your dog. 

Let’s take a look at a common issue and how you can train your dog to stop it. 

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?

When training your dog to walk on the lead, you’ll quickly find that for some dogs, a stroll can become an exhausting battle of wills. 

A dog pulling on the lead is often simply down to the sheer excitement of being outside on a walk and the desire to get to where they want to go as fast as possible. 

With all the sights, smells and sounds around them, it can be difficult for a dog pulling on a leash to restrain itself. 

A dog behaviour training guide will provide further insight into this, as well as how certain behaviours can become habits over time.

Using the Right Equipment to Stop Your Dog from Pulling the Lead

By arming yourself with the right equipment and working hard on some basic commands with your pup, such as training your dog to come when called, you’ll be able to gain confidence and control over your furbaby so that your time together can be much more fun. 

Collars

For dogs that pull, opt for a headcollar as this gives you far more control to direct your pup and you are not at risk of damaging their neck due to the unavoidable resistance as they pull.

The point of contact on a headcollar is typically under the chin, and it can feel strange for your dog the first time they wear it. 

Be sure to introduce the headcollar in the right way to ensure your dog associates the headcollar with positive experiences for the best results. 

Treats

Treats reward good behaviour, they are a great attention grabber and distractor. Whenever you are training your dog, having small treats on hand is highly recommended. 

For teaching commands and skills that are important, high-quality treats are a must. Think bite-sized bits of cooked chicken, cubes of cheese or hotdog sausage. Your furbaby needs to be motivated and wants to work for their reward.

Identifying Which Type of Lead Is Best for Your Furbaby?

When your dog is pulling on the lead, it may be that they are simply over-excited, or it could be that they are seeking to chase something. Do be sure to read up on tips to stop your dog from biting if you are concerned that this might be the case. 

Let’s take a look at what leads are available to stop your dog from pulling on the leash. 

Extendable leads

For a well-trained pup that just wants to explore far and wide, an extendable lead gives them the freedom that they crave. This is not for inexperienced or new dog owners.

You can release the lead to allow your dog to roam and then when you need to retract, you can simply pull your dog back in again. 

Fixed leads

This type of leash offers you more control and teaches your dog what its limits are. You can also be sure that your furbaby is safe on this type of lead. A standard lead is a great option for many. 

Fitting around your dog’s nose

A model that distracts your dog from whatever has caught their eye by gently pulling their nose down whenever they pull on the lead. 

Be sure to check the brand of the nose band collar to know that it is completely dog-friendly and approved by a dog behaviourist. 

Harness

Some dogs cannot wear a collar and therefore a harness is a more suitable option. This goes around their torso and can have different attachment points which can reduce the amount of energy your dog can place behind their pulling. 

Tips to Stop Your Dog from Pulling the Lead

Dog leash training involves understanding why your furbaby is pulling the lead. Is your dog seeking to lunge and attack? Here are a few tips to prevent your dog from jumping and biting on walks. 

Having some tips to train anxious dogs are also beneficial to stop dogs from pulling on their leash, as certain behaviours can be triggered by sights and smell that may unnerve them. 

Training your pup to walk on a leash does take time. With persistence and positivity, you’ll be enjoying those leisurely evening strolls with your furbaby in no time. 

Prevent unwanted behaviour

Be proactive. If your dog pulls on the leash when going on walks, try to get some of that energy spent before heading out the door. Play a game of fetch at home or head somewhere where they are safe to be off-leash.

Reinforce behaviour through training

Practice makes perfect and through consistent training, you can reinforce positive behaviours and help your furbaby understand what is expected of them. Start at home with your training before heading outdoors. 

Use commands like 'let’s go' 

Be clear with your commands by having specific cues for different directions. Use treats to guide your dog and reward when you see desirable behaviour. 

Stop a walk every time your dog pulls 

Whenever your dog pulls, don’t try to tug them back toward you as this will only spur them to continue. Rather, stop still and say ‘stop’, refusing to move until they return to you.  

Use the stop-and-turn technique

As the name suggests, this technique is when you stop and turn, whilst saying ‘stop’, forcing your dog to bring their attention back to you and away from whatever might have distracted them. 

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s potty training your pup, getting some tips to train your dog around toddlers or training your furbaby to not pull on their lead, through clear and calm communication, you can help your dog understand what is expected of them. 

Pulling on the leash can be exhausting and make walk time unenjoyable and unsafe. To teach your dog to stop doing this, first, make sure you have the appropriate equipment. There are different leads and collars which can help or hinder this process. 

You then should try different techniques to redirect their attention and show them what you want them to do instead.