My dog pulls on the lead: how do I get back to a pleasant walk?

Pulling can become a habit when it gets the dog moving towards a smell, a person or another dog. But excitement, frustration and fear can also play a part. Before working on technique, watch what is drawing it — or what it is trying to avoid. [1]

Beginner — Lay the right foundations

1. Start somewhere easy

Practise at home or in a quiet space. Reward your dog when it stays close to you, then when it follows you for a few steps. [2]

Your first goal: two or three steps with a loose lead. You'll build up the distance afterwards.

2. Reward before it pulls

As soon as it walks without tightening the lead, praise it and give a small reward. Don't wait for it to forge ahead to remind it that you exist! [2]

The useful detail: keep treats within reach so you can reward at the right moment.

3. If the lead tightens, pause

In a calm, safe situation, stop without jerking. Set off again when it comes back to you and the lead goes slack. [2]

Essential exception: if it is trying to get away from something that scares it, take it towards somewhere reassuring. Holding it still next to what is worrying it can make things worse. [1]

Intermediate — Stay connected despite distractions

1. Make exploring a reward

Pick an interesting smell in a safe spot. Approach while the lead stays loose; if it tightens, stop the approach. Then let it sniff when you get there calmly. This exercise adapts the principle of rewarding with access to something it enjoys. [2]

The message: walking calmly lets it discover the world too.

2. Teach a change of direction

In a quiet place, say “this way”, turn gently and reward it when it comes with you. This cue can then help you avoid a crowded spot. [1]

To avoid: turning sharply and using the lead to bring it back.

3. Add distractions in stages

Move from a quiet place to a slightly livelier environment. If it starts pulling continuously again, go back to an easier situation. [2]

Example: start well away from other dogs, then gradually move closer as long as the walk stays comfortable.

Advanced — Prepare for showing in the ring

1. Work on the transitions

Here's a practical adaptation for the show: a few steps, a stop, a new start, then a reward. Work on each transition separately before linking them. Short sessions help keep goals achievable. [2, 3]

Your challenge: get a start together, with no lunge forward and no pull from your hand.

2. Move gradually from walk to trot

On a short straight line, start at a walk, then introduce a few strides of trot. Reward a smooth sequence and go back to a walk. This exercise applies the principles of gradual progression to the ring. [2, 3]

Watch point: adjust your movement to your dog; don't try to maintain the pace by towing it.

3. Film yourself to refine your coordination

Ask someone to film a short run. Watch when the lead tightens: at the start, in the turn or when your pace changes? The video can also reveal tension that your hand is keeping up without you meaning to. [1]

The right question: what small change would make the next run easier?

The progress to celebrate: a few metres covered together, with a loose lead and a dog that's with you. Consistency is worth more than a long, laborious session.