How to Stop Your Dog From Pulling on the Leash

Going out for walks is an exciting part of any dog’s day. Because of that, they might sometimes pull on their leash to get to their favourite destinations as fast as possible. But in order to ensure that you and your pup are safe at all times, it’s vital to train him to stay calm during your walks. It will take time and patience, but it’s well worth it. Now, you might be wondering how exactly you can stop your dog from pulling on the lead. We’ve got your back - read on to find out some simple steps you can take!

Use the Right Tools

Before you begin with the training, we recommend making sure that you have comfortable and safe equipment for your pup. When dogs pull, some tools can cause discomfort or pain in a sensitive area and can increase the risk of injury. You want your doggo to feel good, stay as healthy as possible and enjoy the walk.

Pro tip: If you want to prevent physical discomfort or injury, you can start out with a dog harness first and move on to a dog collar when your dog is behaving well without the additional help.

Pick the Right Environment

When it comes to teaching your dog how to walk on a dog leash, one thing you’ll want to avoid is an exciting environment. It’s much harder for your dog to learn new behaviours in loud places with a lot of people and dogs walking by. It will be way easier for both of you if you start training in a quiet place where they won’t be distracted as easily. If that’s not possible, try to opt for a more quiet time of the day to practice walking down the street or go to the park during off-peak hours.

Reward Your Dog

When you’re teaching your dog some essential commands, such as sitting or standing by your side and not pulling, always remember to reward him for it. Giving praise and treats for a job well done are a good way to show your dog that good behaviour and being by your side brings good things. Once your dog starts to get used to this behaviour, you can start decreasing the number of treats you give over time.

Consistency Is Key

One of the most important ways to stop your dog from pulling on the lead is being consistent. In order to teach your dog what type of behaviour is acceptable during walkies, you should be consistent with your training goal. Figure out whether you want your dog to walk a couple of steps in front of you, by your side or behind you, and stick to your preference. Whatever method is best for you, make sure that you and your family members stick to only one method to make the training go smoother.

Final Thoughts

When your dog constantly pulls on the lead, your walks can change from enjoyable to annoying very quickly. Not only that, but it can also be unsafe for you and even injure your best mate in the long run. This is why it’s important for us to teach them good behaviour and make sure they know how to walk nicely by your side!