Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What to do if your dog is leash pulling and how to stop it

Mary Johnson
By

Leash pulling, which is not to be confused with leash aggression, is one of the more problematic behaviors dogs exhibit during walks. Sometimes, it can even feel like your dog is the one taking you for a walk instead of the other way around. No matter how much your pooch wants to get out and go, you need to stay in control. If you’ve ever wondered how to get a dog to stop pulling on their leash, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll get to the bottom of this frustrating behavior, so you can stop searching “how to train a dog not to pull on leash” once and for all. 

A black and white dog pulls a woman down a sidewalk.
TeodorLazarev / Shutterstock

Why do dogs pull on their leashes?

Contrary to popular belief, your dog doesn’t pull on his leash because he’s trying to assert dominance over you. Dogs pull on their leashes because we’re moving too slowly for them, and they’re excited to get out and explore the great outdoors. When your dog pulls on his leash, you walk faster to keep up with him, effectively rewarding his behavior. Because dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, you’re inadvertently encouraging the very behavior you want to correct. Fortunately, there are ways you can get your pup to stop pulling on his leash. Here’s what you need to know. 

Recommended Videos

How to get your dog to stop leash pulling

Taking your dog for a walk can be a nightmare when he seems more interested in pulling on his leash than doing his business, but there is hope in sight. A few words of caution, though: Regardless of how badly you want one, there is no overnight fix. According to Dr. Karen B. London, “Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash without pulling will require a lot of patience and practice, but it can be done.” Let’s review how.

1. Switch from a collar to a harness

One of the reasons dogs have such an easy time walking us is because of the laws of physics. The collar forms a single point of force, allowing dogs to throw their full body weight forward. A harness, in contrast, evenly distributes their weight. With the ball back in your court, you’ll be better able to control your dog’s movements, and he won’t be able to pull so hard on his leash. 

A Jack Russell Terrier pulls on his leash.

2. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise off his leash

If the only playtime your dog gets is leashed, no wonder he’s eager to head outside and explore. Make sure you provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation when he’s off his leash. Let your pup outside in the yard if you have one. If not, there are plenty of fun indoor activities you can do with your pooch. Allow your dog to expend some of his energy before you go outside, and he’ll be less rambunctious — and less likely to tug on his leash — once you’re out. 

3. Make a game of teaching your dog to follow you

Instead of allowing your pooch to pull you forward, take several steps backward and tell him, “Follow me.” When he joins your side, give him plenty of praise and attention. You can also give him a treat to encourage him to follow you, though you’ll want to wean him off the treats sooner rather than later. According to Sarah Fraser, a professional dog trainer and co-founder of Instinct Behavior & Training, “The game helps your dog focus and move with you.” 

4. Don’t let him lead you

When your dog begins pulling at his leash, plant your feet firmly and stand completely still. Your dog will eventually get the message and turn to give you his attention. Once the leash is relaxed, you can begin walking again. Stop as soon as your dog begins to tug. You may need to repeat this numerous times until your pup catches on, but he’ll eventually learn that trying to walk you means he won’t be walking anywhere. 

A leashed brown and white dog pulls a woman through a grassy field.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

No matter how frustrated you get with your dog, you should never raise your voice, yank on the leash, or spank him. In addition to confusing your dog, it may also cause him to become fearful of your hands — or of you in general. Even worse, negative reinforcement doesn’t teach dogs anything, so resist the urge to punish your pup when he pulls on his leash. If nothing you’ve tried has stopped him from leash pulling, it may be time to consult a professional. Sometimes, we all need a bit of help training our dogs, and that’s OK. 

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mary Johnson
Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom? (It’s not as weird as you think)
Your dog has a reason for this behavior
A Yorkshire terrier sits in the bathroom and is seen reflected in the hallway mirror

If you're wondering, "Why does my dog follow me to the bathroom?" -- you're certainly not alone. Most pet parents are used to having a four-legged shadow no matter what room in the house they're in, but making eye contact with your dog while you're on the pot can feel a little bit strange. So what's behind this canine behavior, and is it a bad thing?

We've looked into this funny phenomenon and what it means to your dog, and it turns out that it's not as strange as you think. Remember -- your pup has a very different way of viewing the world, so while having company in the restroom may seem odd to you, your dog doesn't think twice about it.

Read more
Why do dogs dig into their bed? An annoying behavior, explained
This dog behavior is common, but can be cause for concern
A brown dog in a dog bed

You hoped your dog "dug" their bed when you spent hours researching the top brands with the comfiest products. Maybe your pooch took to their bed immediately — success. Alternatively, perhaps they decided your bed was a better fit, and you chose to roll with the choice. Regardless of which option you two settled on, you may notice your pet has an interesting bedtime and naptime routine: digging into their beds.

The digging is usually accompanied by some walking around in circles, nosing at the bed or any blankets, and repeating until they finally settle down and enjoy some sweet slumber. Why do dogs dig on the bed, though?

Read more
Why is my dog barking at nothing? There’s often a really good reason
Your dog likely isn't barking at "nothing" after all
Side profile of a Siberian husky stands in the water at the beach and barks

Virtually every dog barks every now and again, but sometimes that barking can get to be too much. It's easier to address excessive barking when you can figure out what your dog is trying to tell you or alert you of, but dog owners know it's not always obvious. In fact, it can be a bit unnerving when your dog is barking at an empty wall.

You're certainly not alone if you find yourself asking, "Why is my dog barking at nothing?" This is a common question among dog owners, and it's something that veterinarians and animal behaviorists have studied as well. There's usually a reason behind dogs' barking, after all, so it's worth looking into to make sure your furry friend is alright.

Read more