How to Make a Dog Not Pull on a Leash

Being dragged down the street by your dog isn't fun. Most dogs pull because they can. You may walk faster to keep up to your dog because you don’t want him to choke. Doing this tells your dog that his leash pulling is okay. You may avoid walks, making the problem worse as a lack of exercise will only make him more excited about getting outside for a walk. Leash pulling is dangerous for you and your dog. You can train your dog, no matter how old he is, to walk beside you without pulling his leash.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Leash your dog and stand next to it (with leash in your hand) so that you are both facing the same direction and your dog is sitting on your left.

    • 2
      Don't allow your dog to pull or go in another direction.

      Walk forward, leading your dog with your left leg. If he pulls, stop. Pull the leash back toward you but don’t drag your dog. Just halt his movement so that he knows you’ve stopped.

    • 3

      Wait for your dog to stop and come back to your side then continue walking. Don’t give commands, advises Dog Obedience Advice. It will learn how to behave by watching and doing.

    • 4

      Repeat this for ten minutes three or four times a day. Whenever your dog pulls, stop and wait for him to come back to your side before resuming your walk. In about five days your dog should show improvement.

    • 5

      Modify the method of training if you aren’t seeing results. When your dog pulls, stop and give the leash a few tugs, but don’t drag the dog back to your side. Growl rather than saying ‘no’ and bring the dog back to your side.

    • 6
      Some dogs need the added incentive of a treat to cooperate.

      Walk forward, this time holding a treat by your side. Your dog should follow. If he tries to jump or take the treat, ignore him, keeping it firmly in your hand. Don’t allow him to bite.

    • 7

      Say “heel” when the dog begins walking beside you without going for the treat and when he stops, reward with the treat. Don’t reward until he’s walked beside you and stops on command. If you give him the treat as he comes to your side, he is being rewarded for the last action he did, (walking back) and you want him to know you are rewarding him for walking without pulling on the leash.

    • 8

      Repeat each time you go for a walk until your dog walks without pulling.