Walking your dog should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry companion. However, if your dog tends to pull on the lead, it can quickly become frustrating and even hazardous. Loose lead walking—where your dog walks calmly by your side without pulling—is a skill that can be taught with patience, consistency, and the right techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Before you begin training, ensure you have the appropriate tools.
Flat collar or harness: Choose one that is comfortable and fits your dog properly. Personally, I recommend the Perfect Fit harnesses.
Standard lead: A 4-6 foot lead works best; avoid retractable leads for training.
Treats: Use small, high-value treats that your dog loves.
Clicker (optional): A clicker can help mark the desired behaviour precisely.
Step 2: Start in a Low-Distraction Environment
Begin training in a quiet area, such as your back garden or living room, where distractions are minimal. This helps your dog focus on learning the new behaviour.
Get your dog’s attention: Say their name or use a cue like “look at me.” You could even use a novel sound. Reward them when they focus on you.
Introduce the lead: Attach the lead and let your dog get used to it while practising calm behavior.
Step 3: Teach the “Heel” Position
The goal is to teach your dog to stay near your side while walking.
Reward positioning: Hold a treat near your thigh to guide your dog to the “heel” position. Reward them as soon as they’re in the correct spot. Do this a few times.
Take a step: Start walking slowly. If your dog stays by your side, reward them frequently.
Practice short sessions: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to prevent fatigue or frustration.
Step 4: Address Pulling Behavior
Pulling on the lead is one of the most common challenges, but it can be corrected with consistent responses.
Stop moving: The moment your dog pulls, stop walking immediately. Do not tug back on the leash.
Wait for calmness: Wait until your dog returns to your side or the lead slackens, then reward and resume walking.
Change direction: If your dog pulls persistently, turn and walk in the opposite direction. This teaches them to pay attention to you.
Step 5: Gradually Increase Distractions
Once your dog masters loose lead walking in a controlled environment, gradually introduce more distractions.
Practice in new locations: Move to a quiet park, then to busier streets, gradually increasing the level of distractions.
Stay consistent: Continue rewarding your dog for good behavior and addressing pulling as needed.
Use cues: Teach cues like “leave it” to help redirect your dog’s attention when they get distracted.
Step 6: Reinforce the Behavior
Loose lead walking is a skill that requires ongoing reinforcement.
Use intermittent rewards: Gradually reduce the frequency of treats as your dog becomes more reliable.
Incorporate walks into daily life: Regular practise helps solidify the behavior.
Stay patient: Progress may be slow, but consistency will pay off over time.
Troubleshooting Tips
Excited dogs: If your dog is overly excited, try starting the walk with a brief play session to burn off energy.
Easily distracted dogs: Use higher-value treats or toys to maintain their focus.
Persistent pullers: Consider consulting a professional trainer for additional guidance. You can book a free call with me here
Training loose lead walking takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it! A dog that walks calmly by your side makes every outing more enjoyable and strengthens the bond between you. Stay patient, be consistent, and celebrate small victories along the way!
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