How to Stop Your Dog Pulling on the Lead (Loose Lead Walking Guide)
Walks are one of life’s great doggy joys—but if your pup is pulling like a sled dog, it can turn a peaceful stroll into a real arm workout. Thankfully, learning how to train your dog to walk nicely on a lead is easier than you might think. With a dash of patience, the right gear, and a sprinkle of positive reinforcement, you and your dog will be stepping out in style in no time. And because we really do Get Pet, we’ll guide you through practical training steps tailored especially for New Zealand pet parents.
Why Loose Lead Walking Matters
Whether you’ve got a bouncy Labrador, a curious Spoodle, or a gentle Greyhound, walking calmly on a lead is about more than manners. Loose lead walking:
- Makes daily outings safer and more enjoyable
- Reduces the risk of injury to you and your dog
- Supports positive behaviour and training foundations
- Helps your dog build confidence in new environments
It also strengthens the bond between you and your pup—because walking together should feel like, well, a walk in the park.
Top Tools To Help With Lead Training
Using the right tools can make all the difference when teaching lead manners. Here are a few essentials to consider:
- Harnesses: A well-fitted dog harness offers better control and is kinder on your dog’s neck than a collar alone.
- Leads: Look for durable dog leads that are the right length for training—short and sturdy leads are ideal for teaching loose lead basics.
- Training treats: Keep your pup motivated with tasty rewards they’ll work for—think training-sized treats or freeze-dried bits that are pocket-friendly and delicious.
- Training aids: Tools like clickers, pouches, and training accessories can make communication clear and consistent.
Every dog is different, so finding what works best might take a bit of trial, error, and tail wags.
Step-By-Step: Teaching Loose Lead Walking
Ready to get started? Follow these friendly, fuss-free steps:
- Start at home: Begin indoors or in the backyard where there are fewer distractions. Reward your dog for walking beside you, even for just a step or two.
- Use your voice: Talk to your dog and use a marker word like “yes!” or a clicker to signal the moment they get it right.
- Keep sessions short and upbeat: A few minutes of quality training beats a long, frustrating session. End on a win!
- Practice the “stop & go”: If your dog pulls, stop walking. When they come back or the lead slackens, praise and move forward. This teaches that pulling gets them nowhere fast.
- Add distractions gradually: Once your pup’s nailing it at home, take your training to parks, footpaths, or cafés. Practice, praise, and repeat!
And remember consistency is key. Every walk is a learning opportunity (and a chance for treats!).
Common Challenges And How To Solve Them
Even the cleverest canines hit a snag now and then. Here’s how to ease through some typical training hiccups:
- Pulleys on parade: If your dog gets excited and charges ahead, stop immediately. Wait for calm, or change direction to regain focus.
- Sniffaholics: Let your dog sniff, it's important for enrichment but use a release word like “okay” to keep things structured.
- Scared or reactive walkers: For anxious dogs, consider calming supplements or Adaptil diffusers and collars to ease the journey. If reactive behaviours continue, a qualified dog trainer can be a big help.
Training Tips for Puppies and Rescue Dogs
If you’re training a puppy or welcoming a rescue dog, give them extra time to adjust. Young pups, especially, might be new to the sensation of wearing a harness or seeing the big wide world.
We recommend easing into walking with gentle, short outings and using puppy training essentials. For rescue dogs, patience and trust-building go a long way. Every walk is a chance to connect, explore, and grow confidence together.
Let’s Make Walkies Wonderful
Training your dog to walk nicely on a lead is one of the most rewarding things you can do—for both you and your furry best mate. With love, consistency, and the right gear, you can transform tug-of-war into a tail-wagging (and leash-lagging) success.
At Petdirect, we get what pet parents and their pups need. From smart training tools to tasty treats, we’ve got everything to make walking together a joy—because We Get Pet.
Shop leads, collars and harnesses now and turn your next walk into a pawfect adventure!