Most pulling is a habit, not defiance. Pulling works for the dog: it gets them where they want to go. The fix is to make walking beside you work better.
Why dogs pull on the lead
Dogs walk faster than we do, and the world is exciting. Every time a dog pulls and gets to the next smell, pulling is rewarded. Over months, that becomes the way they walk.
That is why loose lead walking is taught step by step, starting where there is little to distract your dog, and building up to busier places.
A five-minute daily routine
- Start in the garden or a quiet street
- Reward your dog every time they check in with you
- Stop the moment the lead goes tight, and wait
- Move off again when the lead is loose
- Add distractions slowly over the weeks
| Week | Where to practise |
|---|---|
| 1 | Garden and quiet streets |
| 2 | Your usual route at a quiet time |
| 3 | Busier places, like town centres |
See it in action
Here is a short clip from one of our sessions.
When to get help
If your dog is pulling towards other dogs, lunging or barking, that is often reactivity rather than excitement, and it needs a different plan. Our 1-2-1 dog training lessons work with you and your dog together, at our grounds, in York or at your home.
Need help with your dog?
1-2-1 Dog Training in York, Pocklington and East Yorkshire, starting with a free phone consultation.
