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How to stop dog from pulling on leash

How to stop dog from pulling on leash

2025-05-13

How to stop dog from pulling on Leash? Practical tips to help you take a walk easily

Dogs are loyal companions to humans, but they often pull on the leash during walks, which not only makes the owner feel tired, but also poses a risk to the dog's health and safety. There are many reasons why the dog pulls on the leash, which may be because the dog is excited about the new environment, eager to chase a smell, or simply curious about the things around him. Understanding the root causes of these behaviors is the first step in training. This article will share eight practical tips to help you train your dog to stop pulling on the leash and make walking a pleasant time for you and your dog. At the same time, it recommends a walking artifact that frees your hands - a hands-free leash.

Eight Practical Training Tips
The following tips are based on professional advice and have been proven to be effective in helping your dog learn to walk on a loose leash:

1. Stop when your dog pulls on the leash

When your dog starts to pull on the leash, stop immediately and stand still until he lets go of the leash or looks back at you. The leash should be in a J-shaped slack state (AKC Leash Training). Once your dog is relaxed, give verbal praise and keep going. This teaches your dog that pulling on the leash will not get him to the destination faster.

2. Use positive rewards

Positive reinforcement is key to training. When your dog walks beside you or on a loose leash, immediately reward him with a treat or enthusiastic praise (VCA Animal Hospitals). This will help your dog associate good behavior with a reward and gradually form a habit.

3. Change the direction of walking

If your dog pulls on the leash, try suddenly turning in the opposite direction (Rover Community). This method forces your dog to focus on your movements instead of being distracted by external distractions. After repeated practice, your dog will be more inclined to follow your pace.

4. Choose the right equipment

The right leash can significantly reduce the tension. Avoid retractable leashes, which may cause chafing (VCA Animal Hospitals). Anti-pull vests or loose flat collars are good choices and suitable for most dogs. If your dog pulls too much, consider special anti-pull equipment.

5. Train in a distraction-free environment

For initial training, choose a quiet, distraction-free environment, such as your backyard or an empty park (Best Friends). Let your dog master the basic skills of loose leash first, and then gradually transition to more stimulating public places.

6. Maintain consistency

All people who walk your dog should use the same training methods (Neewa Dogs). If the rules are not consistent, your dog may become confused, which will reduce the effectiveness of your training. Make sure your family or dog walker understands and follows your training strategy.

7. Use up energy before a walk

Excitement is a common cause of leash pulling. Before a walk, let your dog do some moderate exercise, such as playing Frisbee or chasing a ball, to burn off excess energy (Kinship). A tired dog is more likely to focus on the training and will pull less on the leash.

8. Use commands to guide your dog

Teach your dog simple commands, such as "follow" or "go," and reward him when he performs them correctly (FernDog Training). Use commands to guide your dog to stay by your side during walks to increase his attention to you.

How to stop dog from pulling on leash

Patience and consistency are the keys to success

Patience and consistency are the keys to success
Training your dog not to pull on the leash takes time and patience. Each dog learns at a different rate, and some may see results in a few days, while others may take weeks (Pets Stack Exchange). It is important to maintain a positive attitude and consistent training methods to avoid being discouraged by a lack of progress in the short term. If you are having difficulty, consider consulting a professional dog trainer.

Recommended hands-free leashes to free up your walks
With the above tips, you can significantly improve your dog's walking behavior and enjoy more relaxed time outdoors. If you want to make walking more free, why not try our hands-free leashes. Designed for running, cycling or long walks, these leashes free your hands while keeping your dog safe. For more details, visit KMPet CollarsHands-Free Leashes.

How to stop dog from pulling on leash

"How to stop dog from pulling on leash" Conclusion

Leash pulling is a common problem for many dogs, but with the right training methods and patience, this behavior can be improved. Stopping, using rewards, changing directions, choosing the right equipment, training in a distraction-free environment, maintaining consistency, exercising before walks, and using voice commands are eight proven tips. In addition, with high-quality traction equipment, such as a hands-free leash, walks will become more enjoyable. With consistent training, you and your dog will enjoy more harmonious outdoor time together.

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