Does your dog drag you down the street on walks? Are you tired of feeling like you’re in a constant tug-of-war every time you grab the leash? Leash pulling is one of the most common behavior issues dog owners face, but the good news is—it’s 100% fixable with the right approach.
At Elite K9 Service, we use balanced training techniques to teach dogs to walk calmly, with focus, and without pulling. If you want a dog that walks by your side without yanking your arm out of its socket, keep reading!
Why Do Dogs Pull on the Leash?
Before we fix leash pulling, let’s understand why it happens in the first place:
-Lack of Leadership: Your dog thinks they’re in charge of the walk.
-Reinforced Pulling: If pulling gets them where they want faster, they’ll keep doing it.
-Distractions & Excitement: Squirrels, smells, and other dogs make self-control difficult.
-Pent-Up Energy: A high-energy dog that hasn’t been exercised will pull like a freight train.
👉 The key to stopping pulling is teaching your dog that loose-leash walking is the ONLY way they get to move forward.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Leash Pulling
Step 1: Choose the Right Training Tool
Having the right equipment makes all the difference when teaching a dog to walk properly.
✔️ Slip Lead – A simple tool that gives clear feedback when the dog pulls.
✔️ Prong Collar – Perfect for dogs that ignore pressure from other collars. It provides instant corrections without requiring excessive force.
⚠️ Important: Proper fit matters! A prong collar should sit high on the neck, just behind the ears, and be snug enough that it doesn’t slide down.
(They should be used to amplify communication, not correct the dog to get them to heal!)
Step 2: Establish Leadership Before the Walk
Your dog should NOT be hyper before you even leave the house. If they’re jumping, whining, or bolting out the door, they’re already in the wrong mindset.
🐾 Fix it:
1. Have your dog Sit & Wait at the door before stepping outside.
2. Walk out first, then release them to follow.
3. If they try to charge forward, correct and reset—no walk until they’re calm.
Step 3: Teach ‘Heel’ as the Default Walking Position
Your dog should walk next to you, NOT in front of you.
✔️ Hold the leash in your left hand, keeping it loose (not tight).
✔️ Start walking and say “Heel.”
✔️ If your dog forges ahead, apply a quick leash pop (a firm tug and release).
✔️ When they return to position, praise and continue walking.
If your dog pulls hard:
• Immediately change direction and walk the opposite way.
• This teaches them pulling doesn’t work—they must stay with you.
Step 4: Correct Pulling Instantly
When your dog pulls, don’t wait or beg them to stop—correct it right away.
🐾 How to Correct Pulling:
1. Give a firm leash pop (NOT pulling them the back with consistent pressure — just pop to get their attention).
2. Immediately redirect their focus back to you then reward
3. Reward calm walking with praise or a treat.
Correction without guidance is useless. After a correction, always direct them back into Heel position so they learn what you want instead.
Step 5: Slow the Walk Down
Most pulling comes from excitement and lack of impulse control. Slowing things down forces your dog to pay attention to your pace.
🐾 Drill: Slow Stops & Starts
• Walk slowly for a few steps, then stop.
• Have your dog Sit & Wait for a few seconds.
• Resume walking—repeat anytime they pull.
💡 This keeps their brain engaged and prevents them from rushing ahead.
Step 6: Add Distractions & Reinforce Calm Walking
Once your dog understands loose-leash walking, start adding distractions like:
🐾 Passing by other dogs
🐾 Walking near food or toys
🐾 Practicing in crowded areas
✔️ If they stay calm, reward them!
✔️ If they pull, correct & redirect.
Your dog should NOT be making decisions on the walk. Their job is to focus on you—not what’s going on around them.
Mistakes That Keep Dogs Pulling
❌ Letting Them Pull Sometimes – Inconsistency confuses the dog. If pulling sometimes works, they’ll keep doing it. (it's all about communication. The leash is one of the top three main ways of communication. A "heel" is really just exercising that form of communication)
❌ Letting the Leash Stay Tight – A tight leash teaches them to ignore pressure. Always redirect/correct pulling immediately.
❌ Using Treats Only – Food rewards are great, but pulling often requires clear corrections too. (Making it very obvious what is RIGHT and what is WRONG)
If your dog still pulls despite corrections or is reactive on leash, professional help can speed up the process. At Elite K9 Service, we specialize in balanced training to get real results—fast.
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