Walks should be one of the best parts of the day – fresh air, wagging tails, time together. But if your dog pulls like a little steam train 🚂, it can quickly turn into a battle of strength and patience (I’m looking at you Joey!).
The good news? Pulling is one of the most common challenges owners face, and with the right mix of gear, training, and consistency, it can be fixed. Here are some simple but effective tips to make walks calmer, safer, and more enjoyable.
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🎒 Start with the Right Gear
Before you even step outside, the equipment you use sets the tone. A flat collar and standard lead often make pulling worse, because dogs naturally push against pressure. The right gear can change everything but it may take a bit of trial and error to find the best gear for your pup so don’t give up if at first you don’t succeed!
- No-pull harnesses → These attach at the chest or back to gently redirect your dog when they lunge forward. They’re safer for the neck than collars too. Charlie isn’t much of a puller (unless he sees a cat!) and I use a Julius K-9 for him. Joey is a bit more challenging and I find a Halti has been best for him so far.
- Double-clip leads → One clip attaches to the harness at the chest, the other at the back. This gives you more control and helps balance your dog.
- Hands-free leads → Great if you like jogging or just want your arms free. They clip around your waist and reduce the temptation to constantly tug.
👉 Pro tip: Make sure any harness fits snugly but comfortably – you should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your dog’s body.
🐕 Training Tips That Work
Gear alone won’t solve pulling, training is the key. Think of it as teaching your dog that walking nicely equals rewards, while pulling equals “the fun stops.”
- Reward good behaviour 🎉 → Keep small, tasty treats on hand. The second your dog walks beside you with a loose lead, reward them. Dogs repeat what gets rewarded. Find a treat that’s high value for your pup at the start if it’s a struggle, even a little tube of Primula that you can squeeze out a tiny bit at a time can work!
- Stop and stand still 🛑 → If they pull ahead, freeze. Don’t yank back, just wait. When the lead slackens, start again. This teaches them that pulling gets them nowhere. Don’t worry about the walk being short in distance, the brain is being worked as they try and figure out what you want which will tire them out too.
- Change direction often ↔️ → Keep your dog guessing! If they pull, turn around and walk the other way. They’ll start to pay more attention to you instead of dragging you along. I know you’ll feel silly – I’ve been there – but stick at it as it does really help.
- Keep sessions short ⏱️ → A few focused 5–10 minute walks are more effective than one long, frustrating outing where you both end up grumpy.
👉 Patience pays off. Pulling doesn’t stop overnight, but consistency brings steady improvement.
🧠 Burn Energy Before the Walk
A lot of pulling happens because your dog simply has too much energy. Imagine asking an excited toddler to sit quietly in a classroom without letting them run around first, it’s the same idea!
- Play fetch or tug 🎾 before heading out to take the edge off.
- Try puzzle toys or snuffle mats 🧩 to work their brain. A tired mind = calmer behaviour. Something like this is great – top tip, scatter some treats in, pour some water over and pop it in the freezer. A great one for a hot summer day!
- Rotate activities → Mental stimulation (like scent games) are just as important as physical exercise.
🌳 Enrich Their Walks
Sometimes dogs pull because they’re too excited by smells, sounds, and sights. Turning the walk into more of an interactive experience can help:
- Let them sniff 👃 → Sniffing is how dogs explore the world. Build in “sniff breaks” where they can wander a little before returning to loose-lead walking. Charlie would take half an hour to walk down one street sometimes if I let him just follow his nose.
- Change routes often 🗺️ → New environments keep things interesting and stop your dog from rushing ahead out of habit.
- Mix in training cues 🎓 → Ask for a sit at junctions or a wait before crossing the road. It keeps them focused on you with their brain turned on.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Pulling on walks can be one of the most frustrating parts of dog ownership, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things to work through. With the right harness, some patience, and a bit of consistency, you’ll soon see big improvements. If you have a bad walk then don’t lose heart, it’s a journey and they have bad days the same as we do so keep working away at it and you will see progress.
Remember: every calm step is progress. Stick with it, and before long your daily walks will be less tug of war and more quality time together 🐶💛. Please share your tips and tricks in the Comments!
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