This blog will teach you how to stop leash pulling in 5 minutes with my tested and proven strategy that helps leash-pulling dogs walk calmly.
When dog owners come to me for help on how to stop leash pulling, I feel for them, especially when I hear the frustration in their voices.
It's understandable why having a dog pulling the leash can be such a pain! If all you want is to enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk with your dog, the constant struggle for control can be exhausting.
Most of the time, the pulling happens at the start of the walk, making you wonder, “Is going out for a walk even worth it?”
Why do dogs do this? Why is there even a power struggle? And should you persist?
In this blog, I will talk about my biggest theory of why dogs pull the leash at the start of every walk… and what you can do to change it.
I share the answers below. Let's dive in.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the Instincts: Dogs pull on the leash due to instincts derived from their wolf ancestors, seeing walks as a time for hunting and leading. They will naturally take the Leadership role if they don't sense a leader, hence the pulling.
- Be the Capable Leader: To stop leash pulling, you must establish yourself as the leader in all aspects of your dog's life, not just during walks. This means setting boundaries, giving consistent consequences for pulling, and showing calm, assertive energy.
- Prepare and React Appropriately: How you start the walk sets the tone. Go out first, decide when to walk, and be ready with calm responses to pulling, like pauses or changing direction. Letting your dog lead or not giving consequences encourages pulling.
Table of Contents
Stop Leash Pulling: Understanding Why Dogs Pull the Leash Right Before You Start Your Walk
You walk to the door; your dog begins to pull on the leash.
You step outside down the stairs, and your dog pulls and pulls as if telling you to “Hurry up!”
Your time outdoors is all about having to regain control of the leash.
If you've experienced the things I mentioned above, you get how challenging it is to have a dog who wants to take charge of the walk from start to finish. What is supposed to be a time for exercise and mental stimulation becomes a stressful event.
But why do dogs pull the leash at the start of every walk?
Let me answer that using dog psychology.
You see, our dogs have the DNA of a wolf — 99.98%, to be exact.
Why is this significant? Because how your dog acts can be connected to how wolves act in the wild.
For the wolves, everything is about survival. When they head outdoors, a walk is not just a walk; it's all about hunting for food.
The most interesting thing about wolves is they don't push through with their walk until the leader of their group steps in to lead the way. This leader is the one that signals “Let's go!” and goes on to make all the big decisions.
Even though our dogs have become more domesticated than their ancestors, they still think like wolves.
Someone has to lead, someone has to decide, someone has to be followed, someone has to call the BIG shots.
FACT: If your dog doesn't feel like there's a leader in charge, they will take over.
Why?
Dogs, by nature, will always look for the leader, but if that isn't filled, they immediately have to assume the role.
It's hardwired into the DNA.
And leaders lead…thus, your dog is out front, and there is endless leash pulling, especially at the start of every walk.
Have you ever observed your dog becoming more in tune whenever the walk happens? They're gearing up to make the big decisions!
So… what can you do?
STOP REACTIVITY – NO FORCE, NO FOODTo Stop Leash Pulling, You Have to Know That Control Matters to Dogs
Control is a powerful concept in dog psychology!
Why? Because your dog knows control is essential for survival. The one in charge is their protector; the one who tells them how to survive the wild and find food.
When your dog pulls the leash, they show they have taken the role of the leader. Their pulling sends the message, “I'm making the big decisions now. I will tell you what to do!”
So when your dog pulls the lead, they aren't deliberately disobeying you or getting on your nerves.
They pull the lead because they feel they're the pack leader, and they need to make every crucial decision to make the walk successful because that's what pack leaders do.
5 Things You Can Do To Stop The Dog From Pulling the Leash
The biggest solution to stop leash pulling is to actually show your dog they can pass on the hat of leadership to you. This powerful strategy is PROVEN to help a dog calm down.
Here are some ways you can do it.
#1: Be the Leader in Everything
Whether in your training sessions or daily life, you need to establish yourself as the leader of your pack.
I want to be very clear: to stop leash pulling, you need to be the leader of EVERYTHING, and not just of walking outdoors.
Some dog owners assume they only need to show their authority and leadership during the walk, and what happens before or after the walk doesn't matter.
I 100% encourage you to take charge of everything, from the walk to the feeding to giving affection and attention.
Becoming the leader in your dog's eyes requires an all-round approach, and that's why I made my online dog training program, The Dog Calming Code™️.
This dog training program is dedicated to helping you become an all-around leader in your dog's eyes by guiding you on how to feed dogs, give attention, respond to calls for danger, and how walks should be done.
So when you need to go outdoors, your dog already knows who to listen to!
LESS REACTIVE WALKS (FREE CLASS)#2: Set Boundaries and Consequences
When it comes to walking, I recommend these simple options if you're looking for a way to incorporate discipline during your time outdoors. These have helped dog owners and their canine companions enjoy their walks more.
Consequence #1: The Pause
Do the pause if your dog starts pulling the leash or going in the opposite direction. This consequence is your way of saying, “Hey, we won't continue walking if you keep on pulling.”
Wait 2-5 minutes and see if your dog stops leash-pulling. The pause will get your dog's attention, and they will wonder why you've stopped. Start walking once your dog becomes calmer.
Consequence #2: The 180
If pulling, aggression, or rowdiness doesn't stop after a couple of pauses, turn the other way around and abandon the walk. I know this could be heartbreaking, especially when your dog has been looking forward to time outdoors. However, doing the 180 can help your dog understand that ultimately, YOU are the decision maker, the one in charge, and they should be listening to you.
Your dog will eventually get it and will follow the habits you expect them to follow.
LEARN HOW TO STOP REACTIVITY ON WALKS#3: Know What to Do Before Stepping Out of the House
This one is crucial because how you walk out of the house predicts how your walk will go even before you start walking.
Even if you've already shown you're the leader, one power move from your dog can change the dynamics.
What do I mean by this?
I mentioned earlier that dogs are all about control. Your dog is smart and will subtly challenge your leadership before the walk starts.
HOW TO WIN THE WALK (FREE TRAINING)Some dogs will attempt to jump through the door before you do as if to say “Ha! I lead now!”
Sometimes, dogs will attempt to take control by tugging at you, or handing you the leash to tell you “Hey, it's time for my walk!”
In both circumstances, if you give in to your dog, you WILL lose control.
So before stepping out of the house, here are three things I want you to remember:
Tip #1: You Go First
You need to be the CEO of the walk every single time.
This concept means if your dog attempts to go in front of you, you calmly lead them back to your side to walk WITH you.
Don't let your dog have any semblance of control. Don't let them change directions. Remain calm while you reinforce control.
Tip #2: You Decide When To Go for a Walk
I talk more about this in my blog about the Doggy Dan Rule #5: How to Walk Your Dogs.
The main principle: the go signal comes from you and not from your dog.
Sure, your dog will attempt to convince you to bring them outside whenever they want. This could be tempting, especially when they can't hide their eagerness. But stay strong, furmom and furdad.
Ignore the request for a few minutes then call your dog. Doing this establishes that you — not them — decide when the walk should happen.
Tip #3: You Decide If A Walk Should Actually Happen
Keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if you should push through with the walk or stop walking altogether.
Some factors that indicate you should not push through include:
- high-energy dogs that don't slow down even when you pause or do the 180 turns.
- extreme aggression that could harm others
- a rowdy behavior that doesn't respond to commands
- persistent leash pulling even after you reprimand them
- dog who insists on going in the other direction
If you see these factors in your dogs, don't hesitate to call a rain check on your walk.
#4: Stay Calm
Your dog can sense your emotions, so if you're tense or frustrated, they'll pick up on that and may become more difficult to manage. Keep your cool, even when they're testing your patience. A calm demeanor reinforces your role as the leader.
4 Things You Should Not Do If Your Dog Pulls
#1: Get Angry With Your Dogs
Yelling or getting frustrated only escalates the situation.
For your dog, the one who doesn't easily flinch or fold wins and takes the leadership hat.
But what do you do when the constant leash-pulling becomes too much for you?
I want you to remember this: give calm, consistent consequences.
A consequence given with calmness can teach your dog what they need to do more than shouting or using force can.
When you're angry, your dog will more likely become stressed, making it hard for them to really understand you.
STRESS-FREE WALKS (FREE CLASS)#2: Giving Up and Letting Your Dog Have Their Way When Leash Walking
Before you continue reading, I want you to know I completely understand your frustrations.
I've had conversations with dog owners where I asked them, “What happens during the walk?”
A lot of them said “Well, the leash pulling becomes too much, we just let them lead the way. We figured it was better than abandoning the walk altogether.”
Definitely a big misconception!
If you are a dog owner who thinks giving in to your dog will make training easier along the way, I'm here to tell you it won't.
When you let the dog control the walk, you're also giving them control over everything.
Dog barks and snaps at everyone and everything? It's because they're in control.
Dog doesn't respond when you call? Why should they listen to you if they're in control?
Dog runs far from you even if you command them to stop? Again, you're not in charge.
If you give dogs control, everything will be on THEIR terms, not yours.
#3: Not Giving Consequences
If there's no consequence for bad behavior, there's no reason for your dog to stop.
Even though our dogs can be prone to showing headstrong tendencies, they are quick learners and learn through consequences.
Just as positive reinforcement teaches your dog good behavior, consequences like timeouts help them understand what they should and should not do. It's the best way to build your dog's best walking habits.
#4: Letting Your Dog Make the Decisions
You're the leader, not your dog.
Allowing them to decide the pace, direction, or when the walk ends undermines your role and encourages leash pulling.
Show them you're the leader in charge by letting them know “Hey, you can chill. I make the big decisions here.” And stick with it.
The Right Leash Also Matters
When your dog pulls and you lose control while you're on a loose leash walk, your dog interprets it as you losing control. This is why choosing the right harness matters.
This is why I recommend the Doggy Dan No-Pull harness for anyone looking to buy a front clip harness that's both effective and won't be uncomfortable for your dog.
This harness features a one-of-a-kind front chest loop that gently steers your dog towards you, discouraging pulling without any discomfort. It rests comfortably across your dog's chest, not their throat or your dog's neck, eliminating any choking or gagging. It's a 100% humane solution, ideal for dogs who pull lightly to moderately.
STOP LEASH REACTIVITYStop Leash Pulling By Being the Strong, Smart, Confident, and Capable Leader. The Dog Calming Code Will Help You!
The entire concept of dog leadership includes a lot of concepts, and it's easy to fall into the cracks when you're working to become a true leader in your dog's eyes.
I created The Dog Calming Code for dog owners who really want to set the leadership right. The Dog Calming Code discusses the Five Golden Rules of dog leadership; five essential concepts that — when done right — will cement your place as the Dog Parent your dogs WILL trust.
Because when you're a capable leader, you won't only be able to stop leash pulling; you can always enjoy a peaceful, calm, successful walk.
2 Responses
If the Doggy Dan No-Pull harness is for dogs who pull lightly to moderately, what harness should be used for a dog that pulls heavily?
This harness will still work. However I recommend you check out the free webinar, you’ll love it!
The Reactivity Webinar happens weekly on Wednesday and Sunday at 3pm EST (USA time). The link for the webinar is here, and you can choose this week or the following week: https://theonlinedogtrainer.com/reactivity-webinar/
If you register, you’ll get the recording via email after the webinar