How to stop your dog pulling on the lead

Dogs pull because it works: pulling gets them where they want to go. Teaching them that a loose lead is what gets them moving takes patience, but it works. These steps follow Dogs Trust's advice.

6 steps to a loose lead

Use comfortable equipment
A flat harness or collar your dog is comfortable in. If you use a harness, introduce it gently and positively.
Start at home
Practise indoors or in the garden where it's calm, rewarding your dog for staying by your side.
Add the lead
Once your dog follows you reliably, clip on the lead. Use a treat or toy to guide them into position at first, then phase it out and keep praising them for staying close.
Add movement and distractions slowly
Reward them as you walk, gradually leaving longer between rewards. Change direction now and then so they keep an eye on you, and go back a stage if they struggle.
Stop when the lead goes tight
Stand still and quiet until the lead goes slack, then carry on. If they don't turn back to you, take a couple of steps the other way.
Be consistent
Train on every walk. Walks will take longer at first, but every time pulling gets them forward, it sets training back.

What not to do

Don't use equipment that causes pain or puts pressure on sensitive areas
Don't jerk the lead or tell your dog off. Stand calmly and wait
Don't keep walking while the lead is tight. Even one step rewards pulling
Don't add distractions faster than your dog can cope with

Can't train on every walk?

Dogs Trust suggests using one harness for everyday walks and a different harness or the collar for training sessions, so your dog learns that the training set-up means a loose lead. Expect progress to be slower this way.

Working on off-lead skills too? See our recall training guide.

Keeping your dog safe if they get lost

In public, your dog must wear a collar and tag with your name and address. A PawTrak QR plate on the same collar gives whoever finds your dog a quick way to reach you.