Even the most well-trained dogs sometimes need reminders when it comes to walking politely on a leash. A dog bouncing and tugging at the end of the leash might look amusing to onlookers, but it’s not so funny when you’re the one being dragged along.
Why do dogs pull? Simple — the world is full of exciting sights, smells, and sounds, and they want to explore it all. Your job as the handler is to teach your dog that walks are about teamwork, not a tug-of-war.
One important thing to remember: a walk is not just a potty break. You’re still responsible for setting boundaries about when and where your dog relieves themselves. If you allow your dog to go anywhere, anytime, they’ll quickly learn that your yard, the neighbor’s lawn, the park, or even the sidewalk is fair game. (We’ll dive deeper into potty-area training in a future blog.)
Now, back to leash pulling. The key is reminding your dog that there’s someone on the other end of that leash — you! Proper leash training helps your dog stay aware of your presence, respect your leadership, and build better overall manners.
When you establish good leash habits, every other part of training becomes easier. Your dog learns that you set the pace, direction, and rules — reinforcing the idea that you’re the calm, confident leader of the pack.
Would you like me to also add a few practical tips (rewarding loose-leash walking) so this feels more like a training guide than just advice?