How to Handle Pulling and Improve Your Dog’s Walking Etiquette

Lorna Paxton Ladd |

Jan 11, 2025

Walking your dog is more than just a daily chore; it’s an essential activity for bonding and keeping your pet healthy. However, if your dog constantly pulls on the leash, it can turn a pleasant stroll into a frustrating experience. Teaching your dog proper walking etiquette not only makes walks more enjoyable but also strengthens your relationship with your furry friend.

Understand Why Dogs Pull

Before addressing the problem, it’s important to understand why dogs pull on the leash. Pulling is often a result of natural behaviors, curiosity, or excitement.

Common Reasons for Pulling:

Excitement: The sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors are thrilling, and your dog may want to investigate everything at once.
Energy Levels: High-energy breeds may find it difficult to stay calm during a walk.
Lack of Training: If your dog hasn’t been taught how to walk politely on a leash, pulling becomes their default behavior.

Recognizing the reasons behind your dog’s pulling can help you tailor your approach to training and behavior management.

family walking lots of dogs – Credit: www.canva.com

Start with the Right Equipment

Using the correct tools can make a big difference in managing pulling. A high-quality leash, harness, or collar designed for training purposes can give you better control without causing discomfort to your dog.

Choosing the Right Leash

Investing in a stylish dog leash doesn’t just elevate your walking experience; it can also offer practicality and durability. Look for a leash that provides a comfortable grip and is long enough to give your dog some freedom while maintaining control. A well-made leash combined with proper training techniques can go a long way in improving your dog’s behavior.

Harness vs Collar

For dogs prone to pulling, a harness that discourages pulling (such as a front-clip harness) can be a more humane and effective option than a standard collar.

Teach Your Dog to Heel

Teaching your dog to walk calmly beside you is one of the most effective ways to eliminate pulling. The “heel” command encourages your dog to stay focused on you rather than the distractions around them.

Steps to Train the Heel Command:

Start Indoors: Begin in a quiet, distraction-free environment to help your dog focus.
Use Treats or Toys: Hold a treat or toy near your side to guide your dog into position.
Walk a Few Steps: Take a few steps while keeping your dog close and reward them for staying by your side.
Gradually Add Distractions: Once your dog masters the command indoors, practise outdoors in more stimulating environments.

Consistency and patience are key. Regular practice will reinforce the behavior and make it a natural part of your dog’s routine.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to encourage good behavior during walks. Rewarding your dog for walking calmly can help them associate proper behavior with pleasant outcomes.

Rewarding Good Behavior:

Treats: Use small, high-value treats to reward your dog when they walk calmly beside you.
Praise: Offer verbal praise or affection to let your dog know they’re doing well.
Toys: For toy-motivated dogs, carrying a favourite toy can be a great reward.

Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can create fear or anxiety and make training more difficult.

Be Consistent with Your Walks

Dogs thrive on routine and consistency. Regular walks at the same times each day help your dog understand what to expect and can reduce overexcitement.

Tips for Consistency:

Set a Routine: Establish specific times for walks to create predictability.
Stick to Commands: Use the same commands (e.g., “heel,” “stop”) during every walk to reinforce learning.
Avoid Reinforcing Pulling: If your dog pulls, stop walking and wait for them to calm down before resuming. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go.

Consistency helps establish boundaries and expectations, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Manage Distractions

Outdoor walks are full of distractions, from other dogs to enticing smells. Helping your dog stay focused on you during these moments can minimise pulling.

Techniques to Handle Distractions:

Redirect Attention: Use treats or a favourite toy to redirect your dog’s focus back to you.
Practice in Different Environments: Gradually expose your dog to different settings to desensitise them to common distractions.
Use a Cue Word: Teach a cue like “look” to encourage your dog to make eye contact with you when distractions arise.

By teaching your dog to focus on you, they’ll be less likely to pull when encountering exciting stimuli.

Be Patient and Persistent

Training a dog to improve their walking etiquette takes time and effort. It’s important to remain patient and persistent, even if progress feels slow at times.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls:

Inconsistent Training: Make sure all members of your household follow the same training methods.
Too Much Too Soon: Gradually increase the duration and complexity of your walks to prevent overwhelming your dog.
Frustration: Dogs can sense your emotions, so stay calm and positive during training sessions.

With dedication and the right approach, even the most enthusiastic puller can learn to walk politely on a leash.

Improving your dog’s walking etiquette not only enhances your daily outings but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. With the right tools, consistent training, and plenty of positive reinforcement, you can transform your walks into enjoyable experiences for both of you.