7 Tips to Train Your Puppy Not to Pull on a Leash
So, you’ve got a puppy who thinks every walk is a chance to drag you into oblivion? Welcome to the club!
Leash pulling is one of the most common issues new dog owners face, but don’t worry—it’s totally fixable with some patience, consistency, and maybe a little bribery (hello, treats!).
Here are the top seven tips to train your puppy to stroll like the good pup they are.
1. Start Early and Stay Consistent
Puppies are like little sponges—they learn fast, but they also pick up on bad habits just as quickly. That means the earlier you start leash training, the better.
- Introduce the leash early: Let your puppy wear the leash around the house (under supervision) to get used to the feel of it.
- Set boundaries from day one: Don’t let your puppy pull on the leash, even a little, unless you want that to become their default walking style.
Pro tip: Consistency is EVERYTHING. If you let them pull sometimes (like when you’re in a rush), they’ll think pulling works. Stay strong!
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2. Use the Right Gear
Your puppy’s leash-pulling antics might be partly because their gear is uncomfortable—or worse, ineffective.
- Avoid retractable leashes: These encourage pulling by giving your puppy more freedom when they pull. Stick with a standard 4-6 foot leash.
- Try a no-pull harness: A harness with a front-clip attachment discourages pulling by gently redirecting your puppy’s energy.
- Make sure the fit is right: Ill-fitting collars or harnesses can irritate your puppy and make them pull harder to escape the discomfort.
Why it matters: The right gear makes leash training easier for you and more comfortable for your puppy.
3. Reward Good Behavior (Treats Are Your Best Friend)
Positive reinforcement is your secret weapon in leash training. Your puppy is way more likely to repeat behaviors that earn them praise, treats, or playtime.
Here’s how:
- Carry treats on every walk: Small, soft treats work best since they’re quick to eat.
- Reward frequently at first: Every time your puppy walks nicely beside you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.
- Phase out treats gradually: Once your puppy gets the hang of loose-leash walking, reduce the frequency of treats but keep up the verbal praise.
Pro tip: Timing is everything. Reward your puppy the instant they’re walking nicely—not five seconds later when they’ve already started pulling again.
4. Stop When They Pull
If your puppy pulls, stop dead in your tracks. Don’t move a single step until the leash slackens. This teaches your pup that pulling gets them nowhere—literally.
The technique:
- When your puppy pulls, stop and stand still like a tree.
- Wait until the leash is slack, even if it takes a few seconds (or minutes).
- As soon as they stop pulling, start walking again.
Warning: This can be frustrating at first, especially if you’re in a hurry. But stay consistent, and your puppy will quickly learn that pulling = no progress.
5. Use the “Redirection” Technique
If stopping every two seconds sounds exhausting (spoiler: it is), redirection is another great way to curb pulling.
How to redirect:
- When your puppy starts pulling, change direction—turn around and walk the other way.
- Reward them when they catch up to you and the leash is slack.
- Repeat this every time they pull.
Why it works: Your puppy learns that staying close to you is the best way to figure out where the walk is headed.
6. Practice “Loose-Leash Walking” Indoors
Before you tackle the chaos of outdoor walks, start leash training in a controlled environment, like your living room or backyard.
Here’s how:
- Attach the leash and hold a treat in your hand.
- Walk a few steps, keeping the treat close to your side so your puppy stays with you.
- Reward them for walking beside you without pulling.
- Gradually increase the distance and distractions as they improve.
Pro tip: Practicing indoors or in a quiet area minimizes distractions, making it easier for your puppy to focus on you.
7. Be Patient (Seriously, Patience Is Key)
Training a puppy not to pull on a leash isn’t a one-and-done deal. It takes time, practice, and a LOT of patience. Puppies are like toddlers—they have short attention spans and don’t always follow the rules, but that’s part of the process.
Tips for staying patient:
- Set realistic goals: Don’t expect your puppy to master leash walking overnight. Celebrate small wins, like fewer pulls or shorter bursts of pulling.
- Keep training sessions short: Puppies learn best in 5-10 minute bursts. Try a few mini-training sessions instead of one long one.
- Remember it’s a learning curve: Some days will be better than others, and that’s okay.
Why it matters: Your puppy feeds off your energy. Stay calm and positive, and they’ll be more likely to stay calm and focused too.
Bonus Tips: Make Walks Fun
Your puppy pulls partly because walks are so exciting. New smells, sights, and sounds—it’s a sensory overload! Instead of fighting their excitement, work with it.
- Let them sniff: Build in “sniff breaks” where they can explore and satisfy their curiosity.
- Add mental stimulation: Practice commands like “sit” or “stay” during the walk to keep their brain engaged.
- Vary your route: A new path = new things to explore, which keeps your puppy engaged and less focused on pulling.
Final Thoughts
Training your puppy not to pull on a leash takes time, but it’s SO worth it. A dog that walks nicely by your side makes every outing more enjoyable—for both of you. Just remember: consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are your best friends in this process.
And hey, if your puppy still has the occasional “zoomies” moment on the leash? That’s okay. They’re just a baby, and every training journey comes with a few detours. Keep at it, and you’ll have a leash-walking champ in no time! 🐾
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
