Does your dog pull on the lead? How to teach better walks

Why does your dog pull?

Pulling can happen because the dog wants to reach a smell, another dog or simply explore. They may also not yet know how to walk comfortably on a lead.

Understanding what is motivating the dog helps us choose the right approach.

Start somewhere easier

If lead walking is new, a busy street can be too difficult.

Start somewhere calmer and gradually add distractions.

Reward a loose lead

Whenever your dog walks with a loose lead, mark and reward that behaviour.

This helps make the behaviour we want more likely to happen again.

Your dog does not have to walk beside you all the time

A walk is also about sniffing and exploring.

Create moments for closer walking, but allow appropriate freedom at other times.

Use the environment as a reward

Reaching an interesting smell or exploring an area can itself be rewarding.

Instead of constantly competing with the environment, we can use it to our advantage.

Better walks do not need to be perfect

The goal is a safe, comfortable and enjoyable walk for both of you.

With practice and consistency, skills that once required a lot of attention can become more natural.