FAQ: My dog pulls on the lead and it’s getting really bad. What can I do to stop it?

FAQ: My dog pulls on the lead and it’s getting really bad. What can I do to stop it?

A really good strategy for tackling any pulling behaviour is to start by first teaching the ‘Wait’ command. This command teaches a puppy or older dog that tension in the lead equals a negative connection between him and his handler/owner. The Wait command works by teaching a dog to ‘wait politely with you on a relaxed lead’ but you need to practice this at home initially, where distractions are minimal.

  • Simply walk a few steps (indoors or in your garden) with your dog on lead and after a few seconds, once your dog is pulling you in one direction, signal that you are about to stop by saying ‘Wait’ calmly but firmly. At the same time you should gently pull the lead into your tummy and then immediately relax it, so that the lead is no longer taut. Remain calm and positive throughout and use treats or toys to lure your dog into you (thereby making the lead slack) just as you say ‘Wait’. If your dog pulls away again after a few moments, then repeat the process over and over until he gets the idea that ‘Wait’ means ‘relax with me’ and ‘no tension in the lead.’
  • Once he has ‘waited’ for a short time it’s completely fine if he moves around in front of you or behind you, or stands in one position or even sits or lays down but, as soon as he pulls or you feel even a small amount of tension in the lead, you must say ‘Wait’ again and gently pull the lead into you and relax it, so that it is no longer taut.
  • Wait for about 20 or 30 seconds initially and make sure that the lead remains relaxed during that ‘waiting’ time. Give a treat and a verbal ‘good boy’ etc during and after each successful ‘Wait’ has been achieved.  Then walk forward a few steps and begin the exercise again.
  • Please remain positive and remain calm throughout, telling your dog he is doing well if and when he is and give him the odd treat too to show him that this new ‘Wait’ behaviour pays dividends! Increase the walking distance over time and before long your dog should get the idea that remaining near you really pays off and any pulling behaviour gets him nowhere fast.
  • Some dogs automatically reduce their pulling tendencies if they are given a job to do when out on a walk so simply asking your dog to carry a toy or a ball at times on a walk can change his state of mind for the better.
  • A great idea too is to develop a familiar sequence of commands that will help you on a walk. I use ‘Close’ or ‘Heel’ to signal “we’re about to move from a stationary position” and ‘Wait’ to signal we’re about to stop and relax, so a familiar set of commands on a walk might sound like ‘Heel’, ‘Wait’, ‘Sit’, ‘Hold’ (a ball for example) and then ‘Heel’ again, followed by a hearty ‘Good boy’ etc.
  • For a persistent on-lead puller you may need to consider using a walking accessory, such as changing to a particular lead that will give you more control (like a figure of 8 lead or similar) or a head-collar or haltee might suit your dog best – you will need to do your research here to figure out what will work best for you and your dog.

As these are general guidelines only, please contact the LoveK9 team if you have particular queries relating to your own situation.