Why Is My Dog Pulling on the Lead (and How Do I Stop It)?

Do you struggle to take your dog for a walk?
Do people jokingly ask, “Who’s walking who?”
Are you worried your dog might pull you over — or already has?

You’re not alone. Leash pulling is one of the most common questions I get asked.

Let’s take a moment to think about things from your dog’s point of view.

They’ve been waiting all day for their walk. The second they see that leash come out, the excitement builds — finally, it’s adventure time! Once out the door, there’s a whole world of smells just waiting to be explored. But their human? They're moving slowly… and not heading straight toward the really good smelly things.

So what does your dog do?
They pull.
Not to be “naughty,” but because they want to move faster and get to where the fun is happening. Unfortunately, this often leaves both of us — and our dogs — feeling frustrated.

The Good News? It Doesn't Have to Be This Way.

Instead of punishing the pulling, we can use force-free, positive reinforcement training to teach our dogs the value of walking beside us.

All you need is:

• A pouch full of tasty treats (think: cheese or chicken)
• A little patience
• And a willingness to reward your dog for the right choices

Start by rewarding your dog every time they choose to be next to you. Over time, they’ll learn that being near you = good things happen. That’s how we build loose leash walking — step by step, snack by snack.

The Right Equipment Makes a Big Difference

When I worked at the RSPCA, I often walked dogs that had never been on a leash before — some weighing over 60kg. A front-clip harness was a total game changer. Without it, I would’ve been pulled down the street!

Front-attachment harnesses help gently turn your dog back toward you when they pull, without causing pain or discomfort. They make walks safer and more manageable, especially for strong or enthusiastic dogs.

The Power of a Long Line (Yes, Really!)

It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best tools for reducing pulling is a long line.

Why?
Because giving your dog more freedom can actually reduce their urge to pull. When dogs feel like they have more choice (or even the illusion of it), they don’t feel the need to drag you toward every tree or lamppost. A long line allows for decompression walks — where dogs can sniff, explore, and just be dogs — while still keeping everyone safe.

You’ve Got This — and I’m Here to Help

If leash pulling is making walks stressful instead of enjoyable, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

At Sammy’s Pet Training, I offer personalised, force-free training sessions to help you and your dog build better leash manners and enjoy walks together again.

📩 Ready to reclaim your walks?
Book now online or call to book your session.

Let’s make walks the best part of your day — for both you and your dog. 🐾