Pulling on the Lead

Nov 4
3 min read

The question of how to stop a dog from pulling on the lead is one of the most common challenges faced by dog owners. It is important to establish from the outset that there is no quick fix; this requires consistent training and patience.

Understanding the Root Cause of Pulling

The primary motivator for your dog's pulling behaviour is the environment. For a dog, the outside world is a compelling sensory landscape filled with scents and exciting stimuli they are instinctively driven to explore. The lead often feels like an obstacle preventing this exploration.

It's also essential to recognise the role of breed genetics. Certain working breeds, such as Spaniels and Collies, have been developed over centuries to work independently, often ahead of their handlers, whether flushing game or herding livestock.

When the lead tightens, the dog's natural opposition reflex kicks in: they pull against the resistance. This quickly devolves into a counterproductive tug-of-war, which the owner is often unlikely to win. Despite the plethora of online videos and the substantial expense often incurred on various collars and harnesses, what truly delivers results is a structured, positive training approach.

Evaluating Walking Equipment

While I generally advocate for a flat collar and lead, the safety of the dog and owner is always the priority. In some circumstances, a harness or head collar may be the more appropriate tool. These pieces of equipment can be used temporarily to manage behaviour while the dog learns loose-lead walking, after which a transition back to a flat collar is possible.

Harnesses

There are many harnesses on the market, including several marketed as 'non-pull,' often featuring a front-fastening clip. These can be effective when correctly fitted, but they are not a substitute for training.

While it's often claimed that a harness encourages pulling, this is inaccurate. However, harnesses that clip at the back—providing a comfortable chest plate—certainly give your dog greater leverage and pulling power, similar to a draft animal pulling a cart.

Head Collars

Head collars are a highly effective management tool for reducing pulling, provided the dog will tolerate them. They are particularly useful for giant breeds or owners with physical limitations that prevent them from easily controlling a strong dog.

Note that successful use requires time to desensitise the dog to wearing it. If not introduced carefully, dogs may become distressed or injure themselves by persistently scratching at their face.

A Note on Aversive Equipment

I strongly advise against the use of training tools that rely on pain or punishment:

Slip Leads/Choke Chains: These tools, often seen on highly trained working dogs, are designed for quick application/removal, not for initial training. When used on an untrained dog, they can, as the name suggests, result in choking and physical discomfort.
Prong Collars: These collars, which use inward-facing metal prongs to pinch the dog's neck when they pull, are widely considered aversive, cruel, and detrimental to positive training. Effective training should be based on positive reinforcement, not force or pain.

Implementing Loose-Lead Training

The foundation of loose-lead walking is teaching your dog that being next to you is a rewarding experience.

Start in Low-Distraction Areas: Begin your training sessions off-lead in a quiet environment, such as your house or garden.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Use a highly valued reward—food is generally more effective than toys for initial luring and rapid, consistent reinforcement.
Lure and Position: Use a treat to lure your dog into the desired 'heel' position (next to you). Practice moving, turning, and circling, consistently rewarding the dog when they maintain that position.
Manage the Environment: Progress to boring, calm outdoor environments where your dog can maintain focus on you without excessive distraction.
Maintain a Loose Lead: Use a moderately long training lead (1.5-2 meters is ideal). The goal is to prevent pressure on the lead entirely, ensuring the dog has nothing to fight against.