For many dog owners, the walk should be a time for relaxation and sharing. Yet, often the opposite happens: the dog pulls continuously, the leash is always taut, and after a few minutes, you find yourself tired and frustrated.

The question then becomes inevitable: how to teach your dog not to pull on the leash?

The most honest answer is this: there is no universal solution. Every dog is different and can pull for completely different reasons.

Even before looking for a technique or a tool, the first step is to understand your dog.

Why does the dog pull on the leash?

When a dog pulls on the leash, people often think it is simply because they are stubborn or ill-mannered.

In reality, the motivations can be many and very different from each other:

• excitement over environmental stimuli•
• nervousness or frustration
• fear or discomfort
• overly intense stimuli
• insecurity
• unclear management of the walk

For this reason, observing the dog is fundamental.

For example, a dog that pulls with ears back, a rigid posture, or a tense gaze might find themselves in a situation that makes them uncomfortable.

In these cases, there is no need to forcefully correct the behavior. It is much more useful to understand what is happening and help the dog feel more secure.

When the behavior is persistent or difficult to manage, consulting a trainer is often the first truly useful step: it allows you to observe the dog professionally and set up a path suited to their personality.

There is no magic method

Online you can find many tips on how to stop a dog from pulling on the leash, with many promising quick results or universal techniques.

The reality is much simpler: there is no procedure that works for all dogs.

Every effective path starts from three fundamental elements:

• observe the dog
• understand their motivations
• build a clear and consistent relationship

When the dog learns to understand their owner and trust them, the walk changes completely as well.

Teaching calmness: the foundation for a peaceful walk

Many dogs leave the house already very excited and are immediately immersed in environments full of stimuli: people, smells, other dogs, and noises.

In these conditions, it is difficult to ask for self-control.

For this reason, it is useful to teach the dog to stop and regain their calm.

A simple but very effective exercise

• choose a quiet area
• sit on a bench or on the ground
• keep the dog on the leash
• wait for them to calm down

Relaxation can come gradually:

• the dog sits
• the dog lies down
• the body relaxes
• rests their head

Even small signs of relaxation are already a good step forward; they don't need to do all of this on the first try.

When the dog is calmer, you can resume the walk.

What to do when the dog pulls

The most common reaction when the dog pulls is to pull back or jerk the leash, but this often only creates more tension.

A more useful management approach is:

1. slow down gradually
2. stop completely

At the beginning, it may be useful to get the dog's attention:

• call them toward you
• lower yourself slightly
• wait for them to come back close

When the dog returns and the leash slackens, you can resume walking.

The message the dog learns is simple:
with a loose leash, we keep moving.

A useful exercise for dogs highly excited by stimuli

Some dogs pull because they are extremely motivated by something: food, play, or other interesting stimuli.

In these cases, you can work on an exercise useful for teaching the dog that collaboration with the owner is the way to get what they want.

It is better to do this in a safe environment with few distractions, such as in the home garden.

How to set it up

1. place something the dog desires very much at a distance (a bowl of food, a toy, or a treat)
2. the dog will see it and will pull the leash to reach it
3. do not allow them to reach it immediately

Wait.

The moment the dog:

• turns toward the owner
• looks at them
• slackens the leash

you can say “good” and go together toward the desired object.

At first, even a quick look at the owner is enough.

This exercise works when the dog pulls due to excitement or strong motivation toward something.
If, on the other hand, the dog pulls because they are afraid, the work to be done will be different and aimed at building confidence and self-esteem.

The most common mistakes during the walk

• Expecting immediate results - Learning requires time and consistency.

• Thinking every day is the same - Dogs can also have difficult days. A minor ailment can change behavior.

• Using the phone during the walk - The dog perceives the distraction. The walk should be a moment of sharing.

• Talking to the dog continuously - If the dog hears the owner's voice constantly, they stop paying attention when it is truly important.

• Jerking the leash - Jerking teaches nothing and can create tension or pain. If the dog pulls, it is more useful to stop and remain motionless, keeping the leash taut toward you.

The tool comes after the relationship

People often think that changing the collar or harness is enough to solve the problem.

In reality, the tool always comes after the relationship.

Understanding your dog and building clear communication is the foundation of everything.

That said, a comfortable and safe tool can greatly help the owner feel more at ease. And when the owner is calmer, the dog feels it too.

Every dog has different preferences:

• for some, a collar may be suitable, which acts on a very communicative area
• other, more sensitive dogs may be better off with a harness

The choice always depends on the dog and the situation.

The length of the leash is important

Dogs need stability and consistency.

In the city, where space is limited, it is preferable to use fixed leashes up to 150 cm, as also provided by regulations.

In quieter contexts, adjustable leashes can be very useful, allowing more space for the dog when possible.

When changing the length of the leash, it is important to signal it to the dog in a clear way:

• stop
• give a "stop" command or use another known word
• change the length of the leash
• resume the walk

This way, the dog perceives the change and does not experience it as something sudden.

Choosing a leash that makes the walk more peaceful

During the learning process, it is normal for the dog to continue pulling a few times.

For this reason, it can be useful to use leashes that make management more comfortable for the owner, especially in moments when the dog is more exuberant.

For example:

• soft Biothane leashes, durable and pleasant to hold in hand
• adjustable leashes, useful for better managing walk dynamics
• leashes with grip, particularly suitable for very energetic dogs

A quality tool does not replace working with the dog, but it can make the walk more peaceful while learning together.

When to ask a trainer for help

If the dog continues to pull despite the work done, or if there are signs of fear or strong discomfort, it is always a good idea to consult a trainer.

A professional can observe the dog, interpret their language, and help the owner build a path suited to the specific situation.

Often, simply truly understanding what the dog is communicating is enough to completely change how the walk is managed.

Frequently asked questions

How long should the dog's leash be?

In the city, it is preferable to use fixed leashes up to 150 cm, which allow good control in tight spaces. In quieter environments, adjustable leashes can be used to offer the dog more freedom.

Is a collar or a harness better?

It depends on the dog. The collar acts on a highly communicative area, but some sensitive dogs may be better off with a harness. The choice should always take into account the dog's character and needs.

How long does it take to teach a dog not to pull on the leash?

It depends on the dog, their history, and the consistency of the work. Some improvements can arrive quickly, but building good walk management always takes time.

If the dog always pulls, what should I do?

If the problem persists, the best solution is to seek support from a trainer who can observe the dog and set up a customized plan. With the right professional, anything is possible 😉