When I first start working with new puppy parents, leash pulling is one of the most common issues they mention. That tight leash, the constant tugging, and sometimes even those little choking sounds can be frustrating for both of you.
Puppies pull on leashes because it's what comes naturally to them. When they feel tension, they instinctively pull against it, much like they might during play with littermates. It's not misbehavior - it's just being a dog.
But letting this habit continue isn't good for anyone. A pulling puppy can yank you off balance, run into traffic, or approach unsafe situations before you can stop them. Plus, what's manageable with a 10-pound puppy becomes a real problem with a full-grown dog.
The good news is that with some patience and the right methods, you can teach your puppy to walk nicely beside you. The earlier you start, the quicker they'll learn, saving you both years of struggle.
Why Puppies Pull on the Leash
I see this all the time in my training classes - a tiny puppy practically dragging their owner down the sidewalk. First, understand that your puppy isn't being stubborn or naughty when they pull. They're just following their instincts.
Puppies have a natural desire to explore their world. Everything is new and exciting - that leaf blowing across the path, the neighbor's cat, or the child playing across the street. They want to investigate it all, and pulling gets them there faster.
There's also something called the "opposition reflex" at work. When puppies feel pressure on their collar or harness, they instinctively pull against it. Animal behaviorists explain this as "a physical response that causes dogs to push against pressure rather than yield to it."
Most importantly, puppies pull because they haven't been taught not to. They don't understand that walking beside you is what you want. Without clear training, they'll continue doing what comes naturally - pulling toward whatever catches their interest.
When Leash Pulling Typically Starts
Leash pulling habits form early. I've seen it happen almost as soon as puppies start their leash training, which is typically between 8-16 weeks of age. This makes sense when you think about it - as soon as they feel that first bit of restraint, their natural opposition reflex kicks in.
Most puppies don't just outgrow this behavior. Without proper training, they actually get stronger at pulling as they grow. What starts as a manageable tug with your 10-pound fluffball becomes a real problem as they gain size and muscle.
The "teenage" phase is when pulling often intensifies. Between 6-18 months old, puppies hit their adolescent period where they test boundaries. This is when many of my clients come to me feeling defeated because their once-manageable puppy is now dragging them down the street.
The growing confidence and strength that comes with maturity, combined with a greater interest in exploring the world, creates the perfect storm for leash-pulling behavior to worsen during these months. This is exactly why addressing pulling early is so important.
Tip 1: Use Positive Reinforcement Training
I've found that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach leash manners. The concept is simple: reward your puppy whenever they're walking nicely with a loose leash. When that leash has slack in it, mark that moment with a "yes" and give a small, tasty treat.
Your puppy will quickly make the connection: "When I walk close to my person and don't pull, good things happen!" This builds a positive association with staying near you during walks. Most puppies catch on faster than you'd expect.
I tell my clients to carry a small pouch of high-value treats on every walk. The treats should be tiny (about the size of a pea) but extra delicious - something your puppy doesn't get at other times.
What doesn't work? Punishing pulling by yanking back on the leash or scolding. When you punish, many puppies actually pull harder due to that opposition reflex I mentioned earlier. Others become anxious about walks altogether, which is the opposite of what we want.
According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin, consistent positive reinforcement creates better learning and a stronger bond between you and your puppy than any punishment-based method.
Tip 2: Stop Moving When Puppy Pulls
This method works well because it teaches puppies a clear lesson: pulling gets them nowhere. When your puppy starts pulling on the leash, stop walking immediately. Don't move forward, backward, or sideways - just become a statue.
Wait quietly until your puppy looks back at you or returns to your side. The moment there's slack in the leash, start walking again. You're showing your puppy that the only way the walk continues is when the leash is loose.
I've used this technique with hundreds of puppies, and while it takes patience at first, it's very effective. One client's Lab puppy learned within three walks that pulling meant progress stopped.
Be consistent with this approach. If you sometimes let your puppy pull and other times you don't, they'll get confused about the rules. Animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar calls this the "be a tree" method and notes that the key is making the reward (moving forward) only available when the puppy isn't pulling.
Your puppy wants to explore, and they'll figure out that staying near you with a loose leash is the fastest way to do that. This method teaches them to make good choices without any harsh corrections.
Tip 3: Teach a "Watch Me" Command
One of the most useful tools in my training kit is teaching puppies to focus on their owners through a simple "watch me" command. This builds the foundation for any walk where distractions compete for your puppy's attention.
Start by holding a small treat near your eyes. Say "watch me" in a clear, calm voice. When your puppy looks up at your face, immediately mark this with a "yes" and give them the treat. That eye contact is exactly what you're looking for.
Practice this at home until your puppy understands that "watch me" means to look at your face. I've found most puppies pick this up within a few 5-minute sessions.
Once they've got it down at home, start using it on walks. When your puppy gets distracted by that squirrel or exciting smell and begins to pull, say "watch me." The moment they look up at you, reward them with praise and a treat.
This command works wonders because it breaks your puppy's focus on whatever is causing them to pull. With practice, the "watch me" command becomes your reset button for those moments when your puppy's attention starts to drift. It helps them learn that checking in with you is always the right choice.
Tip 4: Use the Right Equipment
The right walking gear makes a big difference in managing your puppy's pulling. I've seen the right equipment transform walks instantly, even before a puppy learns proper leash skills.
Front-clip harnesses are my go-to recommendation for most puppies. When your puppy pulls, the leash attachment at the chest area redirects them to the side rather than letting them surge forward. This makes pulling less rewarding and gives you more control without causing discomfort.
Head halters like the Gentle Leader work well for stronger pullers. They function similarly to a horse halter, where the head guides the body. When your puppy pulls, the halter redirects their head toward you, making pulling almost impossible.
I strongly advise against choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has found these tools can cause pain, fear, and even injury to your puppy's neck and throat.
Remember that equipment alone won't fix pulling - it's just a tool to help manage the behavior while you train. The goal is eventually walking nicely on a regular collar and leash through good training.
Tip 5: Be Patient and Consistent
Leash training isn't a quick fix. I tell my clients to expect days or weeks of practice before seeing real improvement. This timeline varies based on your puppy's age, temperament, and how ingrained the pulling habit has become.
Start in low-distraction areas where your puppy can focus on you. Your quiet backyard or a calm street is perfect. I had a client whose Border Collie puppy couldn't focus for more than two seconds on a busy street, but made huge progress when they started in their cul-de-sac.
Only move to more stimulating environments when your puppy shows consistent good leash behavior in quiet settings. Dr. Zazie Todd, author of "Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy," recommends this gradual approach to build your puppy's skills step by step.
Everyone in your household needs to use the same training methods. When one person allows pulling and another doesn't, your puppy gets mixed messages. I've seen many training efforts fail simply because family members weren't on the same page.
Remember that puppies learn through patterns and consistency. Each walk is a training opportunity, so keep your expectations realistic and celebrate small improvements along the way.
Conclusion
Leash pulling is a common problem that many puppy parents face. I've seen countless dogs transform from sidewalk-draggers to polite walking companions with the right training approach. The good news is that this isn't a permanent problem - it's a fixable behavior.
The tools we covered work because they address the root causes of pulling rather than just the symptoms. Positive reinforcement creates a puppy who wants to walk nicely. Stopping when they pull teaches them that pulling gets them nowhere. The "watch me" command gives them something to focus on besides distractions. And the right walking equipment sets them up for success.
The American Kennel Club notes that consistency is what makes these methods work. Your puppy will test your resolve, especially in the early stages of training. But stick with it - every day you practice builds those good habits.
Remember that your puppy isn't trying to be difficult. They're just figuring out how the world works. With patience and these proven techniques, you'll soon have a dog who walks calmly by your side, making walks enjoyable for both of you.
Sources
- American Kennel Club: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-puppy-walk-leash/
- Victoria Stilwell, Certified Dog Trainer: https://positively.com/dog-behavior/basic-cues/loose-leash-walking/