Pulling on the lead
My dog pulls on the lead.
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First, quickly: does any of these apply?
If so, we’ll show you where to find the right help.
Has your dog ever snapped at or bitten a person or dog when out and about?
Is he limping or moving stiffly, coughing on the lead, or suddenly unwilling to walk?
Is he very frightened outside, in a way that doesn’t settle after a few minutes (trembling, freezing, only wanting to go home)?
Does he bark fiercely at other dogs or people on the lead, or lunge on the lead, without any contact happening?
Please answer all the questions.
What helps today:
How it’s done: stand still
The dog pulls, the lead goes tight. The person calmly stands still. The dog turns round, the lead hangs loose, there is “Top!” and a treat at the person’s leg, then they carry on with a loose lead.
A harness instead of pressure on the neck
A dog wears a Y-harness that leaves the shoulders free. The lead is clipped on at the back of the harness and hangs loose.
- Use a well-fitting Y-harness that leaves the shoulders free, and a lead 2–3 m long. Clip it on at the back of the harness.
- If the lead goes tight: calmly stand still. When it hangs loose again, you walk on.
- Reward every moment on a loose lead: “Top!” and a treat at your leg.
- Let him sniff a lot along the way. For dogs, that isn’t dawdling, it’s an activity.
- Today, plan short walks on quiet paths, at quiet times.
- Stay friendly. Yanking on the lead, scolding and equipment that works through pressure or pain only make walks more stressful.
Why this happens
Until now, pulling has paid off for him: it gets him to the exciting smells faster. Outside, lots of things are new and exciting, and walking on a loose lead is something he first has to learn step by step.
Practise for the long term
- Harness on? Happily!Head in, treat: putting it on without a struggle
- Loose lead indoorsNext to you pays off: first steps in the hallway
- Loose lead outsideStarting afresh outside: short stretches, lots of praise
- Change-of-direction game“Come on!”: turning round becomes a game
When to see a professional?
If it doesn’t get better, starts suddenly or worries you: a professional can look at your dog. An app can’t do that.
Where to find helpAs of: October 2026