Why Your Dog Keeps Pulling on the Leash—and Where to Start
You pictured a relaxing walk with your dog. Instead, you are being dragged from one smell to the next, switching the leash between hands and wondering why something so simple feels like so much work.
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Leash pulling is frustrating, especially when you have tried to be consistent and still feel as though your dog forgets you exist the moment you step outside.
Why does your dog keep pulling?
Take a look at what pulling gets your dog. If a tight leash still takes them to the next tree, the interesting smell, or the person they want to greet, pulling has helped them get something they wanted.
Your dog also has a lot competing for their attention outdoors. Walking with you on a loose leash is a skill that takes teaching and practice. Simply going on more walks does not necessarily teach that skill.
Is your usual walk too difficult for practice?
It is easy to start training in the exact situation where you are struggling: the neighborhood route full of smells, dogs, people, and activity. But that can make it hard for your dog to focus long enough to learn something new.
When I work with owners at Follow Me K9 Training in Helena, Montana, I want to help them find a starting point where both they and their dog can succeed.
One small change to try first
Choose a quieter practice space. My favorite starting point is a big concrete area, such as a driveway or a quiet, traffic-free parking area. Grass comes with plenty of interesting smells, so I save it for when we are ready for more distractions.
That gives you a place to begin. The next part is knowing what to practice: how to build engagement, when to reward, and how to respond when your dog starts getting ahead.
What about young puppies?
Young puppies need time to sniff, explore, and discover the world. I focus on rewarding check-ins and their choice to hang out near me, rather than expecting a structured walk right away.
Letting your puppy explore does not mean letting them drag you around. If the leash goes tight, stop and wait for slack before continuing. Give them opportunities to investigate without rewarding pulling by following them.
A practical plan for your next practice session
Stand still. If your dog is constantly pulling away from you, they are not ready to walk. Mark and reward any engagement with you. Reward your dog for paying attention to you and simply hanging out with you on a loose leash. Before you move forward, your dog needs to care about where you are.
I created the Loose Leash Walking Mini Guide for owners who want clear exercises to follow with their older puppy or adult dog.
Inside, I walk you through rewarding engagement and position, using changes of direction, practicing starts and stops, and responding consistently when the leash tightens. It also includes guidance for young puppies.
Keep the guide handy while you practice so you can refer back to the steps and build on what your dog is learning.
Want help with your own dog in Helena?
If you would like someone to watch your timing and help you work through the challenges on your walks, contact Follow Me K9 Training for a free consultation. We can talk about what is happening and which training option fits your needs.
Teach, Guide, Communicate.
Johanna Kumm
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