Leash Pulling 101: Why Dogs Do It, Common Mistakes, and How to Fix It
Does your daily walk feel more like a tug-of-war? Whether your dog is a pint-sized powerhouse darting underfoot or a big breed nearly yanking you off your feet, leash pulling is a struggle many dog owners know all too well. And while it might seem like your dog is just a little too eager for adventure, chronic leash pulling can lead to real problems—not just for your patience, but for your dog’s health, too. Constant tension on the leash can contribute to neck strain, tracheal damage, and even shoulder and chest injuries.
So, why do dogs pull on the leash? The answer is simpler than you might think: because it works. When your dog pulls, they move forward. It’s as straightforward as that. Pulling gets them closer to where they want to go—so they keep doing it.
The good news? Understanding the simplicity behind the behavior is the first step toward fixing it. And in this post, we’ll break down the three biggest mistakes owners make when trying to stop leash pulling—and what you can do instead to turn those tug-of-war walks into a smooth, enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
Mistake #1 - Rewarding the Behavior
One of the biggest mistakes owners make when trying to stop leash pulling is unknowingly rewarding the behavior. It may seem counterintuitive—after all, you’re not handing out treats when your dog drags you down the street—but the reward isn’t always obvious.
Think about it: when your dog pulls on the leash, what usually happens? They get to move forward. They sniff that interesting patch of grass. They greet that person or dog they’re excited to see. In your dog’s mind, pulling equals progress. Every step they take while pulling is a reward for their efforts.
To put it simply, if pulling gets them what they want, they’ll keep doing it. This is why dogs often seem oblivious to our attempts to slow them down—they’re laser-focused on the prize, and pulling is their ticket to get there faster.
The key to breaking this habit is to stop reinforcing it. This means becoming consistent about what happens when the leash tightens. We do this by teaching dogs to come back to us when they feel pressure on the leash, not keep pulling in the opposite direction.
Next, we’ll talk about another common mistake that makes leash pulling even worse: using tools that make it difficult to communicate with your dog.
Mistake #2 - Using Tools That Make Communication Difficult
When it comes to leash training, the tools you choose can make or break your progress. While there’s a time and place for most of the equipment on the market, certain tools can actually encourage pulling rather than prevent it. Let’s break down the three most common culprits:
1. Harnesses
Harnesses were originally designed to help dogs pull efficiently—think sled dogs or working breeds that need to haul weight. Even front-clip harnesses, which are marketed as anti-pull solutions, often offer limited control. While some owners report mild success, these harnesses still encourage forward momentum, making it tough to truly stop pulling. Worse yet, prolonged use of harnesses can contribute to chest and shoulder strain, exacerbating the very problems you’re trying to solve.
2. Flexi Leashes
Flexi leashes might seem convenient, but they’re one of the worst choices for a pulling dog. Why? They create constant tension on the leash, which teaches your dog that pulling is just part of the walk. The very design of a Flexi leash prevents your dog from understanding the concept of leash pressure—there’s always resistance, even when they aren’t actively pulling. This steady tension reinforces the idea that pulling is normal, making it nearly impossible to teach proper leash manners.
3. Flat Collars
Flat collars are the go-to for many dog owners, but most dogs are not that sensitive to them, and dogs often quickly learn that pulling hard against them gets them closer to where they want to go. They also come with their own set of issues. When a dog pulls against a flat collar, all that pressure is concentrated on a small area of their neck. Over time, this can lead to neck strain, tracheal damage, and even long-term health issues. While they may seem like a gentle option, they’re anything but if your dog is a chronic puller.
So, What Works Better?
The tool we recommend to our clients for solving leash pulling is the prong collar. Before you scroll past, hear me out—when used correctly, prong collars are incredibly effective. They are designed to distribute pressure evenly around your dog’s neck, mimicking the natural corrections dogs understand from their mothers or pack leaders. They provide clear, gentle communication that helps your dog understand leash pressure without the risk of injury that harnesses or flat collars can cause.
If you’re unsure about prong collars or want to learn more about how to use them safely and effectively, check out our recent post where we break it all down.
Up next, we’ll talk about the final mistake that keeps leash pulling going strong: using only tools without training.
Mistake #3 - Using Only Tools without Training
It’s easy to think that the right tool alone can solve your dog’s leash-pulling habits. You pick up a prong collar or any other tool, clip it on, and expect your dog to walk perfectly by your side. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. While the right equipment can make a world of difference, tools are only as effective as the training that goes with them.
Think of it this way: giving a person a top-of-the-line camera doesn’t automatically make them a professional photographer. They need to learn how to use it—how to adjust the settings, frame a shot, and work with lighting. The same goes for leash training. A prong collar or slip lead can be incredibly effective for communicating with your dog, but without proper guidance, your dog won’t understand what you’re asking of them.
The key to success is training your dog to understand leash pressure and responsiveness. This means teaching them that when they feel tension on the leash, the right response is to back off, not forge ahead. It also means being consistent with your cues and expectations. Simply strapping on a new tool without that foundational training is like expecting a child to drive a car without a single lesson—it’s unrealistic and potentially dangerous.
If you’re using tools without reinforcing proper behavior through training, you’re missing the most crucial part of the equation. The goal isn’t just to manage pulling; it’s to teach your dog how to walk politely on a leash. That way, no matter what tool you use—or even if you eventually decide to walk with just a leash and flat collar—your dog understands how to behave.
What to Do Instead: Step-by-Step Strategies to Transform Your Daily Walks
Now that you understand the common mistakes that keep leash pulling alive—rewarding the behavior, using the wrong equipment, and relying on tools without training—it’s time to dive into practical strategies that truly work. Here’s a step-by-step guide to transform your daily walks:
Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment
The first step is setting yourself up for success with the right gear. For chronic pullers, we recommend a prong collar properly fitted to your dog’s neck. Unlike harnesses or flat collars, prong collars distribute pressure evenly, allowing for clear communication without causing harm. If you’re hesitant or unsure about how to fit and use one correctly, we have a detailed post to get you started.
Step 2: Teach Leash Pressure Basics
Before you even hit the sidewalk, spend time teaching your dog the concept of leash pressure. In a quiet area, put your dog on a short leash and gently apply pressure. The moment your dog moves toward you, immediately reward them by releasing the tension and giving them praise. This simple exercise helps them understand that slack in the leash is the desired state.
Repeat this for a few minutes each day until your dog consistently responds to leash pressure. This foundation is critical—it teaches your dog that pulling won’t get them where they want to go, but releasing tension will.
Step 3: Teach Your Dog to Heel
Once your dog is reliably responding to leash pressure and walking with slack in the line, it’s time to step up your expectations by introducing the heel command. This is where you begin to define exactly where you want your dog to walk—right by your side, not ahead of you.
Set the Boundary: Imagine an invisible line extending from your knees. This is your dog’s new walking zone—anything beyond that is off-limits.
Start Moving & Name the Behavior: Begin walking and confidently say, “Heel.” Keep your movements steady and assertive.
Correct When Necessary: If your dog starts to surge ahead or drift out of position, immediately correct the behavior. You can do this by:
Giving a quick leash pop to remind them of their place.
Turning in the opposite direction to break their focus and re-establish control.
Spinning into them (a quick pivot where you step into their space) to disrupt their forward momentum.
Reward the Right Position: When your dog is walking calmly at your side, praise them and occasionally reward with a treat. Make sure they understand that staying in heel position is exactly what you want.
Introduce a Release Command: Your dog should remain in the heel position until you release them. Choose a specific word like “Break” or “Free” to let them know when they’re allowed to relax. This helps your dog understand that the walk is structured until you decide otherwise.
Why This Works:
The heel command teaches your dog that walking calmly by your side is non-negotiable, not just a suggestion. When you add in structured boundaries and clear expectations, your dog starts to understand that lunging ahead is not an option—and they begin to look to you for direction, not just the sights and smells around them.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Walks—Starting Today
Leash pulling doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle. By understanding why your dog pulls, avoiding common mistakes, and following a structured training plan, you can turn chaotic walks into calm, enjoyable experiences for both you and your dog.
Remember: the right equipment, clear communication, and consistent training are the keys to success. It’s not about managing the problem—it’s about teaching your dog how to walk with you, not against you.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards stress-free walks, start applying these strategies today. And if you’re in the San Diego area and want more guidance, tips, and personalized support, reach out to us! Let’s make every walk a walk in the park.
