Free Tips to Stop a Puppy From Pulling on the Leash

In this Omaha puppy training session, we worked with Super Pugger, a 10-month-old Pug. Super Pugger pulls on his leash and reacts to other dogs he sees while walking.

We shared many tricks to stop a puppy from pulling on the leash and help his reactivity.

How to Stop a Puppy From Pulling on the Leash

I was pleasantly surprised by how much structure was in place. Usually I spend the first half of my sessions explaining how important structure is and how to achieve it. But since the guardians were doing such a great job with that, I didn’t have to spell it all out for them.

I shared tips on petting with a purpose, passive training, and dog communication. After that we were ready to talk about common dog behavior issues with Super Pugger. These include pulling on the leash, leash manners, and walking behavior.

To stop a puppy from pulling on the leash and reduce reactivity in dogs, one key approach is to use a properly fitted martingale collar, especially for breeds like pugs that have breathing challenges with regular collars.

A structured walk is important for managing a dog’s behavior. Setting rules can help. Keep a consistent position and hold the leash with a relaxed arm. Avoid letting your dog sniff or mark during walks.

These steps can help reinforce calmness and focus. When dogs see distractions like other dogs, you can help by moving away.

You can also turn around to redirect your dog. This can stop any bad reactions. Additionally, teaching a dog to sit and focus on the owner during walks helps build attention and reduces impulsivity.

It also helps to teach a puppy to go to the heel position. This is when they stand or sit on their owner’s left side. Their front paws are usually just behind the owner’s heels. When the owner is stationary, the dog should sit calmly, and when the owner moves, the dog should match their pace.

The main goal is to help the dog understand their role. The guardian should lead and make decisions. This way, walks can be fun and less stressful.

Regular desensitization practices can help. For example, put the leash on without going for a walk right away. This can reduce excitement and frustration. It makes the dog more cooperative.

Why Practice Loose Leash Training?

This training takes time and practice. I recommended the guardians set up a loose leash training session with one of our excellent trainers. This way they can show them all the positive leash training methods.

We enjoy teaching a puppy to walk in a heel. It is especially fun with motivated and skilled humans like her guardians.

If your dog pulls on the leash during walks, we have a solution. Our Loose Leash Walking program is easy and effective. Using modern, positive reinforcement techniques, the program motivates your dog to walk calmly beside you without pulling.

Unlike outdated punishment-based methods (such as prong collars or shock collars), this approach avoids stress and aggression. The program starts by teaching your dog the exercise in a quiet place, like your living room. This helps your dog learn faster. Then, it progresses to more distracting settings, ensuring long-term success and a more enjoyable walk for both you and your dog.

To help the guardians remember all the dog behavior tips I shared in this in home dog training appointment, we shot a roadmap to success video. You can check it out below.