How to Teach Loose Leash Walking Step by Step

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Walking with a dog who pulls is no fun for anyone. The good news is that loose leash walking is a skill, and with consistency, nearly every dog can learn it.

Why dogs pull

Dogs walk faster than humans, they are excited and pulling usually gets them where they want to go. Each time a tight leash leads to a sniff, a squirrel or another dog, pulling is rewarded. Our job is to change what works.

Equipment

• A flat collar or a well-fitted harness. See best harnesses for dogs that pull
• A standard 4 to 6 foot leash. See choosing a dog training leash
• Small, tasty treats in a pouch. See choosing a treat pouch

Avoid retractable leashes, which teach dogs that pulling extends the lead.

The principle

Reward your dog for being near you with a slack leash. If the leash goes tight, stop moving or change direction. Your dog learns that a loose lead keeps the walk moving.

Step 1: Start indoors

Stand still with your dog on leash. Reward your dog for being at your side. Take a step, reward. Take two steps, reward.

Step 2: Reward position

Hold treats at your side, and give them to your dog when your dog is in the right place. Say a marker word at the moment of success. See marker words in dog training.

Step 3: Stop when the leash tightens

If your dog pulls, stop walking. Wait for the leash to slacken, either because your dog turns to look at you or steps back. Mark and reward, and then continue.

Step 4: Change direction

If your dog drifts ahead, turn and walk the other way. Reward when your dog catches up. This teaches your dog to pay attention to your movements.

Step 5: Use real-life rewards

Let your dog sniff a bush or greet a friendly dog when walking nicely. Releasing your dog to the reward after a stretch of loose leash walking makes the whole walk part of training.

Step 6: Practice

Move to the garden, quiet streets and then busier places. Increase distractions slowly. See how to proof your dog's training around distractions.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog pulls constantly. Increase the rate of reward, and train in quieter places.
• Your dog is too excited. Exercise first, and start at a distance from triggers.
• Your dog lunges at things. See how to walk a reactive dog.
• Your dog stops and refuses. Check for fear or discomfort.

What not to do

• Do not jerk or yank the leash.
• Do not use choke or prong collars. See prong collars explained.
• Do not give up on training and let your dog pull sometimes.

Heel versus loose leash

Heel is a precise position. Loose leash walking is a relaxed walk. See how to teach heel.

Related guides

• How to stop a dog pulling on the leash
• Head halters explained

Training walks versus exercise walks

Teach loose leash walking on short, dedicated training walks, in addition to your normal exercise. Give your dog plenty of off-leash or long-line time for running and sniffing, so they are not frustrated by slow walking. Over time, the two can merge as your dog learns.

Leash handling

Hold the leash in both hands, with a relaxed grip, and avoid pulling back. Keep your arms still, so your body does not signal tension. Dogs notice tightness, and relaxed handling helps them relax too.

Sniffing as a reward

Sniffing is how dogs read the world. Let your dog sniff on a loose leash, perhaps with a cue such as "go sniff". It gives mental stimulation and a reason to walk calmly in between.

The takeaway

Reward the slack leash, stop when it tightens and practice everywhere. Walks become a pleasure.