Leash Training - How to Stop your Dog from Pulling on Walks

Does your dog take you for a walk, dragging you along the path while your arm feels like it might come out of its socket? You’re definitely not the only one. Many dog owners struggle with leash pulling, and it can turn what should be a calm, enjoyable walk into a frustrating ordeal. The good news is that leash training can be simple once you understand how your dog thinks and how to communicate with them properly.

At Bark Busters, we have helped thousands of dogs and their owners across New Zealand learn to walk together peacefully. Whether you have a strong Labrador who charges ahead, or a small terrier who thinks every scent must be chased, the same leash training principles apply.

Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

To address leash pulling, you first need to understand its underlying causes. Dogs are natural travellers. In a pack, they follow the leader, and when your dog pulls out front, they are telling you they think they’re in charge. Most owners don’t mean to teach this, but it happens easily.

For instance, if your dog rushes to the door and you follow behind, you have just confirmed that they lead the way. If they drag you down the street and still get to explore, they learn that pulling gets them what they want. Leash training reverses this thinking. You’ll be teaching your dog that the walk only moves forward when they are calm, focused, and following your direction.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Leash Training

Having the right tools makes all the difference. At Bark Busters, we recommend using a standard two-metre cotton lead and a properly fitted communication collar. Cotton leads are soft on your hands, long enough for freedom, and short enough to maintain control.

The WaggWalker® is a gentle and kind way to train your dog to walk by your side. If your dog begins to pull forward, the harness employs a zipping sound through the chain that lies across the dog's chest. This sound is used to communicate with your dog so that he learns to know exactly where you want him to walk.

Retractable leads are not suitable for leash training. They may look convenient, but they actually encourage pulling and can be dangerous. The cords can snap or burn skin, and the constant tension teaches your dog to pull harder. It also makes it difficult to regain control in an emergency, such as when another dog approaches unexpectedly.

Your dog’s collar should be snug but comfortable. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the upper part of their neck. If it’s too loose, they can slip out of it, and if it’s too tight, it will cause discomfort.

Building the Foundation for Successful Leash Training

Proper leash training is not about physically controlling your dog. It’s about teaching them to follow your lead willingly. Dogs respond to energy and body language far more than words, so your posture, tone, and confidence matter greatly.

Start each walk by calling your dog to you, rather than going to them. Have them sit calmly before you put the lead on. When you leave the house, step through the door first, and when you return, do the same. These small actions signal leadership in your dog’s mind.

Once you begin walking, keep your posture tall and relaxed. If your dog starts to pull, do not jerk or shout. Simply stop or turn in the opposite direction. Give a small tug on the lead and use a calm voice to encourage your dog to follow. When they come back beside you, praise them warmly. This is the essence of leash training. Your dog learns that following you keeps the walk moving, while pulling stops it.

Over time, your dog will start to look up at you more often, checking in naturally to see what you want next. That’s when you’ll know the leash training is working.

How to Become More Interesting Than the Distractions

The outside world is full of smells, sounds, and sights that are endlessly fascinating for dogs. Birds, other dogs, kids, or even a leaf blowing across the path can steal their attention. During leash training, your goal is to make sure your dog finds you more interesting than everything else around them.

Talk to your dog as you walk. Change your pace, turn in different directions, or stop and invite them to follow. Praise them for making eye contact or walking calmly beside you. When your dog realises that focusing on you brings fun, movement, and attention, they naturally start to tune out the distractions.

Remember that a walk should feel like a conversation between you and your dog, not a battle of strength.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Leash Training

Many dog owners unintentionally make leash training harder without realising it. The most common mistake is keeping the lead tight from start to finish. A constantly tight lead tells your dog that you’re tense and triggers their instinct to pull harder. Dogs pull against pressure. It’s just what they do.

Another mistake is allowing the dog to set the direction or pace. If your dog is leading, even by a few steps, they are calling the shots. Leash training works best when you decide when to move, stop, or turn.

The last big mistake is giving up too soon. Leash training takes consistency, calm repetition, and patience. Your dog learns through clear, steady communication, not through frustration. A few minutes of calm correction each day is far more effective than one long, stressful walk.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation Matter Too

Even the best leash training techniques won’t help if your dog has too much bottled-up energy. Dogs are born to move, explore, and think. Without enough exercise, they can become restless or hyper, which makes leash walking difficult.

Try to match your dog’s exercise needs to their breed, size, and age. Daily walks, play sessions, and mental games all help your dog stay calm and balanced. A dog who burns energy in positive ways is far easier to manage on the lead.

When your dog is both physically and mentally satisfied, leash training becomes smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

When to Call in a Leash Training Professional

Some dogs are particularly strong-willed, reactive, or easily distracted. If you’ve tried leash training on your own and still find yourself being dragged around, don’t feel discouraged. It doesn’t mean your dog is bad or untrainable. It simply means you might need some expert guidance.

At Bark Busters, we specialise in personal, in-home leash training. Our trainers come to you and work right where the problems occur, around your home and neighbourhood. This approach allows us to observe your dog’s behaviour in real-life situations and provide you with clear, practical steps to address it.

With more than three decades of experience and a proven system used worldwide, Bark Busters trainers know how to turn stressful walks into calm, enjoyable outings.

Have You Tried All Options and Your Dog is Still Pulling on the Leash?

If you’ve tried different leads, harnesses, or online tips and your dog is still pulling, it might be time for a new approach. Bark Busters has trained thousands of dogs across New Zealand who struggled with leash pulling, with outstanding long-term results.

Our training sessions are done at and near your home, in the very places where your dog shows the unwanted behaviour. This makes the training real, relevant, and immediately effective. We’ll show you how to communicate clearly with your dog so they understand what you want, without confusion or frustration.

Our expert dog trainers teach you how to become a calm, confident leader your dog wants to follow. The result is a relaxed and responsive companion who walks beside you without tension on the lead. No more pulling, no more frustration, and no more sore shoulders.

If your daily walks have become a struggle, reach out to your local Bark Busters trainer. We can help you transform the way you walk your dog with proven training methods that really work.

Leash training is about building trust and communication, not control or dominance. When you learn how your dog thinks and communicate in a way they understand, every walk becomes a shared experience. With time, consistency, and a bit of expert guidance, your dog will happily walk by your side, focused, calm, and connected to you every step of the way.