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How to Train Your Dog Not to Pull When Walking

By Pawform Editorial Team · Updated July 13, 2026 · 5 min read

Understanding the Pulling Problem

Training your dog not to pull when walking is essential for both your safety and your dog’s enjoyment. Pulling can lead to accidents, discomfort, and frustration. It’s crucial to understand why your dog pulls; often, they are excited, eager to explore their environment, or simply have learned that pulling gets them where they want to go faster. The good news is that with patience and the right techniques, you can teach your dog to walk calmly by your side.

Step 1: Use the Right Equipment

Before starting training, ensure you have the right equipment:

• Harness: Choose a front-clip harness that discourages pulling without causing discomfort.
• Leash: Opt for a standard six-foot leash that allows for control without giving your dog too much freedom to roam.

Having proper equipment sets your dog up for success from the beginning of your training.

Step 2: Teach Basic Commands

Training your dog basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can be incredibly beneficial. These commands help build your dog’s focus and responsiveness to your cues. Incorporating these commands can provide a solid foundation before focusing specifically on walking behavior.

1. Sit: When your dog pulls, stop walking and ask them to sit. Wait for them to calm down before rewarding them with a treat and continuing your walk.
2. Stay: This command can be useful for steadying your dog during challenging situations, like when you encounter other people or dogs.
3. Come: If your dog starts to wander or pull, calling them back to your side can redirect their focus.

You can find more information on teaching basic commands here.

Step 3: Start with Short Training Sessions

For effective training, keep sessions short and engaging:

• Time: Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, gradually increasing time as your dog improves.
• Place: Choose a quiet area with few distractions to begin your training.

During these sessions, reward your dog whenever they walk without pulling. Use treats or praise to reinforce their good behavior.

Step 4: The “Stop and Go” Method

The “Stop and Go” method is an effective way to teach your dog to stick by your side without pulling:

1. Begin Walking: Start walking and begin moving forward.
2. When Your Dog Pulls: When you feel tension in the leash, immediately stop walking. It’s important to be patient here and wait for your dog to come back to your side (or at least reduce the tension).
3. Reinforce Good Behavior: Once the leash is slack, or your dog is by your side, reward them with treats and praises, then resume walking.

This technique helps your dog understand that pulling will not get them anywhere.

Step 5: Use Treats Effectively

Using treats to your advantage can enhance your training. Carry small, tasty treats with you on walks:

• Treat When Close: Whenever your dog is walking calmly next to you, offer them a treat. This reinforces the desired behavior.
• Use Lure and Reward: If your dog starts to pull, hold a treat close to your side. As they get close to it, reward them for coming back.

For a deeper understanding of using treats effectively, check out our guide on how to stop a dog from barking.

Step 6: Introduce Distractions Gradually

Once your dog starts to excel at walking calmly in a low-distraction environment:

• Change Environments: Gradually introduce your dog to busier areas.
• Stay Calm: Keep your own energy calm; dogs can pick up on your emotions.
• Practice Patience: Be prepared for more pulling and distractions as environments become more stimulating and continue to reinforce calm behavior.

This step will help your dog generalize their training across various environments.

Step 7: Incorporate Brain Games Before Walks

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated can greatly improve their behavior during walks. Consider incorporating some brain games:

• Puzzle Toys: Use toys that require your dog to figure out how to get a treat.
• Hide and Seek: Hide treats around your home or yard and encourage your dog to find them.
• Training Games: Integrate commands you’ve practiced into fun games.

For more comprehensive games, check out Brain Training for Dogs which offers a variety of activities that improve obedience and reduce problem behaviors.

Step 8: Consistency Is Key

Consistency is vital in reinforcing good behavior when walking your dog:

• Daily Practice: Incorporate training into your daily walks. Make short sessions a routine.
• Family Involvement: Ensure everyone in your household is on the same page and uses the same commands and techniques.
• Regular Reviews: If progress seems to plateau, take a step back and reinforce the basics again.

Conclusion

Training your dog not to pull when walking takes time, patience, and consistency. By employing positive reinforcement techniques and being diligent in your training, you can transform walks from a struggle into a delightful bonding experience. Remember to celebrate every success along the way, and use training sessions to build a trusting relationship with your pup. You’ll both enjoy the journey together!