Do your daily walks feel more like a tug of war than a peaceful stroll? You’re not alone. Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a loose lead is one of the most common challenges dog owners face, but with a little patience and consistency, it’s completely achievable.

Why Loose Lead Walking Matters

Before diving into training, it’s important to understand why loose lead walking matters. It greatly improves safety, as a dog that pulls could lunge into traffic, trip you up, or become tangled. It enhances enjoyment, turning stressful walks into calm, pleasant outings. It strengthens your bond with your dog by encouraging trust and communication.

Step by step training plan 

Step 1: Choose Your Side

Decide which side you’d like your dog to walk on, left or right is fine, just stick with it. You’re not aiming for a formal “heel”, just for your dog to walk without pulling.

Step 2: Start Somewhere Quiet

Begin training indoors or in the garden where there are few distractions. Take a few steps with your dog beside you, if they stay with you and the lead stays loose, mark it with a clicker or say “yes”, then give a treat.

Why? This helps your dog understand what’s expected in a calm environment.

Step 3: Be a Tree

If your dog starts pulling, simply stop walking. Don’t yank the lead, just become a tree. Wait for your dog to stop pulling, even if only slightly. Once the lead goes slack, continue walking.

Why it works: Your dog learns that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere, only a loose lead allows progress.

Step 4: Reward Good Choices

Any time your dog is walking nicely by your side, especially if they check in with you, reward them. In the early stages, this might mean a treat every few steps. Gradually reduce the frequency as they improve.

Pro tip: Use praise too, a cheerful “good dog!” goes a long way.

Step 5: Change Direction Often

If your dog surges ahead, calmly turn and walk the other way. No need to scold, just change direction and reward them when they follow.

Why? This reminds your dog that they need to pay attention to where you’re going, not the other way around.

Step 6: Add in Distractions Slowly

Once your dog is getting the hang of things in a quiet area, start practising in slightly more distracting places, the park, pavements, or quiet streets. Gradually increase difficulty as your dog progresses. Keep sessions short and end on a positive note.

Step 7: Stay Consistent

Every walk is part of the training. If you sometimes allow pulling (because you’re in a rush or tired), your dog will learn that pulling sometimes works, which makes the habit harder to break. Stay consistent. If you don’t have time to train, consider doing a quick play session in the garden instead of a walk.

Common Issues & Quick Fixes

- Overexcited dog? Let them have a run around or a quick game before walking to burn off steam.
- Loses focus? Use tastier treats, or go back to a quieter setting.
- Lead reactivity? If your dog reacts to people or other dogs, you’ll need to work on that separately before expecting them to walk calmly past triggers.

Final thoughts

Loose lead walking isn’t about control, it’s about communication and trust. With the right techniques and a little consistency, your dog will learn that walking beside you is rewarding and enjoyable. Eventually, those stressful walks will be replaced by calm, cooperative ones, giving you both the chance to enjoy your time outdoors together.