When we first get a dog we dream of walking side by side, them looking up at us lovingly and us looking at them, so proud. That dream is swiftly shattered when we first take our dogs outside. You take that first step and watch your arm very quickly extend to an unnatural length as you are suddenly dragged down the street.
Loose leash walking (also known as loose lead walking) takes patience and time, but it is not impossible, and it can be done at any age.
When I first got Archie he was a 1-year-old teenage dog who had no idea how to walk on a lead. Our first walks were a tug of war and not enjoyable, well at least not for me. Obviously being a trainer I had to have that perfect dog that always walked well, and that is what we did achieve.
You will be building a new focus: you! We often think that our dogs should always think we are the best thing since sliced ham to them. Well sorry to break it to you, but when we take them out for THEIR walk we just don’t cut it. Unless you have built a strong reinforcement history with you, making you exciting and fun.
Loose leash dog training is an essential skill that helps build a positive and cooperative relationship between you and your dog. Using positive reinforcement methods not only makes training more effective but also deepens the connection you share. It is also a fundamental need for effectively walking down a busy footpath.
🐾 What Is Loose Leash Walking?
Loose leash walking means both parties should have all feet on the ground and humans to have their arms still attached. All jokes aside, loose lead dog walking for me is when there is what I call a smile in the lead — a smile between human and dog. Basically, some slack in the lead that looks like a smile. Now this will be dependent on the length of lead you have so let’s talk about that.
How Long Should My Lead Be?
Choosing the right lead for you and your dog can make all the difference in your loose leash training.
When choosing a lead, you want to take into consideration the length of your dog. Say for example you have a Labrador, the length from their neck to their tail could be between 55–80cm. Now if you have a lead that is only 1.5 metres, if your dog walks not even half a body length in front of you, the lead will be tight. That really does not give the dog much lead to do what they need to do.
You want to start with a lead that is at least 3 metres in length and not the retractable ones. Don’t get me started on those…
Having a lead that has enough length to allow your dog to sniff and engage with their environment helps stop your dog from pulling on the lead.
✅ Why Choose Positive Reinforcement?
Why not I say!! What animal does not respond to being positively reinforced? Where people might argue is when it doesn’t work for them. When this happens we have to look at the why.
That why can be due to where you are doing the training. Is it too distracting for them? Are there other dogs around, is it very noisy, is there a lot of visual distractions?
Maybe the food isn’t that reinforcing for them? Kibble will not cut it. You are competing with the environment which is WAY more reinforcing.
Are you trying to train your dog when they are already hyper excited for the walk? If this is the case, then you need to work with the prediction first — building calm when walking equipment is presented.
🐕 Step-by-Step Guide to Loose Leash Walking
1. Start Indoors in a Distraction-Free Environment
Working to change any behaviour in the environment it happens will always set you and your dog up to fail. Begin your leash training in a quiet area such as inside the house or backyard.
2. Use High-Value Treats
As already mentioned, kibble won’t cut it. Find what actually reinforces them. This will make your dog training lead walking sessions far more successful.
3. Find the Best Food Delivery Method
This is often missed. Some dogs prefer to catch food, others like it tossed on the ground. Some might prefer a squeeze bottle. Let your dog tell you what works.
4. Reward Desired Behaviours Immediately
Condition a marker word like “yes”. When starting loose lead training, mark and reward the moment your dog follows you on lead. Keep sessions short and successful.
5. If Possible, Avoid Them Pulling
If your dog pulls on the lead, try avoiding that situation altogether while training. Use a separate harness for walks and dog pulling on leash training on its own.
6. Gradually Increase Distractions
Start inside, then your front yard, then quieter streets. When your dog is walking with a loose lead for 10–15 metres, begin introducing more complex environments.
🧠 Tips for Success
- Lower your expectations: Your dog is guided by their nose. We often restrict their natural behaviour without showing them what we want.
- Consistency is key: You are competing against a history of pulling that’s been reinforced before.
- Short sessions: Keep it simple — 2-minute blocks with a play break.
- Patience and praise: Celebrate small wins in loose leash dog training.
🚫 Avoid Punishment
Using punishment may stop the behaviour temporarily, but it doesn’t teach your dog what to do. Slip leads and choke chains may suppress the behaviour, but once removed, your dog pulling on a leash will likely return.
💬 Final Thoughts
Loose leash walking is hard for both dog and owner. It causes frustration for both ends of the lead. The dream of having a dog walk nicely next to you is possible when done in the right way.
Building that relationship between dog and caregiver is such a magical thing — and it can be done in a way that’s fun for both ends of the lead.
Remember: dogs are just being dogs in our human world. It’s up to us to guide them.
Yes, they will get it wrong and they will annoy you — stamp your feet, have a glass of wine, and look at them. That look of love they give you will always melt the frustration away.
Enjoy your furry friends, and if you’re looking for more specialised guidance on how to stop your dog pulling on his lead, get in touch.
🐾 Frequently Asked Questions About Loose Leash Walking
Why does my dog pull on the lead?
Dogs that pull on lead are often excited, curious, or haven’t been properly trained to walk calmly. Pulling can also be a learned behaviour if it’s been accidentally reinforced. Loose leash training helps your dog understand that walking beside you leads to rewards and freedom.
How do I stop my dog from pulling on his lead?
To stop your dog pulling on the lead, start by training in a low-distraction environment. Use high-value treats, keep your sessions short, and reward your dog for walking beside you with a loose leash. Avoid pulling back or using punishment, which can increase frustration and confusion.
What is loose leash walking?
Loose leash walking means your dog walks beside you without pulling, leaving some slack or “smile” in the lead. It’s a core behaviour that makes walking enjoyable for both dog and handler. It’s also known as loose lead dog walking or loose leash dog training.
What’s the best lead for leash training?
For effective loose lead training, avoid short or retractable leads. A 3-metre fixed-length lead is best. It allows your dog to sniff and explore without creating constant tension, reducing the urge to pull.
Can older dogs learn loose lead walking?
Yes! You can teach loose lead walking at any age. While older dogs may have stronger pulling habits, positive reinforcement and consistent practice will help them learn new behaviours. Just go slowly and be patient.
How long does leash training take?
There’s no set timeline, but most dogs start showing improvement within 1–2 weeks of regular, short sessions. If your dog already has a history of pulling on the leash, it may take longer. The key is consistency, motivation, and starting in the right environment.
Is punishment effective for dogs that pull on the lead?
Using punishment (e.g. choke chains, leash pops) may stop pulling temporarily but does not teach your dog what to do. It can damage trust and cause fear. Loose leash dog training using rewards and clear communication builds a lasting bond and better behaviour.
