Why Your Dog Pulls on Walks and How to Fix It
I recently had someone reach out, frustrated because their dog constantly pulls and drags them everywhere on walks. The pulling was so intense that their dog’s breathing would become laboured. In an attempt to fix the problem, they switched to using a harness, hoping it would stop the pulling, but it didn’t.
This is a common struggle for many dog owners, and it often begins when a dog pulls towards something, whether it’s a tree, the front gate, another dog, or a person, and the owner unknowingly reinforces the behaviour by allowing it.
In this discussion, we’re going to explore why dogs pull in the first place, how this behaviour escalates over time, and, most importantly, how to address it through proper training and a better understanding of your dog’s needs.
How It All Begins
A dog’s behaviour is simple: they repeat actions that bring pleasant feelings and avoid those that don’t. On walks, dogs find joy in sniffing, peeing on trees, and interacting with people or other dogs.
Here’s how pulling starts from your dog’s perspective:
• The Desire: Your dog sees or smells something—like a tree—and decides they want to get to it.
• Encountering Resistance: As they move towards their goal, the leash creates resistance. Instead of stopping, the dog leans into the leash and pulls harder, hoping to overcome the obstacle.
• Success Through Pulling: When you give in and allow the dog to reach their target, they learn that pulling harder gets results.
This single event teaches your dog that leash resistance can be overcome. With each success, they build more hope and persistence for the next time.
Why It Gets Worse
Over time, most owners reach a breaking point. They decide, “Enough is enough. This time, I’m not letting my dog pull.” However, this can unintentionally escalate the problem:
• Increased Resistance: The dog encounters prolonged resistance on the leash. Remembering that pulling has worked in the past, they try harder.
• Escalation: The dog pulls so hard that their breathing becomes laboured from the collar pressure. Concerned, the owner gives in, unintentionally rewarding the dog’s persistence.
This cycle teaches your dog that persistence pays off, even if it means pulling harder and longer. Over time, this leads to frustration for the owner and excessive hope (and strength) in the dog.
Why Harnesses Won’t Solve the Problem
When pulling becomes unbearable, many owners turn to harnesses or anti-pull devices, hoping to manage the issue. But here’s why this isn’t a long-term solution:
• Harnesses Encourage Pulling: Harnesses were originally designed for pulling activities, like sledding. They distribute pressure across the chest, making it comfortable for dogs to pull.
• Limited Control: A leash clipped to a harness gives you less control over your dog’s movements.
• Temporary Fix: Tools like harnesses, no-pull devices, or head halters only manage pulling—they don’t address its root cause. Once your dog is back on a regular collar, the pulling resumes.
While it’s understandable to want to reduce neck pressure, relying on these tools doesn’t solve the problem.
The Solution: Training and Understanding
To stop pulling, you must change how your dog perceives leash resistance. Training is the key to addressing the issue at its core.
• Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling to address pulling on your own, working with a professional dog trainer can be invaluable. A trainer can provide tailored techniques to suit your dog’s specific needs and help you build a stronger foundation for success.The sooner the issue is addressed, the sooner both you and your dog will be happier.
• Practice at Home First: Start by practising loose-leash walking in controlled environments like your backyard, front yard, or even indoors. If you and your dog can’t achieve success at home, you’re unlikely to succeed on the street with distractions.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward successful loose-leash walking with praise and food. If your dog makes a mistake, avoid punishment. Instead, calmly guide them back on track. Punishment increases the risk of your dog associating unpleasant feelings with you, making them less eager to engage or stay close.
• Proper Tools: Use a collar and an appropriate-length leash alongside training methods that give you control without encouraging pulling. Avoid harnesses designed for pulling.
• Consistency and Patience: Breaking the pulling habit takes time. Stay consistent, and with practice, your dog will learn to walk calmly by your side.
Final Thoughts
Pulling on the leash isn’t just frustrating—it’s unsafe for both you and your dog. While harnesses or anti-pull devices might seem like quick fixes, they won’t address the underlying issue.
Through training and a better understanding of their dog’s needs, the owner I mentioned at the start of this discussion was able to address the excess pulling. With patience and consistency, they transformed their walks into enjoyable, stress-free experiences.
Only through intentional training and understanding can you teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash. By taking these steps, you too can achieve the same positive results.