Dog Training in Westchester: How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash

If you’ve ever found yourself being dragged down the street by your dog, you’re definitely not alone! We’ve all been there, trying to enjoy a peaceful walk, only to have your dog decide that pulling on the leash is the best way to go. But don’t worry, with the right training, you can teach your dog to walk calmly by your side. In this post, we’ll show you how to stop your dog from pulling on the leash, with some helpful tips and tricks for dog training in Westchester with Hospitable Hounds in lower Westchester, NY, and Greenwich, CT.

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Leash?

Before you can stop your dog from pulling, it helps to know why they do it in the first place. Dogs pull on the leash for all kinds of reasons: they’re excited, they want to get to something, or they just haven’t learned the ropes of polite walking yet. It’s like when you’re in a rush to get somewhere and you’re trying to get your dog to move faster—well, your dog probably feels the same way when they’re pulling!

Start with laying the Foundation

As with most skills you need to teach your dog, the place to start is with laying a solid foundation.  For loose leash walking, this starts with building the concepts of Proximity and Engagement through games-based training.  It’s important to do this before you attempt to go for your first walk! 

Consistency Is Key—And Patience, Too!

Once you have a solid foundation, it’s time to get out there to practice.  Teaching your dog to stop pulling on the leash takes a little patience, but trust us, it’s totally worth it! The key is consistency and patience. Start with training walks in your back yard before moving to the front where there are more distractions, and work on these strategies:

1. Use Positive Reinforcement to Teach your dog the correct place to walk

Dogs don’t come programmed on how to walk nicely on a leash, and since they naturally walk faster than humans it takes a lot of self-control to stay close and not pull.  Positive reinforcement helps your dog learn value for walking calmly by your side.  Start by luring your dog into place by your side, and feed them for staying in the right position.   Start to walk at a normal pace while you praise and feed your dog often for staying by your side.  Gradually reduce the number of food rewards and move to an intermittent reward system as needed to remind your dog that the value is by your side.  

2. Practice Loose-Leash Walking 

One of the biggest reasons dogs pull is because they find it successful!  When they pull, they get to what they want and that only serves to reinforce the behavior.  Therefore, it’s important to teach your dog that pulling doesn’t work and that when they feel tension from pulling, it’s time to check in with you.  To begin, start walking and allow your dog to get out in front of you.  After a few steps, stop walking and when your dog starts pulling, stand still and wait for them to look back at you.  As soon as they do, give them lots of praise and offer them a reward by your side so they have to return to you. Over time, they’ll learn that pulling on the leash means it’s time to get back in position.

3. Start, Stop, Change Direction 

Teach your dog to stick with you and look to you for guidance throughout the walk by being unpredictable.  Start walking and after a few steps stop abruptly and change direction.   If your dog isn’t focused on you, they will get a natural minor leash correction that will remind them to check in with you.  When they turn and start coming with you, give lots of praise and reward them at your side.  Repeat this in a zigzag pattern and your dog will soon be following your every move! 

4. Use the Right Gear 

Sometimes, all it takes is the right equipment! If you have a dog that pulls, it’s important not to use a collar as this not only limits your control but puts significant pressure on your dog’s neck and throat which can cause serious physical harm over time.  In addition, choke or prong collars can be painful and aversive which will damage your relationship with your dog and not teach them anything.  For most dogs, using a harness is recommended.  However, be sure to find one that includes a leash attachment ring in the front.  Attaching the leash in front of their chest makes it harder for your dog to pull and gives you more control, whereas a harness that clips on your dog’s back encourages pulling.   In addition, it’s important that your dog’s harness fits properly. Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and some harnesses may not be right for your dog’s body.  Make sure you get one that fits properly and is comfortable for your dog!

5. Stay Calm and Be Patient

Training takes time, and your dog’s skills will vary depending on the distractions you encounter.  The key is to stay patient and calm. Dogs pick up on your energy, so if you’re frustrated, they might get frustrated, too! Keep your training sessions short, positive, and fun, and your dog will start catching on. Consistency is the secret ingredient here—every time you practice, you’ll both get better!

Get Help From a Professional Westchester Dog Trainer

With a little bit of patience and the right techniques, you can teach your dog to walk nicely on a leash and make your walks much more enjoyable. If you’re having trouble teaching your dog to master this essential skill, make sure to seek out the help of a professional dog trainer so you can achieve the dream of stress-free walks with your dog. Hospitable Hounds dog training, servicing lower Westchester, NY, and Greenwich, CT, makes dog training fun and effective. Whether you’re dealing with leash pulling or other common behavior issues, our certified professional trainer is here to help. She’ll work with you to create a personalized training plan that’s perfect for your dog’s needs. Plus, the focus is on positive reinforcement techniques that strengthen the bond between you and your pup, making each walk an enjoyable experience.  Contact Liz at Hospitable Hounds and let’s start making your dog owning dreams a reality!