Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash 2025: Vet Training Guide 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Walks should be fun—not a daily game of tug-of-war. If your dog pulls like a sled dog the second you step outside, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s fixable.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Let’s walk through the real reasons dogs pull, why it’s a health risk, and how to train your dog to walk calmly by your side.

🚶♂️ Why Dogs Pull on the Leash

• They naturally walk faster than humans
• They’re excited by smells, sights, or other dogs
• They’ve learned that pulling gets them where they want faster
• They’re under-exercised or overstimulated

⚠️ Why Pulling Is a Problem

• Increases the risk of injury to your dog’s neck, trachea, or spine (especially with collars)
• Harder to control around roads, people, or other animals
• Causes frustration for both dog and owner—hurts your bond

✅ Tools to Help Stop Pulling

1. Front-Clip Harness

• Redirects your dog’s movement when they pull
• Designed to reduce pressure and support leash training

2. Short, Comfortable Leash

• A 1.2m–1.5m (4–5ft) leash gives control without tension
• Avoid retractable leashes during training

3. High-Value Treats or Toys

• Use rewards to reinforce calm walking and check-ins

🎯 Training Steps to Stop Leash Pulling

Step 1: Teach “Red Light, Green Light”

• If your dog pulls—STOP walking
• Only move forward when the leash is loose
• Consistency is key—every step matters

Step 2: Reward for “Check-Ins”

• Mark and reward every time your dog looks back at you
• Encourages attention and reinforces walking near you

Step 3: Change Direction Often

• Turn suddenly and walk the opposite way if they surge ahead
• Teaches your dog to stay focused on your movements

Step 4: Practice in Low-Distraction Environments

• Start indoors, then graduate to quiet streets before busy parks

🧠 What NOT to Do

• Don’t jerk or yank the leash
• Don’t use choke or prong collars—they can cause pain and worsen behavior
• Don’t let pulling “sometimes” work—be consistent!

🐾 Realistic Expectations

• Puppies and high-energy breeds may need weeks of practice
• Practice in short sessions daily (5–15 minutes is enough)

🔗 Support from Ask A Vet

• Ask A Vet – Chat with a vet about leash-pulling, training tools, or behavior challenges

📋 Summary Excerpt

Leash pulling is one of the most common (and fixable) dog behavior problems. A vet explains why it happens and gives a step-by-step guide to better walks.

❓ FAQs

• Q: Is it better to use a collar or a harness for pulling?
  A: A front-clip harness is safer and more effective. Collars can cause neck damage when dogs pull.
• Q: How long does it take to stop leash pulling?
  A: With consistency, most dogs improve in 2–4 weeks. High-energy dogs may take longer.
• Q: Should I hire a trainer?
  A: If your dog is reactive or difficult to control, a force-free trainer can speed up results and help keep walks safe.