By Justin Jordan | Updated 17 October 2026
A walk should be something you both look forward to. If your dog has other ideas and you spend the whole outing hanging onto the lead, it can become frustrating very quickly. The good news is that loose lead walking is a skill we can teach, one manageable step at a time.
Why does my dog pull on the lead?
The world outside is interesting. Dogs may pull towards smells, people, other dogs or a favourite destination. If pulling regularly gets them there, it can become part of how they walk.
Pulling can also happen when a dog is worried, frustrated or overwhelmed. That needs a different response from a simple lesson in walking beside you. A dog trying to escape something frightening needs space and support, not an argument over lead tension.
Before you start
- Choose well-fitted, comfortable equipment and a fixed-length lead suited to your dog. Check clips, stitching and fit before heading out.
- Bring small rewards your dog enjoys. Allow for these in their daily food intake.
- Start somewhere quiet, such as a secure yard or inside the house.
- Choose a short session when you have time to practise. Trying to teach a new skill while rushing rarely helps.
A suitable harness can help protect the neck of a dog who pulls. Have it fitted properly and introduce it gradually. Equipment helps with management, but it does not teach the behaviour on its own. Our collar-fit guide covers another useful safety check.
Teach loose lead walking in small steps
1. Make being near you worthwhile
Stand quietly with your dog beside you. When they choose to look towards you or settle in a comfortable position nearby, say “yes” and reward. Pick a side that works for you and deliver the reward there. Either side is fine if you can move safely and consistently.
2. Take one or two steps
Encourage your dog to come with you. Mark and reward while they are moving near your chosen side with slack in the lead. Begin with a couple of successful steps, then pause. Several easy repetitions are more useful than pushing on until your dog struggles.
3. Reward before the lead tightens
Notice the moments you want more of. If you wait until your dog has surged ahead, you miss the chance to reward walking comfortably. As the skill develops, gradually increase the steps between rewards. Make the task easier again when you change location.
4. Respond calmly if your dog pulls
If it is safe, stop rather than follow the pull towards the attraction. Keep your hands steady and invite your dog to turn back. Resume when there is slack. Do not jerk the lead or drag the dog into position.
If they cannot respond, you may be too close to something exciting or worrying. Create distance, choose a quieter route or finish the session. Repeatedly stopping in a situation the dog cannot cope with is not helpful.
5. Build in sniffing breaks
Use a cue such as “go sniff” when it is safe to explore. Moving towards a suitable smell can be a useful reward for walking with a loose lead. Keep enough lead for comfortable movement without allowing your dog to reach roads, wildlife or other dogs.
Loose lead walking and heel are different skills
A brief heel or “close” cue is useful when passing through a narrow space. Practise a few steps beside your leg, reward, then release your dog to a more relaxed walking position. There is no need to turn an entire neighbourhood walk into a formal obedience exercise.
If your dog grabs food or rubbish from the footpath, practise Leave It separately. Our impulse control exercises can also support everyday manners. Teach each skill in an easy setting before combining them outside.
What if my dog barks or lunges?
Increase distance and avoid forcing a close pass. Watch for staring, freezing, a stiff body or difficulty disengaging. A dog who cannot take their usual food may need a less demanding environment, although appetite alone does not tell us how they feel.
For fear, persistent reactivity, sudden changes or signs of pain, speak with your vet and arrange individual help. We need to understand the cause before expecting better walking manners.
Common questions
How long will it take?
It depends on the dog, their history, the environment and how you practise. Some improve quickly in quiet settings and need longer around distractions. We do not promise a fixed number of sessions.
Do I have to carry treats forever?
You can vary rewards as the skill becomes reliable. Keep rewarding harder choices, and use access to appropriate sniffing and movement too. There is no prize for removing helpful rewards before your dog is ready.
Hands-on help in Brisbane
Our group obedience classes offer supported practice around suitable distractions. If walks involve fear, lunging or a particular challenge at home, our in-home behaviour consultations allow a more individual plan. Puppies can start with age-appropriate foundations through Puppy School.
Give your dog a pat from us.
Further reading
Justin Jordan is a dog behaviourist and the founder of Jordan Dog Training, a family-owned Brisbane business. With more than 35 years of experience in the pet industry, Justin and his team help families with puppy training, everyday manners and behaviour concerns.
