Loose Leash Walking: One of the Easiest Fixes in Dog Training (With a Bit of Patience)

At Jordan Dog Training, one of the most common questions we’re asked is:

“How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the lead?”

It’s right up there with toilet training and recall—and luckily, it’s one of the easiest issues to fix. That might sound surprising, especially if your dog has turned your daily walks into a frustrating tug-of-war. But with the right approach, the fix is simple. There’s no magic trick, no miracle tool, no “whispering”—just understanding, patience, practice, and consistency.

Any dog, and any family, can have a dog that walks calmly by their side.

Let’s unpack how.

What Is Loose Leash Walking?

Loose leash walking means your dog walks calmly beside you without pulling, dragging, or charging ahead. The leash hangs in a relaxed “J” shape, and you both move together with ease. It’s not the same as a formal “heel” (where the dog walks strictly in line with your leg), but it’s a polite, cooperative walk.

Loose leash walking makes walks enjoyable for both you and your dog, builds a stronger bond, and helps prevent injury and stress—especially for children or older people walking larger dogs.

Why Do Dogs Pull on the Lead?

Because it works.

Dogs aren’t born knowing how to walk on lead. When they pull and we keep walking, they learn that pulling gets them where they want to go—faster. It’s a self-rewarding behaviour, and if it’s been happening for a while, it becomes a habit.

Our job is to teach them that pulling doesn’t work—but calmly walking beside you does.

The Core Ingredients: Understanding, Patience, Repetition

Loose leash walking is all about:

• Understanding your dog’s motivation and how they learn
• Patience when things don’t go perfectly
• Repetition to reinforce the right behaviours

It’s not about dominance, force, or gadgets. It’s about teaching—and doing so in a way your dog can understand.

One of the biggest mistakes we see is expecting perfection too soon—or only trying to train when your dog is already over-excited. Timing, consistency, and keeping your expectations realistic will set you both up for success.

Real Talk: It’s Just Like Learning to Drive

Here’s a way to look at it that makes a lot of sense to many dog owners:

Remember when you learnt to drive?

You didn’t master everything on the first go around the block. You didn’t start in peak-hour traffic or with a trailer in tow. You began somewhere quiet—maybe an empty car park or a calm street. You practised the basics over and over. Gradually, you added complexity: merging, roundabouts, distractions, night driving.

It took time, repetition, guidance, and exposure to increasing challenges before you could confidently handle a freeway during peak hour.

It’s exactly the same for your dog.

Expecting a young dog or new rescue to walk calmly in a busy park on day one is like expecting a learner driver to navigate the Bruce Highway on their first lesson. It’s unrealistic—and it sets both of you up for stress and frustration.

When we meet a dog where they’re at, and give them the right building blocks, we give them every chance to succeed.

Why Training Classes Make All the Difference

While you can absolutely make progress at home, nothing beats learning loose leash walking in a safe, structured environment with other dogs and people around.

That’s exactly what our Jordan Dog Training obedience classes are designed for.

Your dog gets to practise focus and calm walking around other dogs, people, and distractions, with the guidance of qualified trainers who understand how to read and support your particular dog—quirks, sensitivities, and all. Training in a group environment helps your dog develop real-world skills, not just obedience in the backyard.

Best of all, you’re not alone. Our experienced team is right there beside you, helping you troubleshoot, adjust, and celebrate the wins—big and small.

One Fee for Life: Because Real Learning Takes Time

Every dog learns at their own pace—and every family has a different schedule. That’s why our obedience classes are one fee for life.

There’s no pressure to fix things fast, and no rush to finish by a set date. Whether your dog needs a few weeks or a few months, you’ve got unlimited access. Revisit skills as often as you like. Return when your dog goes through a new stage. Or just keep coming back to keep things sharp and social.

There are no quick fixes in dog training—it takes as long as it takes. And we’re here for the whole journey.

Multiple Locations, Real-World Results

Your training doesn’t stop at one location either. With multiple venues across Brisbane and beyond, you’re welcome to attend any of our training grounds.

This helps your dog learn that good behaviour isn’t just something they do at one “dog school”—it becomes a life skill they carry with them to new environments, footpaths, parks, vet clinics, and cafés. It’s all part of building a confident, well-rounded companion.

Our Top Tips for Loose Leash Success

If you’re ready to get started at home, here are some easy wins to help you build momentum:

1. Reward the Behaviour You Want

Every time your dog walks beside you on a loose lead—even for one step—mark it (say yes!) and reward them. You’re teaching them, this is the spot where good things happen.

You can also reward with access to sniffing, a brief play, or even just continuing the walk. For many dogs, sniffing is one of the best forms of enrichment—so letting them pause and explore (within reason) can be a big reward and part of a balanced walk.

2. Don’t Reward Pulling (Even Accidentally)

If your dog pulls and you follow along, they learn pulling works. Instead, stop walking when the leash tightens, and only move forward once the leash relaxes. Timing matters. Every step forward should be earned by good walking.

3. Start in Low-Distraction Environments

Begin in your backyard, garage, or even inside the house. Set your dog up to win. Once they’re calmly walking beside you in easy environments, you can slowly increase the challenge—your front footpath, then the street, then the park.

4. Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

5 minutes of focused training beats a 30-minute power struggle. End sessions on a high note. Gradually increase the length as your dog gets better.

5. Be Consistent Across the Family

Everyone in the household should follow the same rules. If one person rewards pulling and another doesn’t, your dog gets mixed messages—and progress slows.

Need More Support?

If your dog is pulling like a freight train or you’re feeling frustrated, don’t worry—you’re not alone. We’ve helped thousands of Aussie families transform their daily walks.

Whether you’re looking for one-on-one help or the structure of group classes, we offer:

• Private In-Home Dog Training
• Group Obedience Classes (One Fee for Life)
• Help with Impulse Control
• Guidance on Harnesses and Walking Tools

We’re here to support you every step of the way.

You Can Do This

Loose leash walking isn’t just possible—it’s one of the most rewarding skills you can teach your dog. Walks become a joy instead of a chore. Your bond deepens. And you get to enjoy the kind of calm, connected companionship every dog owner dreams of.

So take a breath, take your time, and remember—progress is the goal, not perfection.

Whether you’ve got a boisterous pup, a rescue dog with habits to unlearn, or just want to build a stronger connection with your dog, we’re here to help. Join us at one of our friendly group classes, or reach out for a private session, and let’s get your dog walking proudly by your side.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.