How to stop your dog pulling on the leash

Pulling is normal dog behaviour — the walk is exciting and the world is ahead. You don't need a choking collar to fix it; you need consistency, rewards and the right harness.

1. Reward the position you want

Dogs repeat what gets rewarded. Carry small treats and mark (a click or a cheerful 'yes!') the moment your dog is beside you with a loose leash — then treat. You're teaching 'this spot pays'.

2. Stop when the leash goes tight

The moment tension appears, stop walking. Wait for the leash to slacken or for your dog to look back, then move again. It's slow for a week and easy forever — pulling simply stops working.

3. Change direction

If stopping isn't enough, turn and walk the other way. Your dog learns that watching you is how the walk continues. Keep early sessions short and end on a win.

4. Use a front-clip harness

A front-clip no-pull harness gently steers your dog back toward you when they surge, without pressure on the throat. It gives you control while you train — not instead of training.

5. Be consistent

Everyone who walks the dog should use the same rules. Ten minutes of loose-leash practice a day beats an hour of pulling. Progress, not perfection.

What to avoid

Skip choke chains, prong collars and 'leash pops' — they cause pain, can damage the neck and often make pulling worse. Positive, consistent training plus the right harness is safer and lasts.

Pair training with a comfortable, well-fitted harness — start with our sizing guide, then pick a front-clip no-pull style.