Leash Training: A Guide to Stress-Free Walks

Does your “pleasant walk” feel more like you’re waterskiing behind a sled dog? Tired of apologizing to strangers while your dog lunges at every squirrel, bush, and gust of wind? Yeah, we need to talk about leash training.

The good news? With the right approach, you can turn chaotic tug-of-war walks into stress-free strolls. Here’s exactly how to do it, without losing your shoulder socket.

Step 1: Get Your Gear Right

Before we even talk about training, let’s make sure you’re using the right equipment.

✔ Leash – A 4-6 foot non-retractable leash gives you actual control (unlike those extendable ones that turn your dog into a slingshot).

✔ Harness vs. Collar – If your dog pulls like a freight train, use a no-pull harness. A regular collar is fine for dogs who already have decent leash manners.

✔ Treats – Bring high-value treats (chicken, cheese, something actually exciting) to keep your dog focused on you, not the squirrels.

PRO TIP: If your dog is a power puller, try a front-clip harness like the PetSafe Easy Walk or Ruffwear Front Range. It shifts their weight when they pull, making them way easier to manage.

Step 2: Teach Loose Leash Walking (a.k.a. Stop the Drag Race)

The goal here is simple: Your dog walks next to you with a loose leash. Not pulling, not zigzagging, not dragging you into traffic.

How to Teach It:

1️⃣ Start in a quiet, low-distraction area. If your dog can’t focus in your backyard, they definitely won’t focus at the park.

2️⃣ Hold the leash with some slack. No tension. If you pull, they pull back harder.

3️⃣ Reward when they stay next to you. Give a treat every few steps while they’re in the right spot.

4️⃣ If they pull, STOP. Don’t yank them back, just freeze. The second they return to you, reward and start walking again.

Repeat this a million times until your dog realizes that pulling = no walk and sticking close = progress + treats.

PRO TIP: If your dog keeps pulling ahead, change direction suddenly. It forces them to pay attention to you, not whatever they were fixated on.

Step 3: Teach “Heel” (For When You Need Extra Control)

“Loose leash walking” just means no pulling, but “Heel” is a positioned walk—your dog stays glued to your left side. Useful for crowded areas, passing other dogs, or pretending your dog is better trained than they are.

How to Teach It:

1️⃣ Hold a treat near your waist. This keeps their focus on you, not their own agenda.

2️⃣ Say “Heel” and take a step forward. If they stay in position, reward.

3️⃣ Gradually increase the number of steps before rewarding.

4️⃣ Use “Heel” for short bursts—this isn’t a casual walk command, it’s for situations where you need control.

PRO TIP: Only use “Heel” when necessary. For everyday walks, loose leash walking is more natural and comfortable.

Step 4: Handle Distractions

So your dog listens perfectly in your living room but forgets everything the second they see another dog? Yeah, that’s normal. The trick is gradual exposure to distractions.

How to Train Around Distractions:

✔ Start easy. Practice in a quiet yard, then move to a quiet sidewalk, then a park, then busier areas.

✔ Use “Look at Me” to regain focus. Hold a treat near your face and say “Look at Me.” Reward for eye contact.

✔ Be patient. If your dog struggles, go back to an easier environment before progressing.

PRO TIP: If your dog lunges at things (dogs, bikes, kids, ghosts—whatever), redirect them before they fixate. A quick “Let’s go!” and moving away works better than trying to fight their instinct.

Step 5: Use “Leave It” to Prevent Sudden Side Quests

Dogs are curious by nature, which is great—until they try to eat roadkill, broken glass, or someone’s discarded sandwich. This is where “Leave It” saves the day.

How to Teach It:

1️⃣ Hold a treat in your closed hand. Let them sniff, but don’t let them get it.

2️⃣ Say “Leave It” and wait. The second they back off, reward them with a different treat from the other hand.

3️⃣ Repeat with objects on the ground. If they ignore it, jackpot reward.

PRO TIP: Use “Leave It” for everything—food, trash, other animals. It teaches impulse control, which is a lifesaver on walks.

Common Leash Training Problems

🚨 Dog pulls like crazy → Stop moving. Reward only when the leash is loose. Change directions often to keep them guessing.

🚨 Dog lunges at distractions → Get their attention before they react. Use “Look at Me” or move them away until they can handle it.

🚨 Dog is afraid of the leash → Let them wear it inside first. Reward calm behaviour. Make walks a positive experience.

Final Thoughts: Walks Shouldn’t Be a Nightmare

Leash training isn’t about control, it’s about communication. Once your dog understands what’s expected, walks become stress-free, enjoyable, and actually fun.

So start today:

✔ Ditch the retractable leash.

✔ Reward loose leash walking.

✔ Be consistent—pulling never gets them anywhere.

With time and patience, your dog will go from dragging you down the street to walking like a polite, well-mannered legend. And hey, your arms will thank you. 😉