Frequently Asked Questions > Changing Behaviors > How can I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash?
There are many approaches to breaking this bad habit and there are good harnesses and leashes that also help.
Be A Tree
You can try starting with the “Be A Tree“ method. When your dog pulls — meaning when the leash tightens AT ALL — stop immediately. Do not proceed even an inch. Eventually your dog will notice that the two of you are not moving! When he looks back at you, praise. When he moves back toward you to loosen the leash, you can move forward again. (You can also give a treat when your dog stops pulling and looks back at you. He needs to come back to you to get that goody! Do NOT go toward your dog to award it).
When the leash is loose and your dog is back where you want him, you can start forward again. Plan on working on this separately from an actual walk, as it will take consistent teaching for your dog to understand the only way forward is by keeping the leash loose. Start someplace where there are fewer distractions for the dog, like your backyard, even inside the house if necessary. As yoru dog makes progress, move to the front yard, go a few feet down your sidewalk, etc. Soon you’ll be able to resume your normal strolls. Remember to apply the “tree” method whenever your dog forgets and tries to pull.
Penalty Yards
If you need a technique that is more convincing, try the “Penalty Yards” game. Again, start where there are few distractions and gradually move to more difficult situations. Now each time he pulls, go all the way back to where you started and only proceed again toward the goal when the leash is loose. You can teach this deliberately by placing a goal (something your dog wants, like a toy or his dish) a few yards away and using the penalty yards system to allow him to get there. Start across the yard or room. When the leash tightens, say nothing (or perhaps sing out in a “happy voice” with a comment like, “Oh, too bad! Again!”), then go back to where you started to try again. Just walk back, gently dragging your dog if needed!) It may take many attempts for your dog to get the idea, but he will! Eventually. Those last few inches can be hard, but very effective. Use this method whenever your dog wants to get to something and he’ll learn pretty rapidly that the only way to get there is without pulling!
Halters, Harnesses, Leashes
There are many anti-pull products on the market. At the end of this entry are links for some of our favorites. When using any head harness (like a Halti) it is critical to acclimate your dog to the device before actually trying it on a walk. Once the dog is used to it, a head halter is a superb and humane control device because it mimics the kind of correction the dog's mother would give for being out of line. It works very well in instances wehre the dog is stronger than the handler, providing the handler with control without a great deal of physical effort.
Last updated on February 24, 2011 by Marianne Ahern