The Other End of the Lead: Dogs Who Pull
For many dog owners, lead walking can be one of the most frustrating aspects of training. Whether your dog is dragging you down the street, choking themselves on the lead, or suddenly lunging at distractions, it’s a common struggle that can make daily walks stressful.
While the risks to humans—such as fractures, ligament damage, or burns from retractable leads—have been highlighted in the media, the real focus should be on the root cause: the dog’s understanding of lead pressure and walking mechanics.
What If Lead Walking Felt Effortless?
Imagine walking a dog who:
✔ Doesn’t pull
✔ Doesn’t lunge unexpectedly
✔ Doesn’t choke themselves against the lead
✔ Automatically slows down if they feel pressure
This might sound impossible, but with the right training, it’s achievable!
Understanding Lead Pressure
Many dogs pull on the lead because of pressure-counter pressure mechanics—meaning that when they feel resistance from the lead, they instinctively pull harder. Instead of stopping the pulling, this often creates frustration and tension, making walks more stressful for both dog and owner.
Teaching lead pressure response is a game-changer for improving loose lead walking and managing reactivity on the lead.
Teaching Lead Pressure: The Backaway Method
This method teaches your dog to turn back towards you when they feel pressure, instead of pulling against it.
Step-by-Step Guide
1️⃣ Start with the Right Equipment
Attach a lead to your dog’s harness or collar.
Ideally, begin training with a harness to minimise discomfort in the early stages.
2️⃣ Introduce Controlled Pressure
Hold the lead firmly while tossing a few treats just out of your dog’s reach.
Stand still (like a tree) and wait for your dog to turn away from the food—don’t say anything or pull them back.
3️⃣ Mark & Reward the Turn
As soon as your dog turns slightly away from the food, mark (“yes!”) and reward near your body.
You can take a few steps back to encourage them to follow you.
4️⃣ Repeat & Reinforce
Over several repetitions, your dog should start turning back more quickly when they feel lead pressure.
Soon, they’ll recognise pressure = turn back without any pulling.
5️⃣ Practice in Different Environments
Start in a quiet, low-distraction area before progressing to busier locations.
This technique is particularly useful for dogs that lunge or react on the lead, as it interrupts unwanted behaviour before they reach their threshold.
6️⃣ Use a Two-Point Harness for Consistency
Front-clip = "Training mode" (good lead walking, engagement).
Back-clip = "Freedom mode" (sniffing, relaxed exploration).
Most dogs learn to distinguish between the two, reducing confusion and improving consistency.
Why Lead Pressure Training is Essential for Reactive Dogs
For reactive dogs, lead tension can increase stress and frustration, making reactivity worse. By removing the pressure and teaching an alternative response, your dog will feel more relaxed and in control.
This method should be combined with other proven techniques like:
✔ The CARE protocol
✔ DMT (Engage-Disengage)
Working with a force-free trainer will help integrate these methods effectively.
Safer Handling & Equipment Choices
Even with excellent lead training, dogs can still lunge unexpectedly. To reduce the risk of injuries and improve control:
🐾 Use a two-point harness (e.g., Dog Copenhagen, Ruffwear, Perfect Fit, True Love).
🐾 Consider a headcollar (e.g., Dogmatic) if your dog is particularly strong.
🐾 Avoid retractable leads, which can cause burns or sudden jerks.
A two-point harness helps dogs understand when they should walk politely vs. when they’re allowed to explore, preventing confusion and frustration.
Lead Walking Training Tips
🐾 Teach Your Dog Their Walking Position – Guide your dog into the heel position and reward them there. This helps them understand where you want them to walk.
🐾 Reward Forward Movement – Many owners only reward their dog when they return to heel, but this can lead to a cycle of surging forward. Instead, reward while they are walking nicely in position to reinforce good habits.
🐾 Use a High Rate of Reinforcement – In the beginning, reward frequently so your dog gets constant feedback about where they should be walking. As they improve, you can gradually reduce treats while maintaining engagement.
🐾 Set Clear Boundaries – Imagine an invisible line next to your leg—your dog’s hips shouldn’t pass this line. If they start moving ahead, reposition them before continuing.
🐾 Keep the Lead Relaxed – A tight lead creates tension, encouraging your dog to pull against it. Instead, ensure your lead is loose and relaxed, allowing slight slack when your dog is walking in position.
🐾 Use the Right Equipment – A two-point harness (e.g., front and back clip) can provide better control and help differentiate between training mode (heel walking) and free time (sniffing). Cue your dog to walk nicely when the lead is attached to their collar or front clip of the harness, and cue them to sniff and explore when the lead is attached to the back clip of the harness.
🐾 Don’t Move Forward if Your Dog Pulls – Stop walking if your dog moves ahead and re-position your dog by your side. Only move forward when the lead is loose, teaching them that pulling doesn’t get them anywhere
🐾 Change Pace & Direction – Keep your dog engaged by varying your speed and direction. This encourages them to pay attention to you, rather than forging ahead.
🐾 Teach a Reliable ‘Leave It’ Cue – Generalise this to different distractions, so you can redirect your dog’s focus when passing tempting sights or smells.
🐾 Gradually Introduce Distractions – Build up distractions slowly. First, ensure your dog is confident walking nicely in quiet areas before progressing to busier locations.
🐾 Incorporate Focus Games – Practice look-at-me games, name recognition, and engagement exercises on walks to keep your dog tuned in to you.
🐾 Be Patient & Consistent – Dogs thrive on clear rules and consistency. If one day you allow pulling, but the next you expect a perfect heel, your dog will be confused.
🐾 Use Natural Rewards – Let your dog sniff and explore as a reward for good walking. Teach them that staying close and walking politely earns them fun and freedom.
Consistency is Key
Many lead walking struggles arise because of inconsistency—one minute we allow pulling, the next we don’t.
A clear, structured approach using a two-point harness ensures that:
✔ Dogs know when to walk nicely and when they can sniff freely.
✔ Owners feel more in control of walks.
✔ Training results are long-lasting.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog:
❌ Constantly pulls on the lead
❌ Lunges at distractions or other dogs
❌ Gets frustrated or stressed on the lead
…it’s best to work with a knowledgeable, force-free trainer to address these behaviours effectively.
At Adolescent Dogs, lead training is one of our most common training requests, and we have a variety of effective techniques to help make walks calmer and more enjoyable for you and your dog.
🔹 Want help with lead training?
Online Academy: dive into our Online Academy and follow the Heelers Toolbox course. This offers step by step video tutorials and training games that will teach your dog to walk nicely on the lead from start to finish, and provide troubleshooting with tricky dogs and challenges you might face. Additionally, you'll have access to Live trainer support so you can get personalised support and feedback with your dog
Residential Training: Our residential training programmes can provide an intensive training approach, getting on top of your dog's lead walking struggles in as little as 2 weeks, and then providing you with hands on coaching to ensure you can keep the training in place.
One to one lessons or Workshops: come work with our trainers in person and get hands on support together.
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