Dog pulling on the leash: 4 miracle tips

Does your dog pull on the leash, do you dread every walk, and do you think you'll never be able to teach them to walk on a leash properly?
Don't panic, it's not irreversible, I assure you; let's identify the reasons why your dog pulls point by point and find the solutions.

Your dog isn't getting enough exercise!

It may seem obvious, but yes, it may actually be due to pent-up energy. If your dog builds up frustration because they stay cooped up for too long, they can behave like a pressure cooker the second you take them out. Have you ever noticed your dog pulling a lot at the beginning of their walk and then less, or not at all by the end? Look no further. But that's not all.

> Also read: H-harness or Y-harness: which one to choose?

A long line for dogs, a very good idea.

The walk itself isn't enough for your dog; they need moments without the leash. A walk in nature where you give them more freedom, or a long line of at least 5 meters, or even 10 to 15 meters, to let them sniff, explore, and discover.
It's an excellent way to give yourself a break during your walks (in addition to tiring them out), which leaves room to practice/learn recall, for example!

Tip: segment your training; leash walking is made up of recall and natural tracking. A long line allows you to be free from the constraint of the leash in order to focus solely on their recall.

Training your dog is worth it! It offers more freedom for both you and your faithful companion.

Walking on a leash: Vary your pace.

Speaking of which, this is the perfect time to practice natural tracking! For this, a very simple and effective method: vary your pace.
The idea is for them to sync with your stride; if you speed up, they speed up; if you turn around, they turn around; if you slow down, they slow down...
Force them to follow you at your pace during your training sessions by varying the speed, and reward them when they succeed!

Tip: Starting early when they are still a puppy will make learning much easier.

Dog head halter: A transitional tool!

This is a tool often frowned upon by owners, but it can be extremely effective for segmenting training.
Ask yourself: would you rather go on the same walks every day with no stimulation for your dog, no social interaction, and very little fulfillment, or walks that are much more fulfilling for them but also for you by removing the stress of your dog pulling?
A dog head halter is not an end in itself, but rather a transitional tool to regain a pleasant leash-walking experience.

Learning to walk on a leash: It's not rocket science!

Teaching your dog to walk on a leash requires time, consistency, and above all, patience, but the benefits are well worth the effort.
Every bit of progress, however small, is a step toward calmer and more pleasant walks. Keep in mind that your dog is not acting against you when they pull: they are simply expressing their energy, curiosity, or sometimes their lack of habit.
Are you hesitant about which harness to choose?

This is your chance to learn all about the different types of dog harnesses; we have summarized everything concisely.