Why Dogs Pull on the Lead

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Yet, for many owners, lead pulling is a frustrating and all too common problem. It’s one of the many reasons people seek my help as a dog behaviourist and trainer. But why do dogs pull on the lead, and more importantly, how can we address it? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this behaviour and some practical solutions to help you and your dog enjoy your walks together.

Why do dogs pull on the lead?

Understanding the reasons behind lead pulling is the first step toward fixing it. Here are some of the most common reasons dogs pull:

It gets them where they want to go: Dogs are practical creatures. If pulling on the lead gets them to the park, to another dog, or to that interesting smell faster, they’ll do it. They’ve learned that pulling is effective because it often leads to the reward they’re after.

They want to say hi to other dogs: Social dogs are often eager to greet other dogs or people. If pulling gets them closer to a potential playmate or a new friend, they’ll pull harder to make it happen.

They’re pulling against you: Dogs have an instinct opposition reflex - when they feel tension on the lead, they naturally pull against it. This is why simply holding them back often leads to even more pulling.

They are anxious: Anxiety can manifest in various ways, and for some dogs, this means pulling on the lead. Whether they’re nervous about their environment or eager to get somewhere they feel safer, anxious dogs often pull as a way to cope.

They walk at a different pace: Dogs naturally walk at a different pace than we do. They might prefer to trot, which is faster than our walking speed, or saunter, which can be slower. This mismatch in speed can lead to pulling as they try to set the pace.

We’ve accidentally taught them to pull: This one’s on us. If pulling gets the dog what they want, they learn that it works. Each time they pull and we allow them to move forward, we reinforce the behaviour, even if unintentionally.

Incorrect treat placement: Rewarding your dog when they’ve returned to your side after pulling might seem like a good idea, but it can backfire. If the dog associates pulling with eventually getting a treat, they’ll continue the cycle: pull, return, treat.

Practical Tips:

Now that we know why dogs pull on the lead, let’s talk about how to address it. Here are some practical strategies to help curb this behaviour:

Reward the right behaviour: Timing is everything. Reward your dog for walking beside you, not after they’ve pulled and returned. Use treats or praise as soon as they’re in the correct position. This reinforces the behaviour you want to see.

Change directions: If your dog starts pulling, change directions immediately. This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go. Be consistent with this technique, and over time, your dog will learn that staying by your side is more effective.

Practice inside first: Before taking your training outside, practice walking on the lead inside your home or in a controlled environment. This helps your dog learn the basics without the distractions of the outside world.

Teach impulse control: Incorporate impulse control exercises into your training. Commands like “wait” or “leave it” can be useful for teaching your dog to stay calm and focused, even when they’re excited.

Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and consistency is key. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page when it comes to lead training. Mixed signals will only confuse your dog and make it harder to break the pulling habit.

Address underlying anxiety: If your dog’s pulling is rooted in anxiety, it’s important to address the underlying issue. This might involve desensitisation training, creating a more predictable routine, or in some cases, consulting with a vet or behaviourist to explore other solutions.

My Closing Thoughts:

Lead pulling is a common issue, but it’s one that can be addressed with the right approach. Remember, dogs are dogs - they have their own instincts and behaviours, and it’s our job to guide them. By understanding why your dog pulls and implementing consistent, positive training techniques, you can transform your walks into a more enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

If you’re struggling with lead pulling or any other behavioural issues, please get in touch for professional help. With patience and the right strategies, you and your dog can conquer the challenges of lead pulling and enjoy your time together even more.