Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to stop your dog from pulling on the lead

Walking the dog just got easier. - by Starts at 60
  • 08 Sep 2021

We all know how excited dogs gets when they hear the "W" word, but often that excitement can ruin the fun for the owner. Dog walking is a super beneficial exercise for both the owner and the dog however, sometimes you don’t feel like being dragged behind an over-excited animal for half an hour.

WATCH: Dr Harrys' top tips for doggy dental care

Lead pulling is not only a bother for the owner but it also causes major discomfort for the pet through the consistent restraint and jerking around their necks. While it’s not easy to teach dogs how to be less excited, there are several options to fix the issue.

airedale-on-walk

Collar vs harness

If the dog is too large or you feel as though they are not dealing well with the neck lead then try switching to a chest harness. This gives you more control over the dog as the restraint is evenly spread around their body rather than directed in one spot. If the chest harness clips on the front then changing the direction of the dog when necessary becomes a much simpler task. It will also stop the wheezing or coughing sounds that come from dogs who pull on neck leads and will allow the owner to easily train the dog without discomfort.

Behavioural training

Teach your dog that lead pulling will not be rewarded. If they begin to tug against the lead then stand still until they calm down and return to you. Only start walking again once they are back where they should be. Don’t forget to reward good behaviour as well! If your dog has had a perfect walk then make sure to treat (take a little baggie of treats along with you) so they know what they should be doing all the time.

Shorten their range

You should also use a shorter lead for better control as that will force them closer to your body throughout the walk. Staying away from retractable leads is also a smart idea especially when dealing with medium or large dogs. These leads are way too long and are known to be unreliable, it’s better to have full control over your dog at all times especially if you find yourself walking by heavy traffic areas or near other dogs.

dog walking

Remember, it's their walk too!

Allow your dog to stop and sniff occasionally but try to keep up a brisk pace so they are not stopping every couple of metres. If you don’t allow your dog to smell anything then there is no point taking them out of the house however, restricting how often they stop is beneficial. If you are walking at a fast pace they will be happy to keep up with you.

If you still find your dog is causing you trouble then possibly look into professional dog training. An alternative is to take them to an off-lead area and allow them to run around without restriction as their exercise instead of daily walks.

  • Pets
  • Better Life

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

6 reasons your dog might have anxiety

6 reasons your dog might have anxiety

How to stop your dog tugging on their lead

How to stop your dog tugging on their lead

Dr Harry helps a dog who’s scared of a lead

Dr Harry helps a dog who’s scared of a lead

How to keep your dog cool in summer

How to keep your dog cool in summer

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry meets a dog that's scared of visitors

Dr Harry meets a dog that's scared of visitors

How to help a grieving dog

How to help a grieving dog

Dr Harry helps a pup with a rock obsession

Dr Harry helps a pup with a rock obsession

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry revisits Duke the anxious dog

Dr Harry revisits Duke the anxious dog

Stylish indoor plants that won't poison your pets

Stylish indoor plants that won't poison your pets

Dr Harry's top remedies for bad dog's breath

Dr Harry's top remedies for bad dog's breath

Dr Harry explores the world of dog agility

Dr Harry explores the world of dog agility

How to ask your landlord for a pet

How to ask your landlord for a pet

Dr Harry meets a groodle that’s aggressive to other dogs

Dr Harry meets a groodle that’s aggressive to other dogs

8 ways pets can boost your health and wellbeing

8 ways pets can boost your health and wellbeing

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription