Stop your dog pulling on the lead
Pulling on the lead is the training challenge UK owners report most often (Dogs Trust, National Dog Survey 2025). It’s rarely about “dominance” or a stubborn dog. Pulling usually happens because it works: it gets your dog to the next smell faster.
Three things you can do on today’s walk
- Become a tree. When the lead goes tight, stop. Walk on as soon as it’s slack.
- Reward the right spot. Carry tasty treats and drop one by your leg whenever your dog is walking nicely beside you.
- Let sniffing be the reward. After a few nice steps, say “go sniff” and let your dog explore on a loose lead.
Start here
- Full plan: How to stop your dog pulling on the lead: a kind, 21-day plan
- Kit: Harness, head collar or collar? What to use for a dog that pulls
If your dog lunges or barks at other dogs or people rather than just pulling towards things, see barking and reactivity.
Our guides on pulling on the lead
Harness, Head Collar or Collar? What to Use for a Dog That Pulls (UK Guide)
An honest comparison of harnesses, head collars and flat collars for dogs that pull, with fitting checks, pros and cons and the kit we'd steer clear of.
PullingHow to Stop Your Dog Pulling on the Lead: A Kind, 21-Day Plan
A step-by-step, force-free plan to teach loose-lead walking: why dogs pull, the kit that helps, five core skills and a 21-day practice schedule for UK owners.
Coming soon
- Best harness for dogs that pull (UK, tested)
- Best no-pull harness for large dogs that pull
- Dog pulling on the lead and choking: what to do today
- Why your dog pulls when excited, and the 'be a tree' fix
Free printable: the 7-day calm-walk tracker
A one-page daily checklist to stick on the fridge. Tick off short practice sessions, note what worked, and see progress at a glance. Free, with occasional emails of practical tips. Unsubscribe any time.
The Smart Dog Fix Plan: Loose-Lead Walking in 21 Days
Everything in our free guides, turned into a day-by-day plan: short daily sessions, printable trackers, troubleshooting for the most common sticking points, and a calm-walk routine for real streets.
£19 one-off, digital download
Find out more