Why Dogs Pull on Leashes & How to Fix It

Why Dogs Pull on Leashes

Dogs naturally walk faster than humans, making it hard for them to slow down during walks. The walk is an exciting, stimulating experience full of smells, sights, and sounds—something dogs love. When they pull, they often get what they want: forward motion. This reinforces the behavior, making them pull more.

Some dogs pull because they’re trying to escape discomfort. A tight collar can hurt their neck and make breathing difficult, so they pull to get away from the pressure. Others may have learned to pull through past corrections—like jerking the leash—because the moment of slackness before the jerk taught them that pulling avoids pain.

The Problem with Corrections and Leashes

Using jerks, yanks, or corrections to stop pulling often backfires. When you slacken the leash to apply a correction, your dog learns that loose leash = pain. As a result, they avoid slackness and pull harder to prevent the discomfort. This creates a cycle where pulling becomes more likely, not less.

Extendable leashes also contribute to pulling. They stay taut at all times, making the dog feel constantly restricted and uncomfortable. This can lead to frustration and increased pulling, as the dog can’t relax or control the leash.

Positive Training: The Red Light/Green Light Game

The most effective way to teach loose-leash walking is the red light/green light game. When the leash is loose, it’s a “green light”—you move forward. When the leash tightens, it’s a “red light”—you stop completely and stay still.

The dog learns that pulling stops the walk, while slack leash leads to movement. This creates a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Over time, the dog realizes that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go—and they begin to walk calmly.

This method works best with patience and consistency. Even if the dog lunges or strains at first, you must wait until they loosen the leash before moving again.

Use the Right Gear for Comfort and Control

A chest-led harness is highly recommended for leash training. It distributes pressure across the body instead of the neck, reducing discomfort and the risk of injury. When the dog pulls, the harness turns their body sideways, making forward movement difficult.

This gear helps break the pulling habit, especially when combined with positive training. It’s a humane solution that supports both safety and learning.

Prevent Pulling with Exercise and Routine

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. If your dog is full of energy from lack of exercise, walks will be harder to manage. Before heading out, give your dog a good workout—play fetch, run, or do agility drills.

Training right after exercise is ideal. When your dog is exhausted, they’re more likely to walk calmly at your pace. This gives them a chance to experience what a relaxed, enjoyable walk feels like—without the need to pull.