Why does my dog pull on the leash and how do I teach it not to?
A walk where your dog half-drags you is not only tiring, it's also bad for his neck and your shoulder. The good news: pulling is not a character flaw, but learned behavior. And what's learned can also be unlearned.
By the SmartPaw editorial team · Published on July 21, 2026 · Last updated on July 21, 2026 · Facts checked with veterinarian and official sources.
📌 In short
- Dogs pull because it works: pulling gets them to what they want to smell faster.
- They also simply walk faster than we do — our walking pace is agonizingly slow for a dog.
- The solution is to stop moving forward as soon as the leash tightens, and reward when the leash is loose.
- A Y-harness with a front clip is safer than a collar; choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars are not recommended.
- Count on 4 to 8 weeks of consistent practice — every walk counts, even the hurried ones.
Why does my dog pull on the leash?
Because pulling is rewarded. Every time your dog moves forward with a tight leash and reaches that interesting scent post, he learns: pulling works. On top of that, a dog's natural walking pace is much higher than ours, and he often has a lot of pent-up energy when going outside.
What it achieves once, he will keep repeating. So pulling rarely has to do with dominance — that idea is outdated in modern behavioral science.
Is pulling on the leash dangerous for my dog?
Yes, especially with a collar. Constant pressure on the throat can strain the trachea, thyroid gland, and even the eyes (increased eye pressure has been demonstrated in pulling dogs with collars). For short-snouted dogs and small breeds, the risk is even greater.
⚠️ No choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars
These devices suppress pulling through pain or discomfort. They demonstrably increase the risk of fear and aggression, and do not address the root cause. In Belgium, shock collars are also prohibited in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. Choose a well-fitting Y-harness.
How do you teach your dog to walk loosely on the leash?
With one consistent rule: a tight leash means walking stops. Five steps:
- 1. Stop when tense. If you feel the leash tighten, stand still. Don't yank, don't talk. Wait.
- 2. Reward relaxation. As soon as the leash loosens or your dog looks at you: 'good' and continue walking. Being allowed to move forward is the reward.
- 3. Reward out of nowhere. Every time your dog spontaneously walks beside you, give a treat at hip height. This makes walking beside you the best place.
- 4. Practice short and calmly. Start in the garden or a quiet street, 5 to 10 minutes. Only when it works there, go to the busy market.
- 5. Build in sniff time. Give a fixed signal ('go sniff') when your dog is allowed to sniff freely. Sniffing is mentally harder work for a dog than running — and it makes the rest of the walk calmer.
What equipment is best to use?
| Material | Suitable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Y-harness with front clip | ✅ Recommended | Distributes pressure across the chest, allows shoulders to move freely. |
| Fixed leash of 1.5 to 2 m | ✅ Recommended | Clear, consistent length — your dog knows where the limit is. |
| Retractable leash (flexi) | ⚠️ Limited | Always under tension, thus rewards pulling. Only for open terrain. |
| Choke chain, prong collar, or shock collar | ❌ Not recommended | Works through pain, increases fear and aggression. Shock collar is prohibited in Belgium. |
What do you do after a long walk?
Let them drink — and that's more than a detail. After exertion, especially in warm weather, your dog loses a lot of fluid through panting. Dogs visibly drink more from running, cool water than from a bowl that has been sitting still in the hallway all day.
AquaPaw 2.5L — wireless drinking fountain
Battery-operated, so you can place it where your dog comes in after the walk — also on the terrace or in the garage, without a power outlet.
View product →💡 Tip: In a hurry? Then use a second harness or leash that you only use for hurried walks. This keeps your training material 100% consistent and doesn't confuse your dog with mixed signals.
How much you should actually walk, you can read in how often you should walk your dog per day. Do you doubt if your dog drinks enough? Then check does my dog drink enough water.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to stop pulling?
With consistent practice, you usually see a clear difference within 4 to 8 weeks. For a dog that has been pulling for years, it takes longer.
Can I yank the leash to correct?
No. A yank on the leash can damage the neck and trachea and increases tension. Standing still works better and is safe.
Does an anti-pull harness help?
A well-fitting Y-harness makes pulling more comfortable and safer, but doesn't teach your dog anything. Equipment supports training, it doesn't replace it.
My puppy has been pulling from day one. Is that normal?
Yes. Walking beside a human is not innate for any dog. Start training immediately with a puppy — that's much easier than unlearning later.
Does my dog pull because he is dominant?
No. Dominance theories are outdated. Your dog pulls because it gets him to interesting scents faster.
Sources
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior — Position Statement on Humane Dog Training
- RSPCA — Dog training and equipment guidance
- Flemish animal welfare regulations — ban on shock collars
This blog is informative and does not replace veterinary advice.
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