Dogs can pull on leash for a multitude of reasons including things intriguing them in the world (dogs, people, noises, smells, things to pee on...) and the equipment we use to walk them like harnesses. So how do we fix this? By teaching them how to walk with a loose leash! This doesn't come naturally, but with a bit of time and effort it can make the walk more enjoyable for you, eliminate stress for your dog, and become a gateway to building behaviours you want and eliminating behaviours you don't want such as reactivity, tantrums, constant marking, and irational fears.
What is a Loose Leash Walk?
A loose leash walk can be defined by the following characteristics:
no leash tension
the leash being in a J shape between you and your dog
your dog walking by your side (ideally lined up with their head/shoulder and your hip)
your dog doesn't sniff or mark constantly unless allowed or released to the environment
your dog ignores other things, maybe momentarily looking but not fixating on things like dogs, noises, people, smells, etc.
Note: just because you go on strcutred loose leash walks doesn't mean that your dog can't have free time to sniff and play. Just make sure they know when it's time to walk calmly and when it's time to be free with a command (ie: "heel" and "go play").
Tools for Teaching and Upkeeping a Loose Leash Walk
A treat pouch to reinforce good behaviour. A big step that a lot of people forget is to tell their dog what they DO want them to do. Rather than just using treats, use your dog's meal in there along with a handful of high-value treats. Feeding them throughout the day in training will make them more eager to please.
A 4 - 6 foot leash. Not too short that your dog doesn't have the ability to be free when allowed, but not too long that you're fumbling with the leash and giving the dog too much leeway.
A positive reinforcement marker. A consistent word like "yes" or "good" that can give your dog a signal that they did what you want.
A cue and a release marker. Words to let the dog know when you expect them to walk with you and when they're allowed to be free in the environment. Examples of these can be "heel" and "free"
The right collar. There are many different tools to use depending on your level of comfort, style of training, and what your dog needs or works best with. I personally like to start out with a slip lead, and once they understand how to respond to the pressure of a leash around their neck and understand the rules of a loose leash, I may move to a prong collar or an e-collar so we can have off-leash control. Every dog is different and I do not advise using a prong or e-collar without the guidane of a professional trainer with experience. Like any tool, there is a right way and wrong way to use it, and the last thing we want is the dog being desensitized to the sensation of either tool or becoming confused and frustrated.
Why is walking nicely on leash so difficult for my dog?
The level of distraction could be too high! Start off teaching the loose leash walk in your home, driveway, or yard, then when you find success there, graduate to walking in more busy areas. Never be afraid to take a step back if your dog is struggling.
How long does it take to teach?
Every dog is different and in the end it depends on how dedicated and consistent you are with your timing and training. Some dogs can be taught in a matter of weeks, but for other dogs that struggle with things like reactivity or anxiety it may take longer. Everyone's training journey is an individual experience.
If they're just walking beside me, will they burn enough energy?
Absolutely. Walking in a loose leash walk holding the position, ignoring distractions, and following your lead takes a lot of mental energy and self control for your dog. Think about how tired you might be after a long meeting at work. You may not have been physically moving, but by the end of the day you're ready to kick back and relax.
Why not use a harness?
A lot of people use harnesses to prevent injury to the neck, and they're great for that purpose, but if taught correctly the dog won't pull into the collar in the first place, preventing the potential injury. The original purpose for the harness orginiated with sled dogs and their design encourages pulling through their natural reflex to lean into pressure. The harness also prevents the ability to control a dog's head which is what will change their direction (sort of like a horse).
Harnesses do have a purpose and they're great for when people want their dog to pull safely. From sledding to encouraging your puppy to explore outside while having a leash attached to them, harnesses do have a correct use.
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