Train Your Puppy to Walk Without Pulling

Start leash training at 8 weeks using short, calm sessions and high-value treats. Reward loose leash behavior and stop or change direction when pulling occurs. Begin indoors, build focus, and transition gradually outdoors. Use front-clip harnesses if needed for added control.

Here’s a quick TL;DR step-by-step guide:

  • Start Early – Begin around 8 weeks old with calm, short sessions.
  • Introduce Gear Gently – Use treats while fitting harness or collar.
  • Build Focus Indoors – Teach cues like “look at me” in distraction-free zones. Use treats to guide into heel position.
  • Stop Pulling Fast – If they pull, stop walking or change direction.
  • Add Distractions Gradually – Move to quiet outdoor areas once focused.
  • Fade Treats Over Time – Swap food rewards for praise and sniff breaks.
  • Stay Consistent – Use the same rules and routines every walk.

 

Pulling turns even simple walks into a frustrating struggle. The good news? With a few proven techniques, and a little patience, you can quickly turn those chaotic walks into peaceful, enjoyable outings. 

If you’re ready to dive into the full step-by-step plan for teaching loose leash walking, and avoid the headaches so many puppy owners face, keep reading.

When Should You Start Leash Training a Puppy?

The ideal time to begin leash training is when your puppy is about 8 to 10 weeks old. At this age, they’re curious, eager to please, and highly impressionable, perfect conditions for introducing leash manners. 

Starting early helps build habits before bad ones take root. Young puppies who learn that calm, loose leash walking earns rewards are far less likely to develop strong pulling habits later.

But what if your dog isn’t a puppy anymore? You haven’t missed your chance. While early training offers a smoother path, adult dogs can absolutely learn leash manners too. The saying holds true: you can teach an old dog new tricks. 

The process is the same, it may just take a bit more consistency, patience, and time to replace ingrained habits with new ones.

Oh, and don’t forget, for your pup to be comfortable on their leash, they need to be collar trained, too. 

Step 1: Introduce the Collar, Harness, and Leash Calmly

Before any formal training begins, help your puppy feel comfortable wearing their new gear. This is not the time for rushed fittings or sudden snaps of the buckle. Instead, choose a quiet space where your puppy is relaxed. 

Calm introductions lower anxiety and make future training much smoother.

One helpful tip many trainers recommend is using a licky mat smeared with a favorite treat. This keeps your puppy happily occupied while you gently slip on the collar or harness. The goal is simple: they should associate wearing their gear with pleasant experiences.

Pay attention to fit. Use the two-finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your puppy’s neck. 

Too tight leads to discomfort and possible skin irritation; too loose risks safety and poor control. Puppies with extra-sensitive skin may benefit from materials like soft leather or Biothane, which help prevent collar rash and matting.

For tiny pups, even the lightest dog collars can feel bulky at first. Some owners temporarily use small, bell-free cat collars to get their puppy used to the sensation before transitioning to their long-term training gear.

Step 2: Build Focus Before You Walk

A calm puppy is easier to train, and building focus starts before the walk even begins. Teaching your puppy a cue like “look at me” or using a clicker helps create a consistent way to get their attention. 

When they respond to the cue by looking at you, immediately reward them. This simple habit will become your secret weapon when distractions pop up.

At first, practice in very low-distraction environments, like your living room. Keep sessions short and upbeat. 

Puppies have short attention spans, and you want to end each mini-session with them wanting more. Several 3-5 minute sessions spaced throughout the day will build a strong foundation faster than long, exhausting training attempts.

Step 3: The First Walk: Indoors First, Then Outdoors

Photo Source: Nylon Webbing Leash. 

When your puppy reliably responds to your focus cues indoors, you’re ready to begin short indoor walks. Use treats to guide them into the heel position, backing up a few steps while they follow you. 

This teaches them that staying by your side brings rewards.

Drop treats by your foot as you step forward, encouraging them to stay close and aligned with your pace. If they stray ahead, use gentle leash pressure as a cue to slow down and reconnect. 

The goal isn’t to restrain them physically, but to build their habit of watching you for guidance. Once your puppy masters these short, indoor sessions, you can gradually transition to outdoor environments, where new smells, sounds, and distractions challenge their focus.

Step 4: What To Do When They Start Pulling

Even with the best preparation, pulling happens. What matters is how you respond.

If your puppy surges forward, try the “be a tree” method: stop walking entirely. Stand still without tugging back. The moment your puppy stops pulling and turns toward you, praise and reward, then resume walking.

Sometimes, walking backwards briefly resets the puppy’s attention and communicates that pulling doesn’t move them forward, it takes them away from what they want. This backwards walking reset can quickly clarify expectations.

Random direction changes also build engagement. By switching directions unpredictably, your puppy learns to stay attentive to your movements. It turns the walk into a game that rewards focus.

Finally, if your puppy repeatedly pulls ahead, pause and ask for a sit before continuing. This sit-reset technique reinforces impulse control and keeps both of you calmly working together.

Step 5: Graduating to Real-World Walks (Distractions!)

Once your puppy walks nicely indoors, it’s time to introduce distractions, but do it gradually. Start with controlled distractions like placing a toy on the ground. Guide your puppy past it, rewarding focus on you rather than the object.

Next, carefully introduce slightly more challenging environments: quiet sidewalks, empty parking lots, or open fields where other dogs and noises are distant. Each successful walk builds your puppy’s resilience to new stimuli.

Keep these early outdoor walks short and success-oriented. It’s better to end after 5 minutes of excellent behavior than to stretch the session and risk frustration.

Positive early experiences will lay the groundwork for longer, confident walks later.

Tools That Can Help (And How to Use Them Properly)

Front-Clip Harnesses:

While many trainers recommend front-clip harnesses to reduce pulling, we’ve found they often shift off-center and create uncomfortable friction under the dog’s legs, especially with rough materials or high-tension pulling. 

We prefer well-fitted back-clip harnesses like our Step-In and Easy-On styles, which provide effective control without causing chafing or disrupting your pup’s natural movement. These harnesses are adjustable and gentle on sensitive chests.

Desensitizing to Head Halters

Some dogs resist head halters at first, pawing at their face or freezing. Gradual desensitization helps: introduce the head halter in short, positive sessions indoors, pairing it with treats and praise until your dog wears it comfortably.

Why Retractable Leashes Undermine Training

Retractable leashes teach the exact opposite of loose leash walking. They reward pulling by allowing dogs to move forward when they pull. For training purposes, a fixed-length leash (4–6 feet) offers much better consistency and control.

Double-Anchoring for Safety

For extra security, especially with strong or unpredictable dogs, consider double-anchoring by attaching the harness and collar together with a small carabiner. This creates a backup attachment point in case of equipment failure.

How to Phase Out Treats Without Losing Progress

The fear of losing control once food rewards stop is real for many owners. The solution lies in random reinforcement schedules, gradually rewarding unpredictably rather than every time.

As your puppy masters loose leash walking, replace food with verbal praise, playtime, or brief freedom to sniff. These real-world rewards hold lasting value and keep your dog motivated long after treats fade out.

Common Mistakes and Worries You’re Not Alone In

  • Perfect Off-Leash, Terrible On-Leash: Many dogs who listen flawlessly off-leash struggle once attached. The leash itself creates restriction, triggering frustration and pulling. This is normal, and absolutely trainable.
  • Family Inconsistency: If multiple family members handle walks differently, dogs receive mixed messages. Consistent handling across the household is vital to prevent setbacks.
  • Regression in Public Spaces: Puppies who walk beautifully at home may regress outdoors. Distractions challenge focus, but each outing builds resilience. Keep practicing.
  • Harness or Gear Aversions: New equipment can feel strange at first. Allow time for gentle desensitization so your dog accepts harnesses and head halters calmly.

Every Dog Is Unique: Choose Tools Based on Coat, Breed & Lifestyle

Featured Product 👉Hands Free Waterproof Biothane Leash. 

No two dogs, and no two necks, are identical. That’s why custom-fit gear matters, especially during leash training. We make handcrafted collars and harnesses designed to fit your dog’s unique proportions perfectly.

For sensitive skin, materials like Biothane and leather reduce friction, prevent matting, and feel comfortable even during long walks. And while function comes first during training, you never have to sacrifice style. Our made-to-order designs let your dog express their personality while staying safe and comfortable.

Consistency Is The Secret Ingredient

Loose leash walking is a skill any dog can learn with steady practice. Celebrate every small win. Each successful walk builds trust and teamwork between you and your dog.

At Mimi Green, we believe training is part of the lifelong adventure of living with your pup. And we’re here to help you enjoy every step of that journey, with gear that’s made just for your dog, by people who know every walk is more than just exercise.

The Right Leash Makes All the Difference in Training Success

When your puppy pulls, the leash becomes your direct line of communication. But a poorly designed leash can work against your training efforts—too long, too short, too thin, or uncomfortable for both of you.

We craft leashes that support your training journey:

  • Custom-length leashes designed for optimal control during loose leash training.
  • Durable, handcrafted materials that withstand daily use while looking beautiful.
  • Matching harnesses and collars made to fit your dog’s unique size, coat, and style.

A leash isn’t just a piece of gear — it’s your training partner. Let us help you choose one that makes every walk more enjoyable for you and your dog.

👉Shop Custom Dog Leashes now.