Stop Dog Pulling: Easy Leash Training Guide

Stop dog pulling fast: reward loose leash walking, halt movement when pulling, and practice focus drills indoors. Use harnesses or martingales for control. Stay calm, consistent, and train in short bursts. This guide gives you fast, safe steps for long-term leash success.

When your dog pulls on the leash, every walk feels like a tug-of-war. Your shoulder aches, your dog ignores you, and simple strolls become stressful. But here’s the truth: leash pulling isn’t a sign of a bad dog, it’s a natural behavior that just needs a better outlet.

At Mimi Green, we help pet parents turn daily walks into calm, joyful routines with our custom-fit harnesses, martingale collars, and handcrafted leashes. All made-to-order, right here in the USA, for dogs who deserve both comfort and control.

If you’re simply looking for fast relief and proven strategies to stop pulling, you’re in the right place. But if you want the full step-by-step plan, including why your dog pulls, what gear actually works, and how to finally enjoy peaceful walks, you’ll want to keep reading.

Why Dogs Pull, And Why It Feels Impossible to Stop

When you clip on the leash, your dog’s brain floods with excitement. The smells, sights, and sounds outside turn every walk into an adventure. Dogs pull because they want to explore faster than we’re willing to move. 

They aren’t being defiant, it’s their natural curiosity and energy in overdrive.

Certain breeds are even more prone to pulling. Sporting and working breeds, originally bred for high-drive activities like hunting, herding, or pulling sleds, often lead the pack, literally. They’re built to move with power and enthusiasm.

And here’s where it gets tricky: every step forward while pulling reinforces the behavior. When your dog drags you toward that squirrel or hydrant, they’re teaching themselves that pulling gets results.

The longer this cycle continues, the harder it feels to break.

Step 1: Start With the Right Equipment 

Photo source: Easy On Velvet Dog Harness.

Best Tools for Dogs Who Pull

• Harnesses to Guide Pullers: Harness design helps redirect your dog’s natural pulling instincts by gently shifting their momentum sideways. This makes pulling less effective and encourages your dog to stay aligned with your pace, offering a more controlled and comfortable walking experience.
• Martingale Collars for Escape Artists: For dogs who can slip out of regular collars, martingales offer a safe middle ground. They gently tighten if your dog tries to back out but won’t choke like slip chains. This makes them ideal for slim-necked breeds or dogs who’ve perfected the art of escape.
• Prong Collars:  Prong collars can help with pulling if trained properly. It is designed to apply pressure on a dog’s neck to correct unwanted behaviors, typically pulling on the leash. They basically act as a Martingale for high-drive breeds. 
• Flat collars offer no control against pulling. Worse, continuous tension can strain a dog’s neck and trachea, leading to long-term injury, especially in smaller or short-necked breeds. Choke chains and prong collars risk even more harm and anxiety. At Mimi Green, we believe safety should never be compromised for control. 

Fit Matters More Than Brand

• Mistakes in Fitting No-Pull Harnesses: Even the best harness won’t help if it doesn’t fit correctly. Loose straps reduce effectiveness, while overly tight ones can restrict movement or cause rubbing. Take time to measure carefully and adjust as needed.
• Dual-Clip Leashes: Extra Control for Strong Pullers: Using a leash that attaches to both front and back clips distributes pressure, giving you greater control without relying entirely on any one point. This dual connection helps steady powerful pullers while still allowing room for training and rewards.

Step 2: The Fastest Way to Stop Pulling (5-Minute Rule)

Be a Tree: The Power of Standing Still

The moment your dog starts to pull, stop. Plant your feet. Don’t yank, don’t shout. Just stand still. As soon as your dog allows slack back into the leash, reward them immediately. This simple rule teaches that pulling halts the fun, but loose leash walking earns forward movement.

NEVER let your dog walk when they are pulling.

Early sessions may feel like inching down the sidewalk, but consistency rewires your dog’s understanding of how walks work. Timing is key: reward instantly when the leash goes slack.

The Turnaround Trick

Another highly effective method is frequent direction changes. Turn unexpectedly, switch sides, or circle back. These surprise moves keep your dog’s attention on you and prevent them from locking into a pulling rhythm. It’s a game of “stay with me,” not a battle of strength.

Step 3: Build Focus Indoors Before Hitting the Sidewalk

Low-Distraction Loose Leash Practice

Before you step outside, start inside. Walk a few steps across the living room. Reward every moment of slack leash and eye contact. Repeat short sessions of 20-30 repetitions. The goal is to build muscle memory in a calm, controlled setting.

For some dogs, especially the easily distracted, high-value treats work wonders. One creative solution many owners swear by? A spoonful of peanut butter held near your side can turn you into a walking snack bar that keeps your pup focused.

Games That Build Engagement

Play-based learning speeds up results. Try the “follow-me” game: walk backwards, encourage your dog to come toward you, and reward them as they reach your side. Another great option is the “find it” game, toss small treats near your feet while walking to redirect your dog’s nose downward instead of pulling ahead.

Step 4: Energy Management Before Walks

Pre-Walk Enrichment Changes Everything

Sometimes, pulling is simply the overflow of too much bottled-up energy. For high-drive dogs, a quick mental workout before stepping outside can take the edge off. Try puzzle toys that make your dog think, lick mats with frozen treats to calm them, or even a short off-leash sprint in the yard. A few minutes of pre-walk activity can help your dog approach the leash with a calmer, more focused mindset.

Why Walk Speed Matters

Your dog’s natural pace may be faster than yours. If you constantly lag behind or pull them back, they’ll keep fighting to move ahead. Ironically, very slow, stop-and-go walks can heighten frustration and make pulling worse. Instead, aim for a steady pace that allows your dog to explore calmly while still staying engaged with you. Think of it as a cooperative rhythm, not a power struggle.

Step 5: What To Do When Things Go Sideways

• My Dog Freezes Instead of Walking: Some dogs shut down completely when the leash feels restrictive. If your dog freezes, stay calm. Use gentle encouragement, softly call their name, or even take a few steps backward to lure them forward. Avoid tugging or pulling; forcing movement can create more resistance. Patience will get you unstuck faster than frustration.
• My Dog Spins in Circles While Pulling: When dogs spin or circle while pulling, it often signals overstimulation, they’re trying to process too much at once. One effective strategy is to shorten their leash radius using a short “driving leash” (about 1 foot). This limits movement, reduces spinning, and helps your dog stay grounded.
• My Dog Chews the Leash When Excited: Excited dogs often turn leash time into chewing time, especially young pups who explore everything with their mouths. Switch to chew-resistant materials and keep their mouths occupied by offering a toy or rewarding focus with treats during walks. You can even turn attention to a stuffed chew held in your hand to redirect that energy.

What NOT to Do: Common Mistakes

• Inconsistent corrections: Correcting pulling one day and allowing it the next teaches confusion, not clarity.
• Using punishment tools without training: Tools like choke chains or prong collars can help, but only if YOU have the experience to use them effectively with our dog.
• Allowing pulling “just this once”: Every time pulling is rewarded, even accidentally, it strengthens the habit you’re trying to break.

The Emotional Side: Why This Can Feel So Hard

Leash training challenges more than just your dog’s behavior, it challenges your patience. Many dog owners start strong but feel exhausted after weeks of slow progress. You take two steps forward, your dog lunges, and it feels like you’re back at square one.

There’s also real fear behind every correction. Nobody wants to risk injuring their dog’s neck with harsh tugs or poorly fitted collars. And with so many tools and opinions available, choosing the right equipment can feel overwhelming. The fear of accidentally making things worse holds many owners back from starting at all.

But you’re not alone. Every dog can learn, and every owner can get through this, with the right plan, consistency, and gear built for your dog’s specific needs.

When to Get Professional Help

Some dogs need more than DIY solutions. If your dog’s pulling is accompanied by reactivity, aggression, or escalating behaviors like lunging at people or other dogs, it’s smart to involve a professional trainer. Customized plans can help address deeper issues and create safer, more enjoyable walks for both of you.

The Right Gear Makes a Big Difference

Every dog is unique. That’s why one-size-fits-all solutions often fall short. A well-fitted, custom harness or martingale collar can turn a frustrating walk into a smooth, connected experience.

At Mimi Green, we don’t just sell gear, we create handcrafted pieces designed to fit your dog’s body and personality. Our harnesses offer gentle control. Our martingale collars provide safe backup for escape artists. And our custom leashes are durable, beautiful, and built to handle the strongest pullers with confidence.

Take Back Your Walks With Custom Gear Made Just for Your Dog

If daily leash battles have left you frustrated and second-guessing your gear, you don’t have to settle for trial and error. At Mimi Green, we create made-to-order solutions that give you confidence every time you clip on the leash.

• Custom Harnesses That Encourage Better Leash Behavior: Order a custom harness that can help reduce pulling pressure while offering a comfortable fit that avoids strain on your dog’s neck and shoulders.
• Personalized Martingale Collars: Prevent slip-outs without harsh corrections, perfect for training sessions.
• Handcrafted Leashes: Strong, stylish, and designed for real life with dogs who like to lead.

Every piece is handcrafted by our small team in Albuquerque, NM. No mass production. No cheap materials. Just thoughtful designs that help you enjoy every walk again.

Looking for a beautifully made, custom-fit leash? Explore our collection and start transforming your walks today.