How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash Using The FreeRun Positive Reinforcement Way

Learn effective, kind strategies to teach your dog to walk politely on a leash while strengthening your bond through positive reinforcement training.

As a certified dog trainer, one of the questions I get asked most often is: "How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash?" Truth be told, there's no simple answer, but there is a kind and effective one. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your dog to walk politely by your side while strengthening your bond along the way.

Why Dogs Pull

Dogs naturally walk faster than we do. Add in all the exciting smells, sights, and sounds, and suddenly that calm stroll feels more like waterskiing behind your furry rocket.

But here's the key: dogs repeat behaviors that work for them. If pulling gets them closer to what they want, a scent, a squirrel, or a new friend, they quickly learn that pulling pays off. Our job is to make staying close even more rewarding.

Step 1: Start With the Right Gear

Pulling is easiest to prevent when you begin with the right tools. A front-clip body harness gently redirects your dog without putting pressure on the neck. By attaching at the chest instead of the back, it gives you smoother communication and keeps movement natural.

For strong or enthusiastic dogs, the Gentle Leader® Headcollar can be a great temporary training aid. It loops over the nose and behind ears, guiding your dog's head instead of their body. When your dog pulls, it gently redirects their focus back toward you, without pain, choking, or pressure. Most dogs quickly associate it with calm, focused walks once it's introduced gradually and paired with positive reinforcement.

Trainer Tip: Introduce the Gentle Leader slowly. Let your dog sniff it, reward calm behavior, watch Gentle Leader® video to learn how to fit it properly. Proper fit is key to success. Build up to short wear sessions before walks. The goal is comfort, communication, and teamwork, not correction.

Step 2: Reinforce What You Do Want

Instead of punishing your dog for pulling, reward what you want: a loose leash. Start in a quiet, low-distraction space like a hallway or backyard. The moment your dog's leash goes slack, mark it with a cheerful "Yes!" (or clicker) and give a treat.

The 5 For 5 Training Rule That Works

Use the 5-for-5 Rule to decide when to make training harder: 0–2 Successes means drop back to an easier level, 3–4 Successes means stay at the same level and repeat, and 5 for 5 Successes means move to the next, slightly harder environment. Two or three short sessions per day, five good repetitions each, help your dog master each step without frustration.

Training Tip: Use high-value treats like freeze-dried liver, diced string cheese, or your dog's favorite training snacks. Save these for leash work so they stay special and motivating.

Step 3: The "Change Direction" Game

If your dog starts to surge ahead, turn it into a game instead of a tug-of-war. Calmly say your dog's name, then turn and walk the other way. When they catch up and the leash loosens, mark it with "Yes!" and reward. This simple shift keeps your dog engaged, teaches them to pay attention to your movements, and makes walking together feel like teamwork rather than resistance.

Step 4: Keep Sessions Short and Positive

Think quality over distance. Short, upbeat sessions build habits faster than long, frustrating walks. Each success teaches your dog that staying close earns rewards, and that pulling gets them nowhere. If your dog pulls, simply stop. Wait until the leash relaxes or they turn back toward you, then praise and continue forward. Over time, they'll learn that calm walking keeps the adventure going.

Step 5: Be Patient and Consistent

Progress takes time. Avoid jerking or yanking the leash, these corrections can cause pain or even neck and trachea injury, especially for strong pullers. Gentle guidance, clear communication, and repetition always work better than force. If life's busy or your dog is especially powerful, tools like the Gentle Leader® Headcollar or a quality front-clip harness can help you maintain control safely while you continue to train. These aren't replacements for teaching; they're stepping stones toward calm, confident walking.

Trainer's Tip: Make Rewards Count

Not all dogs are motivated the same way. Food-motivated dogs benefit from soft, pea-sized pieces of chicken, cheese, or liver as "jackpot" rewards. Play-motivated dogs respond well to a quick tug game, a favorite squeaky toy, or permission to sniff something fascinating. Voice-motivated dogs thrive on an upbeat tone and plenty of praise, as a warm, happy voice goes a long way toward keeping your dog connected and eager.

Freedom in Every Step

Leash pulling isn't disobedience, it's communication. Your dog is simply saying, "I'm excited to explore." With patience, clear guidance, and positive reinforcement, that excitement turns into connection. Over time, calm walking becomes a shared rhythm, steady, relaxed, and in sync. Every walk should feel like that: effortless teamwork, a little freedom, and a lot of trust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my dog pull on the leash?

Dogs pull because they naturally walk faster than humans and are excited by their environment. When pulling gets them closer to what interests them, they learn that it works, making it a self-rewarding behavior.

What's the best equipment to stop leash pulling?

A front-clip harness is ideal for most dogs as it redirects pulling without neck pressure. For strong or enthusiastic pullers, the Gentle Leader® Headcollar can be a temporary training tool when introduced properly.

How long does it take to train a dog not to pull?

Should I use corrections or punishment to stop pulling?

No. Jerking or yanking the leash can cause injury and damage trust. Positive reinforcement methods that reward loose-leash walking are more effective and create a stronger bond between you and your dog.

What if my dog isn't motivated by treats during leash training?

Not all dogs are food-motivated. Try using play rewards like a favorite toy or tug game, or rely on enthusiastic verbal praise and permission to sniff interesting spots as alternative motivators.