Dogs pull because pulling works — they get to the interesting smell. The fix is making pulling not work, consistently, every walk.
The stop-and-wait technique
The moment the leash goes tight, stop walking. Wait until your dog turns to check in or the leash slackens, then move forward again. Repeat. Forever, at first.
Equipment matters
A front-clip harness redirects pulling more effectively than a back-clip one and is gentler than any flat collar for dogs who pull hard.
Reward the position you want, not just the behaviour you don't
Instead of only correcting pulling, actively reward your dog for walking near your leg — a treat dropped by your side every few steps while the leash stays loose teaches them that position is where good things happen, not just where nothing happens.
The most common mistake
Letting your dog pull toward things they want — a tree, another dog, the door — teaches them that pulling gets results, even if you're strict everywhere else. Consistency across every single walk, not just training sessions, is what makes the habit stick.
Practice in low-distraction environments before expecting good leash manners on busy streets. Skipping that step is why most "trained" dogs still pull at the park.
