Loose Leash Walking: Teach Your Puppy Not to Pull
Teach your puppy to walk on a loose lead with comfortable equipment, the stop-and-go method, rewards in the right position and a simple practice plan.
Muhammad Junaid · · 4 min read
Loose leash walking means your puppy walks near you with a relaxed lead, rather than towing you down the street. Puppies pull because pulling gets them where they want to go. Change that rule — so a slack lead is what keeps you moving — and reward your puppy for being by your side, and pulling slowly fades.
Choosing the right equipment
Comfortable, well-fitted kit makes training easier and kinder.
- Flat collar. Fitted so you can slide two fingers underneath. Fine for calm walking and for carrying an ID tag.
- Harness. Choose a design that doesn't sit across the front of the shoulders or rub under the legs. A harness takes pressure off the neck if your puppy does pull.
- Lead. A standard lead of around 1.5–2 metres gives your puppy room to sniff while staying close.
Avoid retractable leads while training too. They keep constant tension on the lead, so your puppy learns that a tight lead is normal.
Start indoors
You can begin before your puppy has finished their vaccinations. Check our puppy vaccination schedule for when walks outside can start.
- Let your puppy wear the collar or harness for short spells, with treats and play, until they ignore it.
- Clip on the lead and let it trail under supervision, then pick it up and follow your puppy around.
- Stand still with a treat. When your puppy comes to your side, mark with "yes" and reward right by your leg.
- Take one or two steps. If your puppy stays with you, mark and reward at your side again.
Choose one side and reward there consistently. Your puppy will learn that this spot pays.
The stop-and-go method
This is the core of loose leash walking.
- Walk forward with a slack lead.
- The moment the lead goes tight, stop. Stand still and stay quiet.
- Wait. When your puppy turns back or steps towards you and the lead loosens, mark "yes".
- Reward at your side, then move forward again.
Don't jerk the lead or tell your puppy off. The point is simple: pulling stops the walk, and a loose lead starts it again. If your puppy is too distracted to turn back, take a couple of cheerful steps the opposite way and reward when they catch up.
Rewarding the right position
Where you deliver the reward matters. Treats given in front of you teach your puppy to cross in front. Treats given at your leg, on your chosen side, teach your puppy that being next to you is the place to be. Keep a small pouch of tasty treats on that side so rewards come quickly.
A practice plan
| Stage | Where | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Living room | A few steps beside you, rewarded every step or two |
| 2 | Hallway or garden | Short laps with turns and stops |
| 3 | Quiet street | Stop-and-go for 5–10 minutes |
| 4 | Busier areas | Practise near mild distractions at a distance |
| 5 | Everyday walks | Fewer rewards, more sniff breaks as a reward |
Move on only when your puppy finds the current stage easy. If they start pulling a lot, go back a stage. Walks will be slow during training — that's normal and it doesn't last forever.
Common problems
- Pulling towards other dogs or people. Increase the distance until your puppy can still pay attention, and reward calm looking.
- Lying down and refusing to walk. Young puppies can be unsure outdoors. Don't drag them. Wait, encourage, and keep early walks short. Our puppy socialisation checklist helps build confidence.
- Lead biting. Swap the lead for a toy, or carry a tug toy to redirect onto.
Keep it fun
Let your puppy sniff — it's how dogs explore the world and it's tiring in a good way. Use "go sniff" as a reward for a few steps of nice walking. Calm, consistent practice will give you an adult dog who's a pleasure to walk.
Frequently asked questions
Is a harness or collar better for a puppy?
Either can work. A well-fitted flat collar or a comfortable harness that doesn't restrict the shoulders are both good choices. Many people prefer a harness because it takes pressure off the neck if the puppy pulls.
How long does it take to teach loose lead walking?
It varies, but expect weeks to months of consistent practice, especially around exciting distractions. Short, frequent sessions help more than occasional long ones.
Should I use a retractable lead?
Not while you're teaching loose lead walking. Retractable leads keep gentle tension on the lead, which teaches your puppy that pulling is normal.