As I sat at a local restaurant, enjoying the passing scenes, my attention was drawn to an older man walking a young Golden Retriever. The dog, curious and full of energy, occasionally wandered away, only to be pulled back on the leash. The interaction was automatic, devoid of communication or connection.
This scene is all too common. Many people unknowingly choke their dogs simply because they haven’t taught them not to pull on the leash. Imagine what a dog must feel when pulled abruptly by the neck. To get a sense of this, gently place your hands around your neck and apply a little pressure. Uncomfortable, isn’t it? Now imagine that discomfort amplified, with no control to ease the pressure—this is what many dogs experience daily.
Watching such interactions makes me realize how misunderstood leash walking is. Dogs don’t inherently know how to walk on a leash without pulling. In fact, pulling is entirely natural for them. Here’s why:
- Leashes are unnatural for dogs. Dogs’ instincts drive them to explore their environment, often at a pace and direction that doesn’t align with ours.
- Their bodies are designed for forward motion. A dog’s center of gravity, just behind the front legs, naturally propels them forward.
- They haven’t been taught not to pull. Without training, dogs don’t understand what’s expected of them.
- Pulling is often reinforced. When a dog pulls and the handler continues walking, the dog learns that pulling gets results.
While teaching loose leash walking is harder once a dog develops a pulling habit, it’s not impossible. With the right techniques and consistent practice, even dedicated pullers can learn this valuable skill.
Tips for Managing Pulling
1. Side-Step Technique One effective technique involves standing still while the leash is taut. Take a few steps to the side, ensuring your dog can see you in their peripheral vision. Invite your dog to move towards you. As they approach, the leash will naturally become loose. This method helps the dog associate movement with a loose leash.
2. Interact During Walks Engage with your dog throughout the walk. Treat the experience as an opportunity to bond, like spending time with a close friend. By paying attention and interacting, you encourage cooperation and mutual enjoyment.
Dogs offer us a unique opportunity to slow down and reflect on our own behavior. By treating them with kindness and respect, walks can transform into a shared practice in mindfulness and connection.
Upcoming Loose Leash Walking Class
If you’re ready to teach your dog to walk on a loose leash, consider joining our Loose Leash Walking for the Dedicated Puller class. This course is designed to equip you and your dog with the tools and techniques to enjoy stress-free walks.
Class Details:
- Instructor: Almudena Ortiz Cué, M.A., CTC, CPDT, Tellington TTouch™ Certified Practitioner
- Dates: Saturdays, March 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Fee: $321 (tax included)
- Requirements: Dogs must be at least five months old. A flat collar and harness are recommended.
- Eligibility: Open to all breeds. Not suited for dogs that lunge at other dogs or people while on a leash.