Is your dog pulling on the leash? 7 tips that really work.
Dogs pull because pulling gets them where they want to go faster, so the pulling itself is the reward. Loose-leash training combined with a well-fitting harness with a chest clip gives you more steering, but no piece of equipment stops pulling on its own.
Why your dog pulls on the leash.
Pulling is not disobedience. It is instinct. Your dog smells something interesting, sees another dog, or simply wants to go faster than you. The world is a buffet of scents and stimuli for a dog, and they are all out there, not here.
The problem worsens with a collar. The harder your dog pulls, the more pressure on the neck, and the more your dog goes into the opposition reflex: pulling even harder. A harness with a front clip breaks that pattern.
7 tips that really work against pulling.
No tricks, no gadgets. These seven tips are based on positive reinforcement: you reward what goes well instead of punishing pulling.
Tip 4: Use a fixed leash of 1.5 to 2 m, not a flexi-lead. Tip 5: Clip the leash to the chest when you need steering. Tip 6: Check the fit. A harness that slips or rubs gives you less control. Tip 7: Start every walk calm, on a quiet route, and keep the same rules on every walk. Allowing pulling once sets you back.
Tip 1: Stop and wait
Stand still as soon as the leash is tight. Wait until your dog comes back and the leash is loose. Reward, then continue walking. If he keeps pulling, turn 180° and walk the other way. Repeat this often on every walk.
Tip 2: Reward the slack leash
Reward the moment your dog walks beside you with a loose leash, not only when he stops pulling. Give a treat or a word of praise right at his side.
Tip 3: Keep training sessions short
Train in short sessions of a few minutes, several times a day. Short sessions keep your dog focused and you both calm.
How does a front-clip harness?
The mechanics are simple: when you attach the leash to the chest instead of the back, the pulling force is converted into a rotational movement. Your dog is gently turned towards you instead of being catapulted forward. No pain, no correction — pure physics.
Our Unboring dog harness has both a front and back clip. Start with the front clip for training. Once your dog has learned not to pull, switch to the back clip for everyday comfort. Check out our harness guide for all the details.
What does not work (and can even cause damage).
Choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars are still being sold, but they are outdated. They operate based on pain and fear. Research shows that they do not structurally solve pulling behavior. They only suppress it at that moment, causing stress and distrust.
The same applies to pulling hard on the leash or shouting. Your dog does not understand what you want; he only becomes scared. Positive reinforcement — rewarding what goes well — works better and is better for your bond.
Our dog harnesses
Frequently asked questions.
What is the best leash for a dog that pulls?
A fixed leash of 1.5 to 2 m works best, because it teaches your dog that pulling does not give him more space. Read more in our guide to the best leash for a dog that pulls.
Does a no pull harness stop pulling?
Not on its own. A no pull harness with a chest clip gives you more steering, but the training is what changes your dog's habit.
Why does my dog pull on the leash?
Pulling works for him: it moves him faster towards the smells, sounds and dogs he wants to reach. Read our full explanation of why dogs pull.
Is a retractable leash bad for a dog that pulls?
Usually, yes. A retractable cord gives your dog more room to pull, and you have less control when it runs out. Our flexi line page explains the differences.
Front clip or back clip?
For a dog that pulls, start with the front clip, because it turns him towards you when he pulls. Switch to the back clip for everyday walks once he walks nicely. Compare both in our front clip or back clip guide.
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