Teaching Leash Walking: Stop Your Dog from Pulling!

Walkies are supposed to be the best part of the day, but for many, they turn into a tug-of-war. A dog that pulls isn't just tiring for your arms, it's also a risk to their cervical vertebrae. At Colliers & Compagnons, we believe a peaceful walk relies on two pillars: positive training and equipment that respects canine anatomy.

Why does your dog pull on their collar?

Before acting, you need to understand. A dog rarely pulls out of "dominance." The reasons are often simpler:

• Excitement: The desire to reach a scent or another dog.
• Their natural speed: A human's pace is much slower than a dog's.
• The opposition reflex: Instinctively, if you pull backward, the dog pulls forward to regain balance.

The impact of the collar on training

Many owners think a thin or "punitive" collar will stop pulling. The opposite is true: pain can increase anxiety and thus pulling. Here's how collar width influences pressure distribution:

3 exercises to stop pulling

1. The "Red Light" technique

As soon as the leash tightens, stop dead. Don't pull backward, just anchor yourself. Wait for your dog to turn to you or loosen the leash. As soon as contact is re-established, praise and start again. They need to understand that "tight leash = no more moving forward."

2. Unexpected change of direction

If your dog ignores you and pulls ahead, abruptly turn around without a word. They will be surprised and will have to pay attention to you to follow the movement. Repeat the exercise several times per walk.

3. The target (The "Touch")

Teach them to touch your hand with their nose in exchange for a reward. On a walk, use this signal to bring them back close to your leg as soon as they start to stray too far.

Dog training statistics

Why persist? Because the results change the life of the human-dog pair:

Conclusion

Learning to walk on a leash takes time, but it's a worthwhile investment for the next ten years of your life. By combining patience, rewards, and an appropriate collar that doesn't turn every pull into pain, you'll rediscover the joy of walking side-by-side. Remember: the walk is a dialogue, not a power struggle.

Published May 05, 2026 by the Colliers & Compagnons team.