11/11/2025
What You’re Probably Doing Wrong When It Comes to Lead Work
When it comes to loose-lead walking, there’s a lot more going on than most people realise. Pulling isn’t just about a dog being stubborn — it’s often a mix of factors that all play a part in how they behave on the lead.
Think about it:
How you hold the lead matters.
The equipment you’re using can make a big difference.
Has your dog had any off-lead time or a chance to sniff and decompress before the walk?
Is this their first outing after being alone for four hours?
Are you walking through a busy park full of dogs, people, or squirrels?
All of these little details influence how your dog feels — and how they walk.
But one of the biggest issues I see, and one many people don’t even notice, is this:
👉 Allowing your dog to pull and still moving forward.
As hard as it can be (and yes, it’s frustrating when you just want to get somewhere), every time your dog pulls and you keep walking, you’re accidentally telling them that pulling works. You’re showing them that a tight lead still gets them to the next smell, the next dog, or the park gate faster.
💫The key shift is simple but powerful:
When the lead goes tight, stop.
When it loosens, move forward again.
💫It might feel slow at first, but you’re teaching your dog a much more valuable lesson — that a loose lead is the key to progress. Over time, that one change builds better habits, calmer walks, and a dog who enjoys being with you rather than dragging you.
💫Sometimes they dogs i meet can't even take food they are so over threshold. So this is where I start.
