
03/16/2025
Why Does Your Dog Pull on the Leash? Understanding the Root Cause!
Leash pulling can feel frustrating, but it’s not just about stubbornness—it’s about what’s driving your dog’s behavior. Identifying the why behind the pulling is the first step to better walks! Here are the 4 main reasons dogs pull:
🔹 Excitement Pulling – Your dog is just too happy to walk! New smells, people, and places create an overload of enthusiasm, making them surge ahead.
🔹 Fear-Based Pulling – Does your dog try to bolt away from certain triggers? Loud noises, unfamiliar people, or other dogs can make a nervous pup pull to escape.
🔹 Prey Drive Pulling – If your dog suddenly lunges after a squirrel, bird, or even a blowing leaf, their natural instinct to chase is kicking in.
🔹 Frustration Pulling – Ever feel like your dog is throwing a tantrum on the leash? If they can’t reach something exciting (another dog, a park, or a person), pulling becomes their way of expressing impatience.
Observation is key! Pay attention to when and why your dog pulls. Is it in certain places? Around specific triggers? Understanding their motivation helps you take the right approach.
Which type of puller do you have? Comment below! ⬇️🐾