11/14/2025
If your dog pulls read this great information. This supports why I choose training as a conversation instead of control. Dogs are just trying to be a dog in a human world. Give them a break.
Why Your Border Collie Pulls on the Lead
If you’re struggling with a Border Collie that pulls on the lead, I completely get it. Walks can feel like a daily tug-of-war, exhausting, frustrating, and sometimes even embarrassing. You’re not alone, this is one of the most common challenges Border Collie owners face.
But here’s the important thing: lead pulling isn’t just a problem with your dog’s manners. There’s usually a deeper reason behind it, and understanding that reason is the first step to solving it.
1️⃣ Lead Pulling Isn’t Just One Behaviour
Many owners think lead walking is a simple obedience problem: “My dog just needs to learn to walk nicely.” But in reality, lead walking is a mix of emotional regulation, impulse control, focus, and learned habits.
When your dog pulls, it could be because:
-They have too much energy and can’t focus.
-They’re reacting to stress or anxiety in the environment.
-They’re overstimulated by people, dogs, or traffic.
They haven’t learned the skills needed for self-control yet.
So before trying every trick in the book, it’s worth asking: why is my dog pulling?
2️⃣ Age and Development Matter
If your dog is a puppy or adolescent, keep in mind that impulse control develops over time. A young Border Collie simply doesn’t have the neurological maturity to focus on walking calmly for long periods.
Expecting a 1–1.5-year-old dog to walk perfectly for 30 minutes is often unrealistic. Instead:
-Work in short bursts.
-End walks on a positive note.
-Gradually build duration and focus.
3️⃣ Energy Levels Can Make Lead Walking Hard
Border Collies are working dogs—they’re bred to move fast, think fast, and react quickly. If your dog has pent-up energy, pulling isn’t defiance, t’s an outlet.
-Before focusing solely on obedience, ask yourself:
-Are they getting enough mental stimulation?
-Are they physically active enough?
-Do they have opportunities to use their energy constructively?
If the answer is no, training alone won’t fix the pulling.
4️⃣ Emotional State and Environmental Stress
Sometimes pulling isn’t about energy, it’s about emotions. Dogs can be anxious, excited, or stressed, which makes it almost impossible for them to walk politely.
Common triggers include:
-Cars, scooters, or bicycles
-Crowds or groups of people
-Other dogs or animals
-Loud noises or unusual objects
If your dog lunges or pulls in these situations, it’s not training failure, it’s a stress response. These dogs need emotional support, management, and gradual desensitisation alongside training.
5️⃣ Temperament and Personality
Every Border Collie is different. Some are calm, some highly reactive, some very sensitive. Understanding your dog’s personality helps set realistic expectations and choose strategies that actually work for them.
6️⃣ Obedience Helps, But Isn’t Always the First Answer
Teaching “heel,” “watch me,” or other commands is important, but obedience alone rarely solves lead pulling. Focus first on:
-Energy management
-Emotional regulation
-Environment management
Once your dog is able to focus and stay calm, obedience training becomes much more effective.
7️⃣ Quick Tips to Get Started
Start with short, low-distraction walks (5–10 mins).
Reward frequently for attention and calm walking.
Make walking a game or training session to use their natural focus.
Avoid punishing pulling, it increases stress.
-Provide mental stimulation before walks so your dog’s brain isn’t bouncing off the walls.
-Even small, consistent changes can make a huge difference over time.
8️⃣ When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes a one-to-one approach is needed. Consider help if:
Your dog reacts aggressively or fearfully to people, dogs, or cars
Lead walking is unsafe
You’ve tried many methods but your dog still can’t walk calmly
A professional trainer can assess your dog’s age, temperament, energy, emotional triggers, and current training, and create a personalised plan that works for both of you.
9️⃣ Remember: You’re Not Alone
Walking your dog should be enjoyable, not stressful. Border Collies are intelligent, energetic, and sensitive, and with the right guidance, patience, and structure, they can learn to walk calmly and enjoy walks.
10️⃣ A Personal Invitation
If you want, I’m happy to help you look at your dog’s whole picture. Sometimes a quick phone chat is enough to give you clarity, personalised strategies, and guidance on whether a one-to-one plan is the right next step.
Your walks can become enjoyable again. It just takes the right plan and support.
