12/03/2026
🐾 Loose Lead Walking – A Simple Guide
Do you struggle with your dog pulling on the lead? Are people telling you to try tools that feel complicated… or even cruel?
Here’s a simple, positive way to start improving loose lead walking. My training focuses on teaching dogs to make good decisions on their own — not forcing or bullying them into behaviours. This creates results that actually last.
Step 1: Start with Check-Ins
Don’t train every second of the walk. Start by simply asking for your dog’s attention.
• Say your dog’s name.
• When they look at you, mark the behaviour with “Yes!” or “Good boy/girl!”
• Then drop a treat on the ground.
A treat on the ground invites your dog into your space while rewarding the behaviour you asked for.
Step 2: Practice & Be Patient
Repeat this throughout the walk. Let your dog learn that checking in with you is rewarding.
Step 3: Build Duration
Once your dog is responding well:
• Ask for a check-in again.
• This time, don’t reward immediately.
• Keep walking while maintaining the eye contact.
• Then reward.
Step 4: Increase Slowly
Gradually increase the time your dog keeps that eye contact while walking with you — aiming for 5–10 seconds.
Once they can do this, you can begin weaving loose lead walking into your walks and slowly build it up.
✨ Remember:
Be patient. Your dog is learning… and so are you.
