Dogs that pull on the lead are often trying to communicate how they feel rather than simply being “naughty”, according to a leading canine education expert.
Jo Middleton, Educational Director at Canine Principles, says lead pulling is one of the most common issues faced by dog guardians, but warns that many owners focus on stopping the behaviour without first understanding what is causing it.
Stress, fear, anxiety and excitement can all lead to dogs pulling during walks, while some simply have never been taught how to walk comfortably on a loose lead.
Jo believes ethical dog training should always begin by looking at the dog’s emotional state rather than relying on punishment or quick fixes.
She said: “Dogs pulling on the lead is a common issue faced by many guardians, rooted in a variety of emotional responses such as stress, fear, anxiety and excitement. It’s also often simply because they haven’t been taught otherwise.
“Addressing this behaviour effectively requires a deep understanding of your dog’s underlying motivations and emotional state. Successful and ethical training methods prioritise this understanding, offering solutions that respect the dog’s feelings and needs.
“By focusing on why dogs act the way they do, we can develop strategies that are not only effective but also strengthen the bond between us and our dogs.”
Canine Principles says recognising the reason behind lead pulling is the first step towards creating calmer, happier walks for both dogs and their owners.
Five top tips for loose lead walking
1. Look beyond the pulling
Ask yourself why your dog is pulling. They may be feeling stressed, fearful, anxious or simply overwhelmed by their environment rather than deliberately misbehaving.
2. Teach, don’t punish
Some dogs pull simply because they have never been shown another way to walk. Patient, reward-based training helps them learn the behaviour you want.
3. Focus on your dog’s emotions
Understanding how your dog is feeling is just as important as teaching the mechanics of walking on a loose lead. A relaxed dog is far more able to learn.
4. Use ethical training methods
Choose training approaches that respect your dog’s welfare and emotional wellbeing rather than relying on force or aversive techniques.
5. Strengthen your bond
When you understand your dog’s motivations instead of simply correcting the behaviour, walks become more enjoyable and help build trust between you and your canine companion.
