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Teaching loose-lead walking to your dog
Updated 2026-10-16. General information, not veterinary advice.
Ask your vet or a qualified trainer. This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog pulls hard, lunges or reacts to other dogs, ask a qualified trainer for hands-on help.
Dogs pull because moving forward works. They want to get to the smell, the park or the other dog, and pulling gets them there. Loose-lead walking teaches that a relaxed lead is what makes walks continue.
Choose your equipment
- Lead: A standard fixed-length lead of around 1.5 to 2 metres is easy to handle. Retractable leads make consistent training harder.
- Collar or harness: A flat collar or a well-fitted harness are common choices. Many owners use a harness to avoid neck pressure. Some harnesses attach at the chest for extra steering. Check fit with your vet or a trainer.
- Treats: Small, soft, quickly eaten treats in a pouch.
- Avoid aversive tools. We suggest reward-based methods, so do not use tools designed to cause pain or discomfort. Ask a qualified trainer if you are unsure.
Browse our collars, harnesses and leads listings. They are listed for convenience, not recommendations.
Step-by-step
- Start indoors or in the yard. Few distractions makes it easier.
- Reward position. Decide which side you want your dog on. Give a treat each time they are beside your leg, quickly at first.
- Take a few steps. Reward while the lead is loose, delivering the treat beside your leg so your dog stays close.
- Stop when it tightens. If the lead goes tight, stand still, wait for it to slacken, or step back to encourage your dog to turn, then reward and carry on. Do not yank.
- Change direction. Turn smoothly away and reward your dog for following.
- Add distance gradually. Move to the driveway, quiet street, then busier places.
- Reduce treats slowly. Keep rewarding often. Praise, sniffing and moving towards something interesting can also be rewards.
Keep sessions short, a few minutes, and end while your dog is still keen. Plan separate “sniff time” where your dog can explore on a loose lead, as sniffing is a natural and enriching activity.
Heat and hot pavement safety in Australia
Summer pavement, asphalt and sand can get very hot and can burn paws. Dogs also overheat quickly.
- Test the surface. Press the back of your hand to it for several seconds. If it is too hot for you, it is too hot for paws.
- Walk at cooler times, such as early morning or after sunset, and choose grass and shade.
- Carry water and offer it regularly.
- Take extra care with puppies, older dogs, overweight dogs, thick-coated dogs and flat-faced breeds. Ask your vet about your dog’s risk.
- Know the signs of overheating: heavy panting, drooling, weakness or collapse. Call a vet immediately if you see them.
- Never leave a dog in a parked car.
See our tick, heat and snake safety guide and health and safety listings. In bush or long grass, keep your dog on lead because of ticks and snakes.
Common problems
- Pulling to a smell or dog: Increase the distance, reward calm behaviour before the lead tightens, and let your dog sniff as a reward.
- Zigzagging or stopping: Make it more rewarding to be beside you and keep your pace steady.
- Over-excited at the door: Wait for calm before clipping on the lead and before going out.
Breed notes
High-energy herding breeds like the Kelpie and Border Collie may need mental work before a walk to settle. The Staffy is strong, so a secure harness and early practice help. Groodles are often social and want to greet everyone, so reward focus on you first.
Keep it fun
Sessions should feel like a game. If your dog is tired, hot, hungry for attention or overexcited, stop and try later. Progress is rarely a straight line, and a bad day does not undo earlier work. Keep your own expectations realistic and celebrate small wins. If you feel stuck, a short session with a qualified trainer can save weeks of frustration.
Next steps
Pair this with toilet training and build a reliable recall. Find a trainer in our training directory (listed, not endorsed).
FAQs
What age can I start loose-lead walking?
You can start short, gentle lead practice at home and in the yard as soon as your puppy is settled with you. Ask your vet when it is safe to walk in public places, and how much exercise suits your puppy's age.
Should I use a harness or a collar?
Both are used. Many owners like a well-fitted harness because it avoids pressure on the neck. The tool matters less than the training, so ask a qualified trainer to help with fit and choice for your dog.
My dog pulls even though I stop. What now?
Make sure you reward often enough, start in a quiet place, and keep sessions short. Pulling is often rewarded by moving forward, so be consistent. A qualified trainer can help if it is not improving.
How hot is too hot for the pavement?
Pavement can be much hotter than the air and can burn paws. Hold the back of your hand on it for several seconds. If it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for your dog. Walk at cooler times or on grass.
Are retractable leads good for training?
They are generally harder to use for teaching loose-lead walking because the dog feels constant tension. A standard fixed-length lead gives you more control and clearer feedback.