If you’ve ever been yanked down the street by your dog, you’re not alone. At Positive Pets Dog Training in Boise, leash pulling is one of the most common issues we help owners tackle. But what many don’t realize is that leash pulling isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a symptom of a communication breakdown between you and your dog.
Why Leash Pulling Happens
Dogs pull for one simple reason: it works. They want to get somewhere, and pulling gets them there faster. Whether it’s chasing a squirrel, meeting another dog, or just exploring smells, the reward lies ahead—and your dog learns quickly that dragging you along pays off. On top of that, many dogs lack impulse control and haven’t been taught to check in with their handler. They’re not being “bad”; they’re just doing what’s natural.
Common Mistakes Owners Make
We often see frustrated dog owners unintentionally reinforce pulling by:
- Letting the dog lead when they’re in a hurry or tired.
- Using retractable leashes that actually encourage pulling by removing any sense of boundary.
- Yanking the leash back can create tension and cause more excitement or frustration.
Without structure or a clear expectation, dogs don’t know what you want—and they default to doing whatever gets them what they want fastest.
How Trainers Fix Leash Pulling
At our Boise facility, we take a clear, structured approach to loose-leash walking:
- Clear Communication – We teach dogs a heel or “let’s go” cue and reward them for staying beside the handler.
- Consistency – Every walk is a training opportunity. We coach owners to be consistent in their expectations and rewards.
- Turn and Redirect – Instead of dragging back, we turn and walk the other way when the dog pulls. This makes the dog pay closer attention to our direction.
- Reinforcement – We reward calm walking behavior, often starting in a distraction-free environment before moving to more stimulating settings.
If you’re tired of feeling like your dog is walking you, let’s work together. We help dogs learn that the best place to be is right by your side.
