Loose Leash Walking: Calm Walks Without the Pulling

Loose leash walking is one of the most common struggles dog owners face. Pulling isn’t stubbornness—it’s usually excitement, habit, or a dog moving faster than their human. The good news? With the right approach, calm and enjoyable walks are achievable.

At Eazy Dog Training, we teach dogs how to walk politely while keeping walks enriching and stress-free.

1. Focus on Quality Over Distance

Long walks don’t equal good training. Start with short, purposeful walks where your dog can succeed. Five calm minutes are more valuable than 30 minutes of pulling.

2. Start Before You Leave the House

Loose leash walking begins at the front door.

• Wait for calm before clipping the leash
• Reward your dog for standing or sitting calmly
• Only step outside once your dog is relaxed

This sets the tone for the entire walk.

3. Reward the Position You Want

Reward your dog for walking beside you with a loose leash. Use treats, praise, or a quick sniff break as reinforcement.

Tip: Reward frequently at first, especially for checking in with you.

4. Stop Reinforcing Pulling

If your dog pulls, stop moving. Wait for the leash to loosen before continuing. Pulling should never get your dog closer to what they want.

5. Keep Walks Mentally Enriching

Allow sniffing, short training breaks, and calm exploration. Mental enrichment helps reduce frustration and pulling.

6. Be Consistent

Everyone walking the dog should follow the same rules. Inconsistent handling leads to inconsistent behaviour.

Last Words

Loose leash walking isn’t about control—it’s about communication, consistency, and calm energy. Shorter walks, clear rewards, and patience will create lasting change.

For dogs that struggle with pulling, overexcitement, or reactivity on walks, Eazy Dog Training’s leash training  options provide hands-on guidance tailored to your dog.