Walking together
Walking on a loose leash
Fewer sore arms, and a walk you both look forward to.
You'll need: A well-fitted harness, A standard lead, not extendable, Treats you can reach quickly.
How to do it
- Step 01
Start before the door
Clip the lead on and just stand still until your dog is calm. Excitement at the door tends to come along for the whole walk.
- Step 02
Reward the slack
Whenever the lead hangs loose, say "yes" and reward at your side. You're paying for the position, not correcting the pulling.
- Step 03
Stop when it tightens
If the lead goes tight, simply stop. No pulling back. Wait for the lead to soften, then walk on again.
- Step 04
Change direction
Turn calmly and walk the other way now and then. It teaches your dog to keep an eye on where you're going.
Building it up
Move on when the step before feels easy. If it wobbles, go back one — that isn't failing, it's just how learning goes.
- 1
In the hallway
A few metres, no distractions at all.
- 2
Your own street
Familiar smells, short and slow.
- 3
A quiet park
More going on, more rewarding for checking in.
- 4
Busier pavements
People, bikes, other dogs at a distance.
- 5
Passing calmly
Walking past another dog without a fuss.
How did it go?
Tell us about your dog and we'll keep track of what you've worked on, and suggest what to try next.