Pets✓ Follow-up at 2 weeks3,980 views
My dog pulls on the lead every single walk and I dread taking them out
A simple loose-lead walking training plan using the stop-start method, high-value treats, and short practice sessions to transform walks within 2 weeks.
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Follow-Up Result
2 weeks laterLoose lead walking achieved in 10 days with consistent training
The Problem
Walking my dog is supposed to be enjoyable but it's become a nightmare. The second we leave the house, they pull like a sled dog. My arm aches, I've nearly been pulled over twice, and I've started avoiding walks because it's so stressful. I've tried a harness, a head collar, and yanking them back — nothing works for more than 5 minutes. They're a medium-sized dog with the strength of something twice their size. I feel like a terrible owner because I know they need walks but I genuinely dread them.
The Plan
Week 1: Reset the Walk
Get a front-clip harness (not back-clip) — this redirects pulling energy to the side instead of forward
Start with 5-minute training walks, not your usual route — short and focused beats long and frustrating
Use the "be a tree" method: the instant the lead goes tight, stop completely. Don't move, don't speak, just stop
Wait until the dog looks at you or the lead goes slack, then immediately say "yes!" and walk forward
Bring high-value treats (cheese, chicken, hot dog pieces) — kibble won't cut it for this training
Week 1 (continued): Build the Foundation
Practice in your garden or a quiet area first — low distractions make learning possible
Reward your dog every few steps when they're walking beside you — they need to learn that being next to you is where the good stuff happens
Change direction frequently — if they pull ahead, turn and walk the other way. They learn to watch you
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes maximum — both of you will get frustrated beyond that
Do 2-3 short sessions per day instead of one long walk
Week 2: Add Distance and Distractions
Gradually increase walk length as loose-lead walking improves
Start walking past mild distractions (other people, quiet streets) while maintaining the stop-start method
Reduce treat frequency gradually — from every few steps to every 30 seconds to occasional rewards
If they pull toward another dog or a squirrel, stop and wait. Don't drag them away — let them choose to come back to you
Celebrate progress: if you can walk 50 meters without pulling, that's a massive win compared to where you started
Resources
Kikopup on YouTube — free, positive reinforcement training videos that actually work
"Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy" by Steve Mann — brilliant, practical dog training book
Front-clip harness (Perfect Fit or Blue-9 Balance) — designed specifically to reduce pulling
Local positive reinforcement dog trainer — one session can accelerate weeks of self-training
Follow-Up Result
Day 10: loose lead walking is happening. The "be a tree" method felt ridiculous at first — the first walk took 20 minutes to go 100 meters. But by day 4, the dog started checking in before pulling. The front-clip harness made an immediate difference. High-value treats were essential — the dog would do anything for a piece of cheese. Now doing 30-minute walks with minimal pulling. The biggest change is actually wanting to go for walks again. Still using treats occasionally but the dog has genuinely learned that walking beside me is more rewarding than pulling ahead.Know someone with this problem?
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