Why Dogs Pull
VCA says dogs pull to reach where they want to go and to engage with their surroundings, that they naturally lean in against collar pressure, and that pulling is effective from the dog's point of view whenever it gets them somewhere.[1] That last point is the whole training problem: every time pulling works, it is rewarded. The fix is to make walking on a slack leash the thing that gets her forward.
The Method: Reward a Slack Leash
VCA's steps, in short:[1]
- Start somewhere quiet with small treats.
- Wait for any slack in the leash, mark it with a word such as "Yes!", and deliver treats.
- Lure and reward often, with treats every two to three seconds while walking.
- Add a cue such as "Let's go" once loose-leash walking is reliable.
- If she pulls, move away from the distraction, wait for slack, then reward.
VCA also says not to expect quick results: it takes most dogs several months of regular practice.[1] Rewards are not only treats. VCA lists praise, intermittent treats on the walk, and forward progress toward whatever she wants to sniff.[1]
PetSafe Dog Treat Pouch Sport
A divided pouch that keeps treats at hand and closed in between, for rewarding the slack leash within a second.
Pros
- Divided pocket stays open for quick access and shuts to hold treats securely, per the listing
- Water and stain resistant fabric, per the listing
Cons
- Another thing to carry on every walk
- Listed in one standard size
Equipment That Helps
VCA recommends a leash of 6 to 10 feet and says to avoid retractable leashes because of friction burns.[1]
Joytale Reflective Dog Leash, 6 ft x 1 inch
A fixed-length 6-foot leash, inside VCA's 6 to 10 foot range, with a padded handle and reflective stitching.
Pros
- 6 feet, within the 6-10 foot range VCA gives
- Cushioned handle, per the listing
Cons
- 1-inch width suits medium and large dogs; small dogs need a thinner leash
- Not a training tool by itself
For collars, VCA advises avoiding slip, choke, prong and electronic training collars because they rely on pain, and says a flat collar is not suited to a dog that pulls hard.[1] It prefers H-style or Y-style harnesses that let the shoulders move freely, with no straps across the front of the shoulders, that cannot be backed out of, and with at least two clip points: one between the shoulder blades and one at the front below the neck.[1] A head halter is also an option, but VCA says it needs careful introduction and a backup leash.[1]
PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Dog Harness
A front-clip harness; the listing says the front attachment helps you guide your dog and that it was created by a veterinary behaviorist.
Pros
- Front-chest leash clip, per the listing
- Less coverage than many harnesses, so lightweight, per the listing
Cons
- The listing describes a front clip only; VCA looks for a harness with two clip points, one on the back and one on the chest
- Fit depends on sizing: measure before ordering
Our no-pull harness comparison goes through more designs.
What Not to Do
VCA says not to tighten the collar when a dog strains toward something, because it risks building a fear or aggression association with whatever she is looking at.[1] Do not use pain-based collars, and do not rely on a retractable leash.[1] Puppy owners may also want our guide to puppy chewing and teething.
Quick Comparison
| Product | What It's For |
|---|---|
| PetSafe Easy Walk No-Pull Harness | Front-clip harness to reduce pulling while you train |
| Joytale Reflective Dog Leash, 6 ft | A fixed-length leash within the 6-10 foot range |
| PetSafe Dog Treat Pouch Sport | Keeping rewards at hand so you can pay within a second |
Our Take
Pay for a slack leash, often and immediately, with a fixed 6 to 10 foot leash and a harness that fits. Skip pain-based collars and retractable leashes, and give it months.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Controlling Pulling on Walks (July 17, 2024). VCA Animal Hospitals (read 2026-11-05)