Find Out Why Your Dog Is Pulling You

Understanding why your dog pulls on the leash can transform your walking experience. Dogs pull on the leash for various reasons, including their natural oppositional reflex, reactivity towards stimuli, overwhelming distractions, a perceived lack of leadership and sheer excitement. By uncovering the root causes of this common behaviour, you can apply targeted training strategies to enjoy more peaceful and enjoyable walks.

Reactivity

Leash pulling can also stem from a dog's reactivity or aggression, which are often triggered by specific stimuli such as the sight of other dogs, strangers, or moving vehicles. This type of behaviour is usually rooted in fear, territorial instincts, or past negative experiences. When your dog reacts aggressively or fearfully, they may pull on the leash trying to confront or flee from whatever is causing their distress.

This could be happening in consequence of a variety of reasons that need to be identified when applying training methods. The most common being:

1. Over Socialised - Your dog may have been over socialised with other people or dogs, meaning you have shown your dog the value and opportunity for fun or food that strangers and other dogs offer. This results in a dog becoming frustrated when on-lead as you are limiting their ability to move towards the person or dog which ultimately turns into whining, barking, lunging. 

2. Fear - Your dog may be fearful of other people and dogs which results in leash aggression. Your dog is simply trying to create space between themselves and their trigger. Fear aggression should be worked through with a professional trainer as it is critical you identify the root cause of the issue and work through accordingly with methods such as counter conditioning, which is a type of behaviour modification technique used in dog training to change a dog's negative emotional response to a particular stimulus into a positive one. It involves pairing the negative stimulus with a positive experience, such as treats or toys, in order to create a new, positive association. An example of a training routine for counter conditioning could be waiting for the moment a dog has identified a trigger, before the dog reaches peak arousal and begins to react, quickly redirect the dog to something extremely high value such as roast chicken or their favourite squeaky toy, reward the focus and wrap the session up for the day.

3. Dominance/Protectiveness - You may have a strong, dominant dog who feels the need to project its energy towards other dogs and people to make them aware of their presence and/or potentially resource guarding their owner. A dog exhibiting these sorts of behaviours requires a firm leader with set boundaries and rules to adhere to in order to not feel they make the moves in such scenarios.

4. Inquisitive and/or Unfulfilled - Your dog may just be high energy and not be getting what they need from you out on walks so they look elsewhere for an outlet to project energy towards. These sorts of dogs require more interaction from their handlers to enable the dog to understand that you are an outlet and will provide one.

Addressing various forms of aggression requires a careful, consistent approach focused on building your dog’s confidence, desensitising them to their triggers, and reinforcing positive behaviours during potentially stressful situations.

Oppositional Reflex

The oppositional reflex, also known as the counterbalance reflex, is an instinctive response where a dog pulls against pressure applied to its body. This reflex is often triggered when a dog feels a pull or tension on its leash. Rather than yielding to the pressure, the dog instinctively pulls against it. This natural reflex can make leash training challenging unless carefully managed through training techniques that teach the dog to respond differently. In most cases, leash pullers are often just overexcited dogs with a lack of training and understanding of leash/collar methods and boundaries.

Distracted

We spend the most quality time building relationships with our dogs at home through play, training and feeding. However this tends to change when we are outside and your dog gets very little interaction from us so they look elsewhere for entertainment. This ultimately forms a bad habit of ignoring their owner. Dogs are naturally curious and highly sensory-driven. When out on walks, they encounter numerous distractions such as other animals, people, moving vehicles, and interesting scents. These distractions can cause a dog to pull on the leash as they try to explore or chase after these stimuli. Training a dog to focus on their handler amidst distractions is crucial for managing pulling behaviour.

Lack of Leadership

Dogs are pack animals and often look to their handler for cues and leadership. When a clear leadership role is not established, a dog might feel the need to take charge, especially in outdoor settings. This can lead to pulling as the dog decides the direction and pace of the walk. Establishing yourself as a calm and assertive leader through consistent training and rules helps create a structured environment where the dog feels secure and less compelled to lead. Dogs need to be shown how to remain calm and practise impulse control methods so they can develop trust in their handler.

Overexcitement

Overexcitement is the result of a dog that has not been given the ability to calmly process his/her emotions. The dog would become excited, start to whine and pull, this generally results in the owner giving in and reinforcing the behaviour. Many dogs pull on the leash due to the sheer excitement and the anticipation of being outdoors, which can be one of the highlights of their day. This overexcitement can make them less responsive to commands and more prone to pulling behaviours. Teaching a dog to remain calm and controlled starts with training sessions that begin before the walk, such as calm exits from the home and controlled walking from the start.

Start in a low distraction environment

Starting to teach your dog not to pull on the leash in a quiet place without many distractions is really helpful for several reasons. In a calm place, your dog can focus better on your instructions without getting sidetracked by things like other dogs or noisy cars, making it easier for them to learn what you’re teaching. This setting also helps both you and your dog feel more comfortable, which builds your dog’s confidence in the basics and makes learning enjoyable. Training in a simple, quiet place means there’s less chance of either of you getting frustrated, as it’s easier for you to teach and for your dog not to feel overwhelmed. Plus, it's easier to keep track of your dog's progress without distractions, so you can quickly see what’s working and what needs a bit more practice. Starting like this ensures that training is fun and effective, setting up your dog to handle more challenging situations in the future.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is an effective method for teaching dogs not to pull on the leash because it encourages them to repeat behaviours that lead to desirable outcomes. This approach focuses on rewarding your dog for good behaviour—like walking calmly by your side—rather than punishing unwanted actions, such as pulling. When dogs understand that they will receive something enjoyable, like treats, praise, or playtime, in return for certain behaviours, they are more likely to repeat those behaviours.

Using high-value treats, or whatever most motivates your dog, can be particularly effective. These rewards grab your dog’s attention and make the training experience more compelling. For instance, if your dog loves a particular type of treat or toy, they will be eager to comply with your commands in anticipation of their favourite reward. This not only speeds up the learning process but also helps create a positive association with following commands and walking nicely on a leash.

Effective Dog Training Tools

Effective dog training tools are essential because they give you more confidence and control during training sessions. When you have the right tools, you feel more prepared and capable of managing your dog's behaviour. This increased confidence can make a significant difference in how both you and your dog approach training. 

These tools work by providing consistent guidance and feedback to your dog. They help you communicate more clearly what behaviours are correct, guiding your dog in understanding and following your commands. This clear communication is crucial for effective training, as it ensures that your dog knows exactly what is expected and can respond appropriately. 

Additionally, effective training tools help maintain a calm and focused environment. They allow you to guide your dog gently and firmly, which is vital for maintaining control, especially in situations where your dog might be distracted or overly excited. By using these tools, you can help your dog learn to handle various situations calmly and confidently.

Ultimately, the right training tools help foster a stronger, more respectful relationship between you and your dog. They support positive reinforcement and make the training process smoother and more enjoyable for both of you. This way, training becomes not just about obedience, but about building trust and understanding, which are the foundations of a lasting bond.

Which Type Of Puller Is Your Dog?

For Strong Pullers and/or Your Dog Is Stronger Than You

If your dog overpowers you during walks, turning every outing into a challenge, the Kontroller Head Halter is essential. It's specifically designed for strong pullers and for situations where your dog is physically stronger than you. The Kontroller Head Halter not only gives you the leverage you need by guiding your dog's head and focusing their attention back on you, but it also helps manage your dog's reactivity, making walks calmer and safer. However, it's important to note that the head halter is not suitable for dogs with short snouts.
 
Included with the head halter is an extensive digital step-by-step guide, detailing advanced techniques such as marker words, heeling, and maintaining eye contact, along with practical walking strategies like stop-and-go and directional changes to master leash control.

For Beginner Owners, Moderate Pullers Where You Are Able To Handle The Pull, and Dogs with Short Snouts

The Kombat Harness is ideal for beginners or dogs with moderate pulling behaviour where you are still able to handle your dog. Featuring a front clip that helps deter pulling by redirecting your dog towards you, it makes guiding and teaching them easier during walks. This harness is also suitable for dogs with short snouts, ensuring comfort without compromising on effectiveness. Comfortable and simple to use, it's perfect for those new to dog ownership or for dogs that are still learning the basics of good leash behaviour.

Included with the harness is an extensive digital step-by-step guide, detailing advanced techniques such as marker words, heeling, and maintaining eye contact, along with practical walking strategies like stop-and-go and directional changes to master leash control.

For Occasional Pullers and/or Experienced Owners That Want To Implement Training

The Korrection Slip Leash is perfect for occasional pullers or for owners who are experienced in dog training and wish to refine their dog’s leash manners. This slip leash subtly corrects your dog by tightening when they pull and loosening when they comply, reinforcing good behaviour through gentle guidance. It's a great choice for owners looking to actively engage in their dog's training process and enhance their walking experience together.

Included with the slip leash is an extensive digital step-by-step guide, detailing advanced techniques such as marker words, heeling, and maintaining eye contact, along with practical walking strategies like stop-and-go and directional changes to master leash control.

For Occasional Pullers and/or Experienced Owners That Want To Implement Training

The Komfort Slip Collar is a dog training tool that consists of a loop that is designed to tighten when there is tension on the leash. The collar is slipped over your dog's head and rests firm enough to sit up high around your dog’s neck, but loose enough that it allows immediate release when the leash is relaxed.

For Dog Owners Who Want To Have Close and Firm Control Of Their Dog

The Klose Handle Leash (30cm and 60cm) by 24K9 is a dog training tool that is used to keep your dog close and under control. With its 30cm/60cm short handle, this leash offers optimal control and close proximity to your dog, promoting a stronger bond and better communication during walks. Crafted from durable and comfortable materials, the 60cm Klose Handle Leash ensures a secure grip and reliable performance, making it an ideal choice for busy urban environments or crowded spaces where keeping your dog close to you is essential for their safety.

As a BONUS GIFT with your purchase of one of our training tools, you will receive the complete Digital Training Book Series to equip you with expert insights and actionable steps to have an overall obedient dog. 

You will receive the following training books:

1. The Secrets of Understanding Your Dog's Language
2. The Secrets of Obedience
3. The Secrets of the Leash & Leadership
4. The Secrets of Real-World Practice
5. The Loose Leash Accelerator Program

Our Happy Customers And Canines

“Fantastic tool for training and everyday use for our Theo. Thanks guys for continuing to provide us with amazing tools to use for our dogs 🐶❤️"

Cherie and Theo

“I have a very reactive 13 month old Neopolitan Mastiff, I received my bundle this morning and wow amazing. I have been training my girl since the day I got her so it's not a lack of training. I have done so much training with her but she is still so reactive. I was able to take her to a park for the first time and I had no issues with this. I am in love with this training tool!”

Karen and Aurora

“The Kombat Harness is such a great product for dogs who have a strong pull. Attaching the leash to the front clip helps us have better control of our boy during the walk and corrects the behaviour to pull. Our walks are much more enjoyable and you have the flexibility to switch the leash to attach to the back clip. It’s great for different walking situations and what suits you and your dog. We highly recommend this harness not only for an enjoyable walk but also because it looks great, is easy to clean, and is made of good quality material..”

Sunny and Milo

“We LOVE our Kontroller Head Halter! This is our second walk with it and it's amazing. I've walked with a different style product but it never worked as well as this. The fit is perfect and helped correct reactivity to other dogs! Thank you so much, keen to get our Komfort Slip Collar to complete the look!”

Angie and Maze