You love your dog. You do not love feeling like your arm is being yanked out of its socket every time you step out the front door. A loose leash walk is not about making your dog march perfectly at your side like a robot. It is about teaching them that pulling gets them nowhere, and that walking near you is the most rewarding place to be. Whether you have a high-energy puppy or a stubborn adult, the process is the same: patience, consistency, and a whole lot of tiny treats.
Set Up for Success: The Right Gear Matters
Before you even practice a single step, check your equipment. A standard flat collar can put dangerous pressure on your dog’s trachea if they pull hard. Instead, use a front-clip harness or a head halter. These tools redirect your dog’s forward momentum back toward you, making it physically easier for them to walk politely. Avoid retractable leashes for training. Stick with a standard 4-to-6-foot leash. If you also have a cat at home, you might wonder how different breeds interact. For example, if you own a Bernese Mountain Dog and a cat, you may want to read up on Are Bernese Mountain Dogs Good With Children? to understand their temperament around smaller animals.
Start Indoors or in a Low-Distraction Area
Do not start your training in a busy park. Begin inside your house or in a quiet backyard. With your dog on leash, stand still. The moment the leash goes slack, mark it with a word like “yes” and give a treat at your side. If your dog pulls forward, simply stop moving. Do not yank or jerk the leash. Just stand still like a tree. Wait. The instant they turn back toward you or the leash loosens, mark and reward. Repeat this until your dog understands that pulling makes you stop, and slack makes you move forward.
Use the “Be a Tree” Method
This is the single most effective technique for loose leash walking. Every time your dog pulls, stop walking. Plant your feet, do not say a word, and wait. Your dog will eventually look back at you, take a step toward you, or simply stop pulling. The moment the leash is loose again, start walking. If they pull again, stop again. You will look ridiculous to your neighbors for the first few days, but your dog will learn fast. The key is consistency. If you let them pull “just this once,” you teach them that pulling sometimes works.
“A loose leash is not a sign of submission, it is a sign of trust. Your dog is choosing to stay close because it feels safe and rewarding.”
Reward Position, Not Just Slack
Once your dog understands that pulling stops the walk, start rewarding them for being in the right position. That position is usually with their shoulder near your leg, but every dog is different. Some naturally walk slightly ahead, and that is fine as long as the leash is loose. Every few steps, drop a treat right next to your foot so your dog learns to check in with you. Over time, increase the number of steps between treats. If you have a large breed like a Bernese Mountain Dog, you may also want to check out How Much Exercise Does A Bernese Mountain Dog Need? to ensure you are meeting their energy needs without overdoing it.
Change Direction Often
Dogs pull because they want to go somewhere. You can use this to your advantage. Instead of stopping every time they pull, try turning and walking the other way. This is called the “turn and go” method. When your dog pulls ahead, simply pivot 180 degrees and walk in the opposite direction. Your dog will be surprised and have to catch up to you. As they do, the leash goes slack. Mark and reward. This keeps your dog focused on you because they never know which way you will go next. It turns the walk into a fun game of follow the leader.
Many dogs pull because they are overstimulated, not because they are stubborn. A quick sniff session at the start of a walk can actually reduce pulling by satisfying their need to explore. Let them sniff a patch of grass for 30 seconds before you start training. It works wonders.
Handle Distractions Gradually
Once your dog can walk politely in a quiet area, slowly add distractions. Move to a sidewalk with a few people, then a street with a passing car, and finally a park with other dogs. If your dog lunges or pulls at a distraction, you have moved too fast. Go back to a quieter spot and build up again. Remember that your dog is not being bad, they are just excited. If you have multiple pets at home, such as a dog and a cat, you might be curious about their compatibility. For instance, you can read about Do Siamese Cats Get Along With Dogs? to see if they can be calm walking buddies too.
What About Dogs That Pull Due to Excitement or Anxiety?
Some dogs pull because they are anxious, not because they want to run ahead. If your dog’s tail is tucked, ears are back, or they are panting heavily while pulling, they may be stressed. In that case, slow down. Use a longer leash and let them have more space. Practice in a familiar, safe area. If your dog is a heavy shedder like a Bernese Mountain Dog, you might also want to check out Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed A Lot? What to Know to manage the fur at home while you focus on training.
Loose leash walking is not a trick you teach in one afternoon. It is a habit you build over weeks. Some days will feel like a breakthrough, and others will feel like a step backward. That is normal. Keep your sessions short (5 to 10 minutes), end on a good note, and celebrate the small wins. Your dog is learning to trust you, and you are learning to read them. That is what makes a walk truly great.
