THE CHALLENGE
The Problem
Your dog drags you down the street. Your shoulder hurts. You dread walks. You've tried front-clip harnesses, head halters, prong collars—nothing works. Your dog ignores you the moment you step outside. Walks are stressful, not enjoyable.
OUR APPROACH
The Solution
Loose lead walking isn't about equipment—it's about teaching your dog that pulling doesn't get them where they want to go. We use leash pressure conditioning, engagement work and boundaries. You'll actually enjoy walks again.
RESULTS
What You'll Achieve
THE PROCESS
How It Works
Leash pressure: Teach your dog that pulling creates pressure, loose lead releases it
Engagement: Build focus on you before adding distractions
Direction changes: Pull = we go the opposite direction
Heel position: Teach proper walking position (optional)
Distraction proofing: Graduate from home → street → busy areas
Duration building: 5 minutes loose lead → entire walk
FAQ
Common Questions
What equipment do I need for loose lead training?
A flat collar or slip lead is all you need. Front-clip harnesses and head halters are management tools that can help, but aren't solutions. We teach dogs to walk nicely regardless of equipment. Prong collars are useful for large/strong dogs but aren't required.
How long does it take to stop pulling?
With consistent training: 3-4 weeks for basic loose lead walking. Full distraction-proofing takes 6-8 weeks. Your dog won't be perfect after one session—they've had months/years of reinforcement for pulling. Plan for 1 month of consistent daily practice.
Why doesn't my dog stop pulling even though I stop walking when they pull?
Because you're not creating actual consequences. Dogs learn through repeated cause-and-effect. Stopping alone isn't enough for most dogs—you need direction changes, leash corrections or something that makes pulling unrewarding. Standing still works for small, soft dogs. Powerful dogs need more.
Can old dogs learn loose lead walking?
Yes! 'Can't teach old dogs new tricks' is myth. Older dogs often learn FASTER because they're calmer. The issue is breaking ingrained habits—a 7-year-old dog has 7 years of pulling reinforcement. Takes longer than a puppy, but absolutely achievable.
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