Training your puppy not to pull on the leash can feel like a big task, especially when you’re eager to start enjoying calm, stress-free walks together. Thankfully, with the right approach, patience, and consistent practice, leash training your puppy doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are simple, proven methods to help your puppy walk nicely on a leash from the start.
Why Puppies Pull (and How to Help)
Puppies pull on the leash mainly because they’re excited to explore their surroundings. Everything is new and interesting, so it’s natural for them to be distracted. It’s your job to gently guide them back to calm behavior and reward them for paying attention to you. Good leash habits come from consistent practice and clear communication.
For more basics on puppy training, you might enjoy Puppy Training 101.
Proven Tips to Teach Your Puppy to Walk Calmly
Here are four effective, easy-to-follow techniques to help you achieve calm puppy walks:
1. Start Training Early and Stay Consistent
Early leash training is the key to setting your puppy up for success. From the first day your puppy comes home, gently introduce them to the leash in short, positive sessions. Consistency helps your puppy quickly learn what’s expected, preventing bad leash habits from forming early.
2. Practice the “Stop and Wait” Method
When your puppy pulls forward, simply stop walking and wait calmly. Avoid tugging back, as this can increase their desire to pull harder. Wait until your puppy turns to you or relaxes the leash tension, then reward them with praise or a small treat. This teaches your puppy that pulling gets them nowhere, but walking calmly leads to rewards and forward movement.
For more helpful leash-walking strategies, visit our article on Why the Good Walker Leash Enhances Your Dog Walks.
3. Start Training in Low-Distraction Areas
When first teaching your puppy not to pull, practice in quiet, low-distraction environments. Begin training in your backyard or a quiet park. Gradually introduce more distractions as your puppy improves. This helps your puppy build good walking habits without becoming overwhelmed by exciting sights and sounds.
4. Use the Right Leash
Choosing the right leash sets the tone for successful training—especially with a new pup. A comfortable, easy-to-use leash that offers gentle, clear guidance helps your puppy learn faster and makes walks less stressful for you both. That’s why I love using The Good Walker Leash—it’s designed to support communication, not frustration.
For puppies 8 weeks and up—or for dogs still learning to respect leash pressure—dragline and long-line work are game changers. A dragline is simply a 6–25 ft. leash that your pup drags along as they move, giving them a sense of freedom while still allowing you to step in if needed. I personally use my 20 ft. Good Walker Long Line, custom-made in a lightweight rope that’s perfect for this work. And it cleans up in a jiffy too!
Long-line work means you’re holding the leash while your dog explores, building confidence and responsiveness at a distance. Both techniques teach your pup to move with you in a no-pressure, fun way. Just be sure to use a light material like nylon—skip the chain or leather, which can startle or tempt puppies to chew.
These leash tools help your dog explore, grow confidence, and stay tuned into you—setting the stage for calm, connected walks for life.
For additional tips on picking the right leash, explore Which Dog Leash is Good for Your Canine Companion?.
5. Reward Good Behavior Consistently
Positive reinforcement is key to successful leash training. Reward your puppy whenever they calmly walk next to you. Using praise, treats, or a combination of both helps your puppy quickly associate relaxed walking behavior with positive outcomes.
To learn more about positive training techniques, visit How to Train Your Dog for a Happy and Obedient Life.
How the Good Walker Leash Makes Puppy Training Easier
Created by experienced dog trainer Aly Rodges, the Good Walker Leash is an effective tool for calm puppy walks. It’s soft, durable, and provides gentle, clear control—perfect for guiding your puppy without discomfort. With options for both slip lead and head halter setups, this leash grows with your puppy’s training needs.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your puppy not to pull on the leash takes patience and consistent effort, but the rewards are worth it: calm, enjoyable walks that strengthen your relationship and build trust. With the right techniques and tools like the Good Walker Leash, you and your puppy will soon look forward to every walk as a relaxing, shared experience.
