Still getting dragged down the street?
Switching to a new leash isn’t the fix. The best leash for dogs that pull isn’t just about gear – it’s about training your dog to understand leash pressure.
Let’s walk through exactly how to do that… so your dog stops pulling, and you start enjoying your walks again.
What Is Leash Pressure Training?
Leash pressure training teaches your dog how to respond to tension on the leash. It’s not about yanking. It’s about teaching your dog that when they feel leash pressure, they should give in to it – not fight against it.
Why it works:
Dogs think in black and white. Yes or no. They don’t analyze context – they respond to patterns. Leash pressure creates a clear communication channel that helps them understand when they’re on the right track.
What You’ll Need
- Prong collar for dogs
Used properly, it’s a clear, non-verbal way to give feedback. It mimics how dogs naturally correct each other. (Make sure it’s sized and fitted correctly – details in my Training Basics Guide.) - 6-foot leash
Not retractable. Not 2 feet. You need enough slack to create pressure and release.
How to Teach Your Dog to Yield to Leash Pressure
Step 1: Let your dog move ahead
Start in a quiet area. Let them walk out in front on the full length of the leash.
Step 2: Add tension when they disconnect
Once your dog locks onto something else (a smell, a squirrel, whatever), don’t call them. Just gather the slack and hold steady pressure.
Step 3: Watch for a response
The moment they shift back toward you or make eye contact, release the pressure and praise.
That release is the reward. It tells your dog, “Yes, that’s it.”
Step 4: Use treats to reset
Toss a treat out and let them move away again. Repeat the drill. The goal is to build a clear pattern: tension = come back, release = success.
Step 5: Add a cue
Once they’re consistently responding, layer in “Let’s go!” as your leash-walking command.
Why This Works (and What It Teaches Beyond Walking)
Leash pressure training builds:
- Responsiveness without relying on food bribes
- Clarity between you and your dog
- Control in distracting environments
It also lays the foundation for more advanced behaviors like recall and place training. Once your dog learns to give in to pressure and look to you for answers… they’ll start doing it everywhere.
Why It Beats Just Buying Another Leash
The best leash for dogs that pull isn’t a product – it’s pressure clarity.
Most people try to fix pulling by swapping tools. But if your dog doesn’t understand leash pressure, they’ll pull on anything.
Start teaching your dog how to respond instead of hoping a fancy leash does the job for you.
Tools + Training = Progress
If you’re stuck, there’s a reason:
- You’re “just holding on” instead of communicating
- You’re not releasing at the right moment
- Your dog hasn’t been taught what to do instead
I cover all of this (plus how to actually fit a prong) inside the Turner & Pooch Training Basics Guide.
Or book a Behavior Clarity Call and I’ll walk you through it.
Stop the tug-of-war. Start training your dog to listen on leash.
You don’t need a new leash. You need a new system.
Let’s build one that works.
☞ Grab the Training Guide or book a call now.