Walking nicely on a lead is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog. It transforms daily walks from stressful tugging matches into enjoyable outings for both of you. Whether you're starting with a new puppy or retraining an adult dog who's developed pulling habits, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the fundamentals of leash training using a harness.

Why Use a Harness for Leash Training?

While training can be done with a collar, harnesses offer several advantages for the learning process:

For training purposes, we recommend a front-clip or dual-clip harness. The front attachment point helps naturally redirect your dog toward you when they pull, making the training process more intuitive for both of you.

Before You Begin: Setting Up for Success

Choose the Right Equipment

Understand Your Training Goals

Loose-lead walking means your dog walks beside or slightly ahead of you without pulling tension on the lead. The lead should have a visible curve or "J" shape, indicating slack. Your dog doesn't need to maintain perfect heel position - they just need to avoid pulling.

Realistic Expectations

Leash training takes time and consistency. Expect several weeks of practice before seeing reliable results. Every dog learns at their own pace, and setbacks are normal - especially in exciting environments.

Step 1: Introduce the Harness Positively

Before you can train with a harness, your dog needs to feel comfortable wearing one:

  1. Let your dog sniff and investigate the harness
  2. Feed treats while touching them with the harness
  3. Drape the harness over their back, treating continuously
  4. Practice putting on and removing the harness, always with treats
  5. Once wearing the harness, let them move around the house before any outdoor work

Take several days on this step if needed. Rushing can create negative associations that make training harder.

Step 2: Train the Foundation Behaviours

Name Recognition

Your dog should look at you when they hear their name. Practice inside:

  1. Say your dog's name once in a happy tone
  2. The moment they look at you, say "yes!" and give a treat
  3. Repeat until the response is reliable

Focus Command

Teach a "look" or "watch me" cue:

  1. Hold a treat near your face
  2. When your dog makes eye contact, say "yes!" and treat
  3. Add a verbal cue like "look" or "watch me"
  4. Gradually increase the duration of eye contact before treating

Why These Matter

A dog who checks in with you and responds to their name is much easier to walk. These behaviours form the foundation of communication during walks.

Step 3: Practice Indoors First

Start in the lowest-distraction environment possible - inside your home:

  1. Attach the lead to the harness and hold it loosely
  2. Walk around your home with treats in hand
  3. Every few steps, when your dog is beside you with a loose lead, say "yes!" and treat
  4. If they pull ahead, simply stop walking
  5. Wait for them to create slack in the lead, then continue

Practice in different rooms, gradually increasing session length. Only move outdoors when indoor walking is reliable.

Step 4: Take It Outside Gradually

Start in Your Garden or a Quiet Area

The outside world is full of distractions. Begin in the least stimulating outdoor space available:

The Stop-and-Wait Technique

This is your primary tool for addressing pulling:

  1. When your dog pulls and the lead goes tight, stop immediately
  2. Stand still like a tree - don't pull back or move forward
  3. Wait for your dog to create slack in the lead (they might sit, look at you, or step back)
  4. The moment there's slack, say "yes!" and continue walking

Consistency Is Critical

Every time your dog successfully pulls you forward, they learn that pulling works. You must stop every single time the lead goes tight, especially in the early stages. Inconsistency dramatically slows progress.

Step 5: Add Direction Changes

Once basic loose-lead walking is improving, add unpredictability:

Troubleshooting Common Problems

My Dog Pulls Towards Everything

For dogs highly motivated by smells, other dogs, or people:

My Dog Stops and Refuses to Walk

This often indicates fear, discomfort, or over-excitement:

My Dog Lunges at Other Dogs or People

This requires specific reactivity training beyond basic leash skills:

The "Penalty Yard" Rule

Some trainers use the penalty yard technique: when your dog pulls, take a few steps backward before stopping. This makes pulling actively counterproductive rather than just ineffective.

Maintaining Training Momentum

Leash training isn't something you do once and finish. It requires ongoing reinforcement:

Training Session Guidelines

Effective training sessions follow these principles:

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider working with a certified dog trainer if:

A qualified trainer can observe your specific situation and provide tailored guidance. Look for trainers who use positive reinforcement methods and have relevant certifications.

Leash training is a journey, not a destination. With patience, consistency, and the right equipment, you and your dog can develop a walking partnership that makes every outing a pleasure. Remember that every dog learns differently - celebrate small victories and stay committed to the process.

JM

James Mitchell

Founder & Lead Reviewer at DogHarness.au

James is a certified dog trainer with over 10 years of experience. He has helped countless dogs and their owners develop better walking habits through positive training methods.