The Only Way To Master Loose Leash Walking Forever, by Will Atherton Canine Training on YouTube. 12 min 24 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 24 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes a day for 3 to 4 we
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
What you need
Steps
Fit a flat collar or front-clip harness and clip on a fixed-length leash of about 1 to 2 metres. Take small, high-value treats in a pouch you can reach easily.
Start the tune-up drill in a quiet spot. Reward your dog for walking beside you, then change pace and direction often so it learns to watch you instead of pulling ahead.
Play the green circle game whenever the leash tightens. Stop, turn away from the pull and walk in a new direction, then mark and treat your dog when it comes back to your side with a loose leash.
Keep high expectations on every walk. Do not let your dog drag you toward a smell, dog or person. Wait for slack and eye contact before you move forward or allow a greeting.
Teach a clear release word such as free. Say it only when your dog may sniff or explore, then ask for focus and a loose leash again before you continue walking.
Build in decompression time. Allow a few minutes of calm sniffing on a loose leash or long line at the end of the walk, without asking for formal obedience the whole time.
Tips and common mistakes
Practice in a quiet street or garden first, then add busy pavements and other dogs once your dog can keep the leash slack.
Keep training sessions to 10 to 15 minutes and end while your dog is still succeeding.
Never jerk or yank the leash; turn away and reward the behaviour you want instead.
Use a fixed-length leash rather than a retractable lead, especially near roads and traffic.
Questions
How long does loose leash walking take to learn?
Most dogs need daily short sessions for several weeks. Progress depends on age, breed and how often you practise in distracting places.
Why does my dog still pull when it sees another dog?
That is a sign the distraction is too hard. Move further away, reward focus and build distance gradually before walking closer.
Should I use a harness or a collar?
A flat collar is fine for gentle dogs, while a front-clip harness can give more control with strong pullers. Avoid tightening or corrective collars.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
