The "Great Reset" For Your Leash Walking Training, by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. 13 min 17 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 17 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start in a quiet spot like your driveway with a flat collar or harness and a 4 to 6 foot leash. Stand still and wait for your dog to look at you before you take a step.
Teach the look at me reset. Hold a treat near your eyes, say your dog's name once, and mark and reward the moment their eyes meet yours. Repeat five times.
Use the reset at the door before every walk. Ask for eye contact, then open the door only when your dog is standing calmly and looking at you.
Apply the leash brake. Hold the leash with both hands at waist height and stop your hands moving forward the instant the leash goes tight, so your dog feels no forward pull.
Reward with small soft treats delivered at your knee, not in front of your dog's nose. Food is fine and helps, as long as you pay it where you want your dog to be.
When your dog gets distracted, change the reset. Ask for a sit, then a look at you, then reward, and only then start walking again.
Stop pulling by changing direction. The moment the leash tightens, say nothing, turn and walk the other way. Reward when your dog catches up and the leash goes slack.
Keep sessions to 5 or 10 minutes and practice in the driveway before you try a busy street. Expect slow progress and repeat the same steps on every walk.
Tips and common mistakes
Never jerk or yank the leash to correct pulling; a still hand and a change of direction work better.
Practice the reset at every doorway at home so it becomes automatic outside.
Keep sessions short and end while your dog is still getting it right.
A front clip harness can help with a strong puller, but it does not replace training.
Questions
How long does it take to stop a dog pulling on the leash?
Most dogs need several weeks of short daily sessions. Strong or easily distracted dogs take longer, and progress is rarely in a straight line.
Should I use treats every time my dog walks nicely?
Yes at first. Reward often, then switch to every second or third good check in and save the best treats for harder places.
What if my dog still pulls in a no pull harness?
The harness only changes how the pull feels. You still need to stop moving, change direction and reward a slack leash.
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.
