Why Leash Walking Matters More than You Think

One of the most common challenges dog owners face is getting their dog to walk nicely on a leash—without pulling, zigzagging, or dragging them down the street.

Here’s the thing: dogs naturally have a bit of oppositional behavior. If you pull back on the leash, they instinctively pull harder. If you try to push them away from something they want—like a smell or a squirrel—they often want it even more.

That physical tug-of-war creates mental tension. Over time, this can actually lead to leash reactivity, where your dog becomes overly excited or anxious around other dogs or people.

What we’re really aiming for is something better: a loose leash walk. A calm, relaxed stroll where both you and your dog are in sync. Your dog isn’t reacting to every little thing, and you’re not constantly correcting them. It’s peaceful. It's enjoyable. And it’s absolutely possible.

One key part of that relaxed walk is connection. Many dogs don’t make eye contact on a walk—they drop their nose to the ground and start tracking scents. Once that nose goes down, the pulling usually begins. That’s a sign your dog is leading the walk, not following you.

Here’s something we say a lot: Dogs that don’t walk well often don’t do other things well, either. It’s not just about walking. It’s a reflection of the overall relationship. A dog who pulls nonstop often has too much decision-making power, while the owner hasn’t quite stepped into their leadership role yet.

That’s why in our very first class, we focus on the walk. We’ll teach you how to guide your dog calmly and confidently—without force or frustration. And just as importantly, we’ll help you become the leader your dog needs.

Training the dog is important—but training the human? That’s where the real change begins.