Loose Leash Walking: Building Connection, Not Compliance
When it comes to teaching loose-leash walking, YouTube, social media and the rest of the internet is filled with quick-fix approaches and although I can understand why, it doesn't mean that it's in our dog's best interest. The best things in life take time, effort and practice. Especially when it comes to a core skill, where an effective leash-walking method becomes about being able to take your time, be patient, and have a deep understanding of the bond we want have built with our dogs.
Instead of relying on outdated aversive tactics like prong collars or sudden direction changes that force compliance, we can focus our time and energy on setting our dogs up for success through positive, connection-based training.
Understanding Loose Leash Walking
Loose leash walking is not just about getting your dog to walk by your side. It’s about building a conversation where both you and your dog naturally feel relaxed and engaged with one another. Rather than a forced interaction, this connection is nurtured and cherished when we listen to what our dog is trying to tell us and when. Is our dog stopping, looking away, or getting distracted? These cues could mean your dog is unsure or uncomfortable, and it’s our job to set the stage for successful engagement, rather than simply pushing through or adding pressure to an interaction that should feel stress-free and loose for you both.
Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work
Many approaches emphasize quick leash techniques that rely on pressure or abrupt direction changes. However, these methods miss the mark, as they focus on managing and reacting to a dog's behaviour, rather than building a positive relationship at the core. One which will only result in your dog actually choosing and wanting to walk with you, regardless of what you're doing to or for them. If we want our dogs to willingly engage with us, our role is to make them feel secure and ready to connect—not pressured into compliance. And this is why it's so important to look at how your dog is feeling in different types of settings and situations.
Setting the Right Environment
Before expecting our dogs to walk calmly by our side, we must create an environment where they can thrive and naturally feel like they can accomplish the desired results. This means selecting a space where your dog feels safe and can focus on you without overwhelming distractions.
Allow them the chance to engage (and even disengage), and you’ll find they are more naturally drawn to connect. Though the goal is to help our dogs listen and do well in different settings, some dogs might benefit from practicing their loose leash walking skills in an environment where no dogs, people and other distractions are around.
That's because you can then easily discern whether they're ready for something more challenging. If not, what's the rush in making things more difficult on you both?
The U-Turn and Sporadic Walking Methods
While some of these techniques can have their place, they should be used thoughtfully, ideally as a way to redirect attention, particularly in high-pressure settings where you or your dog might feel unsafe or like you have to make a quick getaway all of a sudden, but without relying on pressure or correction. Instead of sudden U-turns to disrupt a dog’s attention, consider using a gentle pause and change of direction as an invitation to re-engage, and when your dog does, double down on that choice by motivating them with praise and rewards, whether that's your affection, a treat or their favourite toy. This is where it's very important to remember to be patient as you wait for your dog to make the good choice you know they can, in the environments you've setup for them where you know they'll be successful, without any pressure or tension.
Building Connection Over Compliance
True loose leash walking will always be about fostering a connection and conversation where your dog wants to be and engage with you—not because they have to or are feeling forced to, but because he feels safe and valued. By giving our dogs the choice to engage and guiding them positively in key environments, we nurture a relationship that goes beyond mere obedience or listening skills, without the need for emotional or physical pain. And that’s the core essence of great dog training and any relationship you value.