If your dog pulls like a sled dog the second you clip on the leash, you’re not alone – and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Loose leash walking is actually one of the most difficult behaviors to teach your dog, and most dog parents have no idea why it’s so tricky (or how to fix it).

In this post, we’ll explore the top reasons leash pulling is so common – and what you can do to make walks calmer, easier, and more enjoyable for both of you.

1. Walking calmly on leash isn’t natural for dogs.

Dogs naturally want to sniff, move at a faster pace, zigzag, and explore.
We want them to walk beside us at a slow, steady pace. It’s like asking them to walk through a museum when they were expecting a theme park.

2. Pulling is often accidentally rewarded.

If your dog pulls toward a smell, a squirrel, or another dog – and gets to move forward. Pulling works.
That behavior gets reinforced, even if you didn’t mean to encourage it.

3. Walks are full of distractions.

Squirrels. Other dogs. People. Trash on the sidewalk. Exciting smells.
Your dog’s brain is processing everything around them, which makes it hard to focus.

4. Emotional regulation matters more than you think.

If your dog is overexcited, frustrated, or anxious, they’re less likely to walk calmly.
Loose leash walking requires a calm, focused brain – which means managing emotions comes first.

5. Timing and communication can be confusing.

Loose leash training requires clear communication from you.
That means well-timed rewards, consistent feedback, and body language your dog can understand – not always easy when you’re also dodging puddles and juggling poop bags.

6. Consistency is tough in real life.

Let’s be real: some days you’re just trying to get the walk done.
Teaching loose leash walking takes daily consistency, which isn’t always realistic when life gets busy.

7. The leash itself can create tension.

A tight leash isn’t just physical – it can increase your dog’s stress levels and trigger reactive behavior.
Loose leash walking is about more than pressure – it’s about mindset.

8. Conflicting training advice makes it worse.

Should you stop walking when they pull? Use a clicker? Change direction?
There’s so much noise online that it’s easy to confuse both yourself and your dog.

9. Some dogs are just more intense.

More energetic. More reactive. More sensitive to the world.
Those dogs often need extra support, structured training, and a more customized approach.

10. It’s about more than just leash skills.

Loose leash walking is really about connection, communication, and cooperation.
And those things take time to build – especially if your dog has big feelings or lots of energy.

The Good News? You’re Not Alone.

Loose leash walking isn’t something most dogs “just do.”
But with the right approach, simple daily training, and support from a professional, you can teach your dog to walk calmly by your side.

Want help getting started?

Get my FREE e-book Dog Walks Without the Chaos: A Guide to Calmer Outings