Loose Leash Exercise
Basic Manners · 8 steps · by Push Drop Stick
Your Dog will learn to walk at a slow pace on-leash without pulling toward a visible pile of high-value treats, 30 feet away.
This exercise gives Your Dog a clear lesson: pulling does not get them to the goal, it actually makes things worse, because every pull sends them farther away from what they want.
**Setup:**
**- Arrange a goal** that Your Dog will want to pull toward, such as a small pile of high-value treats on a plate. Make sure Your Dog sees you set up the goal but does not have access to it.
**- Take Your Dog to a marked starting position.** If Your Dog is already pulling toward the goal, wait or prompt them to slacken the leash before you start.
**Rules:**
**- If Your Dog walks toward the goal without pulling,** they can eat the pile of treats.
**- If Your Dog pulls,** stop, say "Oops!" to mark the moment, turn around, and walk all the way back to the starting point. If Your Dog resists going back, do not force them or offer them treats. Simply wait them out or use your voice to encourage them to come with you. They will learn that following you is the fastest way to get what they want.
**Recommended Gear:** A well-fitted harness is the most comfortable option for Your Dog on a leash, and a flat collar is best kept for ID tags or as a backup attachment. A no-pull harness, which clips at the front, gives you extra leverage and redirects Your Dog without any pressure on their throat. It is especially helpful for heavy pullers, for dogs strong enough to pull their handler off their feet, or just to boost success while you train. If Your Dog is unsure or afraid of wearing a harness, work through the Harness plan first.
Training steps
Walk toward a 10 foot goal while prompting heel
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
Help Your Dog succeed by prompting them to walk nicely toward the goal. Always reinforce at your pants seam in a heel position. If Your Dog does pull, do not give treats for walking back to the starting point. Walking away from the goal is the consequence for pulling. If Your Dog refuses to walk back, wait or use your voice to encourage them to follow you.
Success: Your Dog is on a short loose leash at the starting position.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 10 foot goal
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
With Your Dog on a short loose leash at a marked starting position, walk toward a goal 10 feet away at a relaxed pace. If Your Dog pulls, stop, say "Oops!" to mark the moment, turn around, and walk back to the starting point. If Your Dog walks without pulling, they can have the goal.
Success: Your Dog is on a short loose leash at the starting position.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 15 foot goal while prompting heel
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
Help Your Dog succeed by prompting them to walk nicely toward the goal. Always reinforce at your pants seam in a heel position.
Success: Your Dog walks toward the goal with a 100% loose leash.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 15 foot goal
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
With Your Dog on a loose leash at a marked starting position, walk toward a goal 15 feet away at a relaxed pace. If Your Dog pulls, stop, say "Oops!" to mark the moment, turn around, and walk back to the starting point. If Your Dog walks without pulling, they can have the goal.
Success: Your Dog walks toward the goal with a 100% loose leash.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 20 foot goal while prompting heel
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
Help Your Dog succeed by prompting them to walk nicely toward the goal. Always reinforce at your pants seam in a heel position.
Success: Your Dog walks toward the goal with a 100% loose leash.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 20 foot goal
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
With Your Dog on a loose leash at a marked starting position, walk toward a goal 20 feet away at a relaxed pace. If Your Dog pulls, stop, say "Oops!" to mark the moment, turn around, and walk back to the starting point. If Your Dog walks without pulling, they can have the goal.
Success: Your Dog walks toward the goal with a 100% loose leash.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 30 foot goal while prompting heel
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
Help Your Dog succeed by prompting them to walk nicely toward the goal. Always reinforce at your pants seam in a heel position.
Success: Your Dog walks toward the goal with a 100% loose leash.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Walk toward a 30 foot goal
Setup: Your Dog is on a loose leash at the starting position.
With Your Dog on a loose leash at a marked starting position, walk toward a goal 30 feet away at a relaxed pace. If Your Dog pulls, stop, say "Oops!" to mark the moment, turn around, and walk back to the starting point. If Your Dog walks without pulling, they can have the goal.
Success: Your Dog walks toward the goal with a 100% loose leash.
Advance on: 4 of 5 successes
Good job! You've taught a strong aid for Loose Leash Walking training.
Now it's time to proof Your Dog's new skill. You can restart the plan using proof steps, or play games with the goals you just earned. Practice both in different locations and around distractions.