...for Strong, Pulling Adolescents
Loose lead walking an adolescent dog can sometimes feel like flying a kite in a hurricane. Suddenly your sweet puppy has grown into a powerful, determined teenager with one goal – getting there as fast as possible.
Calmly walking with your dog is one of the most common struggles for owners of adolescent dogs. Here are practical, realistic tips to help you regain control and make walks enjoyable again
Why Do Adolescent Dogs Pull So Much?
During adolescence (around 6–18 months depending on breed), dogs:
- Become more confident exploring the world
- Experience hormonal changes that heighten excitement and distraction
- Develop stronger muscles, making pulling easier for them
- Often test boundaries and previously learned skills
Understanding that pulling is developmentally normal (not your failure) can ease your frustration and keep your training consistent and calm.
Top Tips for Loose Lead Walking Success
1. Reward Proximity
Too often, we reward when the dog is already pulling by letting them move forward. Instead:
- Reward generously for staying by your side, even if just for a second
- Use high-value treats they never get elsewhere (chicken, sausage, cheese)
- Mark with a “Yes” or clicker the moment they choose to walk near you
2. Be Unpredictable with your Loose Lead walking
If your dog pulls ahead:
- Change direction calmly and encourage them to follow
- Zigzag, walk backwards, or do gentle circles to keep their attention on you
- Avoid harsh leash corrections – these teach avoidance rather than engagement
3. Practise “Start Button Walking”
Before moving forward:
- Wait for eye contact or a check-in
- Reward, then take a step
- Gradually build to multiple steps before rewarding again
This teaches your dog that polite walking makes the walk continue.
4. Use the Right Equipment
While no harness or head collar trains loose lead walking alone, the right equipment can help:
- Front-clip harnesses give more control
- Two-point harness systems distribute pressure evenly
- Avoid retractable leads during training; they encourage pulling
5. Short, Focused Sessions
Loose lead walking is mentally exhausting for dogs. Practise in:
- Quiet environments first
- Short bursts (5-10 minutes)
- Times of day when your dog is calmer
Then gradually build up to busier or more exciting areas.
6. Let Them Sniff – on Cue
Pulling often happens because dogs want to explore. Use this:
- Practise loose lead walking for a few steps
- Release them with a cue like “Go sniff!” as a reward
- This teaches that staying close earns freedom
7. Be Patient with Adolescence Loose Lead Walking
Your dog isn’t being “naughty” – their brain is under construction. Stay calm, keep sessions fun, and avoid long frustrating walks where neither of you is learning.
When to Get Help with your Loose Lead Walking
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or your dog is large and strong enough to risk injury, professional guidance can make all the difference. Structured classes or one-to-one training can provide personalised feedback and accelerate progress safely.
Final Thoughts
Loose lead walking is a skill that takes time, especially with adolescent dogs. Celebrate small wins, stay consistent, and remember – your calm, patient training now will pay off in the years to come.
Need tailored help for your pulling adolescent?
Our loose lead walking workshops and private sessions are designed specifically for high-energy teenage dogs to build focus, engagement, and safer, happier walks for both ends of the lead.
