Why Your Puppy Pulls on the Lead (And Why It’s So Hard to Fix)

Why does my puppy pull on the lead?

Puppies pull because its frustrating being restricted, they want to explore this new amazing world, they don't understand what this new equipment is all about and pulling gets them where they want to go, reinforcing the behaviour over time.

Struggling With Lead Pulling?

You imagined nice walks… but instead:

• Your puppy drags you everywhere

• Walks feel stressful instead of enjoyable

• You feel like you’re constantly fighting the lead

I see it ALL the time, this is one of the most common issues new puppy owners face.

Why Puppies Pull on the Lead

Pulling isn’t your puppy being “naughty” — it’s actually very natural.

Your puppy is:

• Curious about the environment - imagine how amazing the big wide world is!

• Frustrated about being restricted from exploring

• Learning that pulling gets them there faster

👉 And that last point is a big problem.

How Pulling Accidentally Gets Reinforced

Most owners don’t realise they’re teaching pulling by:

• Continuing to walk while the lead is tight

• Letting the puppy reach what they’re pulling toward

• Being inconsistent with stopping or correcting

Over time, your puppy learns:👉 pulling works very well, we're working on this a lot in Life Skills Puppy Geek sessions!

Why It Feels Impossible to Fix

Once pulling becomes a habit:

• Your puppy is rewarded every walk

• Excitement levels increase outdoors

• Your control decreases in busy environments

This is why many owners feel stuck.

The Real Issue Behind Lead Pulling

It’s not just about the lead.

It’s about:

• Engagement with you vs the environment

• Clarity in communication

• How the behaviour was built from the start

🐾 Want Calm, Controlled Walks?

At Puppy Geek, I help owners:

• Understand why pulling is happening

• Identify what’s reinforcing it

• Build a plan for real-world walking

👉 Book your session for tailored guidance.