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Loose Lead Walking: Teaching Your Dog to Walk by Your Side

Writer's picture: The PATS TeamThe PATS Team

Updated: Jan 24

Picture this: You’re walking your dog, and they’re calmly trotting by your side, completely focused on you. You stop to order a coffee, and they patiently wait without pulling on the leash or getting distracted. Sounds amazing, right?


But how does this seemingly effortless “loose lead walking” actually happen? Are some dogs just born knowing how to walk nicely on a leash?


The truth is, dogs aren’t naturally programmed to walk politely by our sides. Instead, they tend to think, “I want to sniff that smell, say hi to that dog, or get to that person as fast as possible! Pulling must be the way to get there!”


It’s our responsibility to teach them that there’s a better way—one that involves walking calmly and happily at our side.


The good news? With the right approach, you can transform even the most enthusiastic leash-puller into a loose lead-walking superstar.


In this post, we’ll break loose lead walking down into simple, actionable steps.

By focusing on three key elements and practising consistently, you can teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash.

What Is Loose Lead Walking?

Loose lead walking means your dog walks calmly by your side, with a relaxed leash (no pulling or tension). It’s not about strict obedience or having your dog march like a show dog—it’s about making walks enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your pup.

The key is engagement: teaching your dog to focus on you and stay near your left side because they’ve learned that good things happen there.


The Three Key Elements of Loose Lead Walking

Loose lead walking can be broken down into three main components:

  1. Position: Your dog learns to stay by your left side.

  2. Engagement: Your dog stays focused on you, even in distracting environments.

  3. Reinforcement: You reward your dog for staying in the correct position and keeping the leash loose.

When your dog understands and practices these three elements, loose lead walking becomes much easier—and more enjoyable.

The three elements to loose lead walking
The three elements to loose lead walking

Introduction to loose lead walking

Step-by-Step Training Guide

Step 1: Build Value in the Left Side Position

Before your dog can walk nicely by your side, they need to understand that being next to you (on your left side) is the best place to be.


How to Teach This:

  • Grab your dog’s food or some tasty treats.

  • Stand still and lure your dog into a 'sit' on your left side. Use a treat to guide their nose into position.

  • Once they sit in the correct spot, reinforce them immediately by dropping a treat or piece of food next to their mouth.

  • Repeat this exercise a few times, and they will quickly associate the left side with good things.


👉 Pro Tip: Keep sessions short and positive. Aim for 3–5 minutes of practice at a time to keep your dog engaged.


Step 2: Take the First Step

Once your dog consistently sits in the left side position, it’s time to take the first step.


How to Teach This:

  1. From the left side sit, take one step forward.

  2. As soon as your dog moves with you, click (or use a marker word like “yes!”) and toss a treat backward between your left leg and your dog.

    • This encourages your dog to return to the left side position after eating the treat.

  3. Repeat this sequence: step forward, click, and toss the treat.

At this stage, you’re teaching your dog that moving with you and staying near your left side results in rewards.


Step 3: Build on the Basics

Once your dog is reliably following you for a few steps, you can gradually increase the distance before rewarding.


How to Progress:

  • Start by taking two steps before clicking and tossing the treat. Then, increase to three steps, then five, and so on.

  • If your dog gets distracted or pulls, stop and reset. Wait for them to come back to your side and focus before continuing.


👉 Pro Tip: Keep treats small and easy to access, so you can reward your dog quickly and consistently.


Step 4: Add Distractions

Dogs love exploring the world, and distractions like smells, dogs, or people can be challenging. The key is to teach your dog to stay engaged with you, even when the environment gets exciting.


How to Practice in Distracting Environments:

  • Start training in a quiet area (like your backyard) before moving to busier spaces.

  • Use higher-value treats (like cheese or chicken) in distracting environments.

  • If your dog gets distracted, stop moving and wait for them to re-engage with you. Reward them for checking in and coming back to your side.

Dog walking on a loose lead next to his owner
Nice loose lead

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Pulling Back on the Leash: Resist the urge to pull your dog back if they move ahead. Instead, stop and wait for them to return to you. Pulling creates tension and reinforces the habit of pulling.

  2. Skipping the Basics: Loose lead walking starts with teaching your dog to love the left side position. Don’t rush this foundational step!

  3. Inconsistency: If you sometimes allow pulling (e.g., when you’re in a hurry), your dog will learn that pulling sometimes works. Consistency is key!


Practice Makes Perfect

Loose lead walking isn’t something your dog will learn overnight—it takes time, patience, and regular practice. However, the results are well worth the effort. Not only will your walks become more enjoyable, but you’ll also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.


Ready to Start Training?


In our Loose Lead Walking Package, we dive into all three elements—position, engagement, and reinforcement—to help you and your dog master loose lead walking.


You’ll learn how to handle distractions, build focus, and create a consistent routine that works for your busy life.


👉 Check out the video above of me putting these steps into action!


With the right training, your dog can become the walking companion you’ve always dreamed of. All it takes is a single step to get started.


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