Loose-leash walking
- Start in a quiet place (hallway, yard) and reward your dog for being next to you
- Stop moving the instant the leash goes tight; resume when it slackens
- Change direction often so your dog keeps checking in
- Reward at your side, not out front
- Add distractions slowly: other dogs, bikes, a busy sidewalk
Sit, down and stay
Lure the behavior with a treat, mark it with a word or clicker, then reward. Add a cue only when your dog does it reliably. For stay, build duration first, then distance, then distractions, one at a time.
Recall (come when called)
- Use a happy voice and reward generously
- Never call your dog to scold them
- Practice on a long line in a fenced or safe area
- Save your best treats for recall practice
Why dogs pull and ignore us
Pulling is rewarded every time it gets the dog somewhere. Ignoring cues usually means the skill hasn't been practiced around distractions. Both are training problems, not stubbornness.
When to get help
If you're stuck, or if your dog is reactive, fearful or aggressive, a qualified trainer can save time. See how to choose one.
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