1. Build Engagement with Rewards
The foundation of a calm walk is a dog who’s tuned into you. Start by rewarding your dog with treats, praise, or a quick game whenever they look at you or stay close. This engagement, a key principle, sets the stage for everything else. Build value, motivation and focus on you (engagement).
2. Play Luring Games
Next, we introduce luring games to teach your dog to follow you willingly. Hold a treat near their nose and guide them into position by your side, rewarding them as they move with you. These games make learning fun and keep your dog focused, reducing the urge to pull ahead - luring games are a specific skill-set we build on day one. Make this fun and exciting using luring techniques and movement.
3. Set Boundaries with the Place Command
To teach self-control, we use the “place” command with an elevated dog bed. This black-and-white behavior—on the bed or off—helps dogs understand clear boundaries. Practice sending your dog to “place” and rewarding them for staying put. It’s a game-changer for impulse control, which translates to calmer walks and stronger obedience skills
4. Use the Right Tools
Ditch the flat collar or harness. We recommend a martingale training collar or a non-slip leash/collar to gently discourage pulling without being overly aversive. Less pressure is always better. These tools provide subtle feedback, helping your dog stay connected to you until we introduce leash pressure training—a method that teaches them to turn off pressure by yielding to the leash.
5. Transition to Leash Pressure Training
As your dog matures, leash pressure training becomes the ultimate tool for calm walks. This technique, refined in Michael Ellis’ system, teaches dogs to respond to light leash cues, reducing reactivity and aggression over time. Pair it with rewards for compliance, and you’ll have a dog who walks with you, not against you.
Why It Works
This reward-based progression—engagement, luring, boundaries, and leash skills—creates a dog who chooses to stay by your side. It’s not about yanking or punishing; it’s about building trust and clarity. At Everyday K9 Solutions, we’ve seen this method turn pullers into partners. Ready for stress-free walks? Contact us today!
