Why Do Dogs Pull? Understanding Leads and Body Language

Struggling with a dog that constantly pulls on the lead during walks? 

You're not alone! For countless dog owners across the UK, daily walks become exhausting battles of wills as their pets strain against leads, pulling towards every interesting scent, sound, or sight.

Understanding why dogs pull on the lead isn't simply about correcting unwanted behaviour—it's about recognising the complex interplay between canine instincts, emotional states, and communication signals that manifest through body language.

The key to addressing dog pulling behaviour lies in comprehending both the underlying motivations driving this conduct and the subtle body language cues your dog displays throughout your walks. By developing this dual understanding, you'll be better equipped to implement effective training strategies and create more harmonious walking experiences.

The Science Behind Lead Pulling

Instinctual and Environmental Factors

Dogs are naturally curious creatures with powerful sensory capabilities that far exceed our own. Their world is rich with scents, sounds, and visual stimuli that trigger deep-seated instincts developed over thousands of years of evolution. When dogs pull on the lead, they're often responding to these environmental triggers in ways that feel completely natural to them.

The canine olfactory system contains approximately 300 million scent receptors compared to our mere 6 million, making every walk a sensory adventure filled with compelling information. A simple lamp post becomes a community bulletin board, revealing which dogs have passed by, their emotional states, and even their health status. This instinctual drive to investigate and gather information frequently manifests as pulling behaviour.

Territory marking and exploration instincts also play crucial roles. Dogs naturally want to expand their territory and investigate new areas, leading them to pull towards unexplored paths or interesting locations. Additionally, pack mentality influences their behaviour—many dogs feel compelled to lead or follow, depending on their personality and relationship with their owner.

Emotional Triggers

Understanding dog pulling due to excitement or anxiety requires recognising that emotional states significantly impact behaviour. Excitement-based pulling typically occurs when dogs anticipate positive experiences: seeing favourite people, approaching dog parks, or simply beginning the walk itself. This type of pulling often involves bouncing, tail wagging, and forward-focused body posture.

Conversely, anxiety-driven pulling may stem from fear or stress responses. Dogs experiencing anxiety might pull to escape perceived threats or uncomfortable situations. This behaviour often accompanies other stress signals such as panting, trembling, or attempting to hide behind their owner.

Frustration also contributes to pulling behaviour. When dogs feel restricted by leads, particularly if they're accustomed to off-lead freedom, they may pull as an expression of their desire for greater mobility and independence.

Decoding Canine Body Language

Key Body Language Signals

Learning how to read your dog's body language on walks transforms your understanding of their behaviour and enables more effective communication. Dogs communicate primarily through body posture, facial expressions, and movement patterns, each conveying specific emotional states and intentions.

Tail position and movement provide valuable insights into your dog's emotional state. A high, stiff tail often indicates alertness or potential aggression, whilst a low or tucked tail suggests fear or submission. Rapid tail wagging doesn't always mean happiness—context matters enormously. Stiff, high-speed wagging might indicate overstimulation or tension.

Ear position offers another crucial communication channel. Forward-pointing ears typically signal interest or alertness, whilst flattened ears against the head often indicate fear, anxiety, or submission. Understanding these signals helps you anticipate pulling behaviour before it occurs.

Body posture reveals much about your dog's intentions. A dog preparing to pull often displays forward-leaning posture, weight shifted to their front paws, and intense focus on their target. Conversely, a relaxed dog maintains balanced weight distribution and loose, fluid movement.

Body Language During Walks

Understanding canine communication on walks requires observing the subtle changes in your dog's demeanour as they encounter different stimuli. Body language signs of stress in dogs on walks include:

• Excessive panting (when not hot)

• Excessive drooling

• Trembling or shaking

• Attempting to hide behind you

• Rigid body posture

• Whale eye (showing whites of eyes)

These signals often precede reactive pulling behaviour.

When dogs see other dogs, their body language becomes particularly telling. A dog displaying loose, play-bow postures likely wants friendly interaction, whilst rigid posture, direct staring, and raised hackles suggest potential conflict. Understanding these signals helps you manage situations before pulling escalates.

Practical Solutions to Lead Pulling

Training Techniques

Effective dog leash training for pullers requires consistency, patience, and understanding of canine learning principles. The foundation of successful training lies in positive reinforcement rather than punishment-based methods, which can increase anxiety and worsen pulling behaviour.

The "Stop and Go" Technique proves highly effective for many dogs. When your dog begins pulling, immediately stop walking and wait for them to return to your side or create slack in the lead. Only resume walking when the lead is loose. This method teaches dogs that pulling prevents forward progress, whilst loose-lead walking enables continued exploration.

Direction changes offer another powerful training tool. When your dog pulls, abruptly change direction and walk the opposite way. This technique requires your dog to pay attention to your movements rather than focusing solely on external stimuli. Reward your dog with treats and praise when they follow your direction changes willingly.

Teaching a reliable "heel" or "close" command provides structure during walks. Begin training in low-distraction environments, rewarding your dog for maintaining position beside you. Gradually increase distractions as your dog's reliability improves.

Equipment Recommendations

Selecting appropriate equipment significantly impacts your success in managing pulling behaviour. The best leads for dogs that pull vary depending on your dog's size, strength, and specific pulling patterns.

Front-clip harnesses redirect pulling force to the side rather than allowing dogs to use their full chest strength against you. This design naturally discourages pulling whilst remaining comfortable for your dog. Ensure proper fitting to prevent chafing or restriction of movement.

Head collars provide excellent control for strong pullers by directing the dog's head movement. However, proper introduction and conditioning are essential, as many dogs initially resist head collars. Never use head collars for corrections or jerking movements.

Long lines offer an excellent compromise between control and freedom, particularly useful for training recall and reducing frustration-based pulling. These extended leads allow dogs greater exploration whilst maintaining safety and control.

Behavioural Management

Managing reactive dogs on the leash requires understanding triggers and implementing proactive strategies. The benefits of proper lead training extend far beyond just comfortable walks:

• Reduced stress for both dog and owner

• Improved safety in busy environments

• Enhanced bonding through better communication

• Greater exercise enjoyment leading to better fitness

• Increased socialisation opportunities with other dogs and people

• Better recall training foundation for off-lead work

• Reduced risk of injury from sudden pulling incidents

Counter-conditioning techniques help change your dog's emotional response to triggers. When your dog notices a trigger but before they react, provide high-value treats and praise. This process gradually creates positive associations with previously stressful stimuli.

Environmental management plays a crucial role in reducing pulling behaviour. Choose walking routes and times that minimise overwhelming stimuli whilst your dog learns new behaviours. Early morning or late evening walks often provide calmer environments for training.

Conclusion

Pulling isn’t stubbornness. It’s communication.

When you understand why your dog is pulling and what they’re feeling, walks get easier. Less tension. More connection. More enjoyment for both of you.

At Duncan’s Dog Co, we’ve worked with dogs of every shape, size, and personality for years. Lead manners are something we see every day, and we know how to help make walks calmer and more enjoyable.

If you’re struggling with lead pulling and want some support, give Duncan’s Dog Co a call. We’re always happy to help.