Leash Manners 101: How to Stop Pulling Without Harsh Collars

If you’ve ever been yanked down the sidewalk by a determined pup, you’re not alone. Almost every dog owner has been there—one minute you’re enjoying a peaceful stroll, the next you’re water-skiing behind your four-legged freight train. Walking your dog shouldn’t feel like a workout in survival, and the good news is, with the right approach (and the right gear), leash manners can be taught.

Why Dogs Pull in the First Place

Dogs don’t come pre-programmed to walk politely by our side. To them, the world is exciting—full of smells, squirrels, and grass that apparently must be sniffed immediately. Add in the fact that dogs naturally move faster than us, and it’s no wonder they end up forging ahead.

The trick isn’t to punish that enthusiasm but to redirect it into good habits.

Ditch the Spikes and Chains

Old-school methods leaned on harsh collars—spikes, prongs, and chains—to “teach” a dog not to pull. But here’s the thing: pain doesn’t build good manners, it just builds confusion and stress. Dogs learn best through consistency, guidance, and a clear signal of what you want. That’s where the right training collar and leash combo makes all the difference.

At Rough Ranch, we designed our Commander Collar with this in mind. It gives you just enough control to get your dog’s attention when they surge ahead, without digging in or causing pain. Pair it with a sturdy leash built to handle the strongest pullers, and you’ve got a setup that supports training instead of fighting against it.

Start With the Basics

Training leash manners doesn’t require hours of boot camp—it just takes patience and repetition. Here are a few simple steps to get started:

1. Pick a side. Decide if you want your dog on your left or right, and stick with it. Consistency helps them understand where they belong.
2. Keep it short (at first). Start in a low-distraction area like your backyard or a quiet street. The fewer squirrels, the better.
3. Reward the right position. Any time your dog walks calmly at your side, reward them with praise, a treat, or even just a “good boy/girl.”
4. Stop when they pull. Don’t let your dog drag you forward. The moment they pull, stop walking. Once they ease up, continue again. It teaches them that pulling gets them nowhere fast.
5. Practice, practice, practice. Short, consistent sessions are better than one long, frustrating walk.

Patience Pays Off

Leash manners won’t happen overnight, but they will happen if you stay consistent. Think of every walk as a mini training session. Over time, you’ll go from tug-of-war to stress-free strolls.

And here’s the best part: once your dog learns the ropes, walks become fun again—for both of you. No more sore shoulders, no more frustrated sighs. Just fresh air, good company, and gear that won’t let you down.

So next time you grab your leash, remember—you’re not just taking your pup for a walk. You’re teaching them how to move with you, not against you. And with the right approach (and the right gear), you’ll both be walking tall in no time.