Loose Leash Walking: Why Your Dog Pulls and How to Fix It

On this episode of Dog Works Radio, professional dog trainers from Alaska Dog Works share practical dog training tips, discuss common dog behavior problems, and explain how positive dog training and consistency to create better behavior at home. If every walk feels like a tug of war, your dog isn't being stubborn or disrespectful. They're doing what has worked. On Dog Works Radio, we break down loose leash walking from the dog's perspective and explain why pulling is not a behavior problem but a reinforcement history. When dogs learn that tension equals forward motion, pulling becomes automatic. The solution isn't correction or force. It's changing the rules of the walk. You'll learn what loose leash walking really means, why perfect heel is not the goal, and how movement itself becomes the most powerful reward. We also cover the role of consistency, management, engagement, and why short walks often train better than long ones. This episode is ideal for dog owners who want calmer, more enjoyable walks without pain, frustration, or outdated training methods. Fixing the walk often fixes far more than just the walk. Dogs pull because pulling has been reinforced, not because they are stubborn Loose leash walking means slack in the leash, not a perfect heel Forward motion is often a stronger reward than food Consistency teaches faster than correction Short, intentional walks build better habits than long ones Engagement turns walks into a shared experience, not a battle