How to Teach Your Dog to Walk Calmly on a Loose Lead

Most of us have asked it at some point – “How can I teach my dog to walk nicely on the lead?”

It’s one of the most common challenges dog guardians face. A simple walk can so easily turn into a tug-of-war. But with patience, curiosity, and calm practice, your walks can become what they’re meant to be: a shared, peaceful rhythm between you and your dog.

 

The Goal

To have your dog walk beside you – at your pace, on a loose lead – checking in now and then for encouragement.

And for you, the human at the other end of the lead, to enjoy the moment too.

 

The Joy of the Sniffari

Before we talk about training, let’s talk about sniffing.

At Snifflab™, we believe dogs need time to explore the world with their noses – what we call a “sniffari”.

For a dog, sniffing is like scrolling through social media: they catch up on who’s been where, what’s new, and what’s worth investigating.

When we rush them past every tree or lamppost, we interrupt a natural and deeply calming behaviour.

Sniffing lowers heart rate, helps dogs decompress, and gives them a sense of agency.

So, while training your dog to walk calmly, remember – it’s okay to allow room for exploration.
Not every walk needs to be structured. Balance is the key.

Calm starts with instinct.

 

Loose Lead Walking 101

Walking nicely on the lead doesn’t come naturally to most dogs.
For them, moving at our slow, human pace feels strange. It’s our job to teach what we want – with clarity and kindness.

Let’s break it down into small, enjoyable steps.

Think of it like school: your dog starts in Kindergarten and slowly works their way up.

 

Kindergarten: Learning the Basics Indoors

Start in a quiet space – your lounge room, hallway, or kitchen.
Keep distractions low, your treats ready, and your mood light.

Steps:

1. Hold the lead in the hand opposite to the side your dog is on. Keep that hand still (try tucking your thumb into your pocket if needed).
2. Take one step forward. Stop. Mark and reward.
   • Use a clicker or say “Yes!”
   • Deliver the treat beside your knee on your dog’s side.
3. Repeat.
4. Add a second step, then three. Stop. Mark. Reward.

You’re simply teaching: “When the lead is loose, good things happen.”

Kindergarten complete when your dog understands one-step calm walking.

Grade 1: Introducing Turns

Now you can start to add gentle movement – still indoors.

Steps:

1. Take one step forward, then turn right.
2. Stop. Mark. Reward.
3. Repeat several times.
4. Gradually build in right-about turns.
5. Keep the rewards coming frequently – every few steps or turns.

This keeps your dog engaged and prevents boredom.
Don’t worry about perfection; you’re building communication, not control.

Grade 2: Small Challenges, Still Calm

Next, mix it up with more steps and different turns.

Try:

• 3 steps, turn. 3 steps, turn. Stop. Reward.
• 5 steps, turn. 5 steps, turn. Stop. Reward.
• Add in left and right turns, 360° circles, or playful direction changes.

Keep the pace calm and the feedback positive.
The goal is to make walking together feel like a game – light, focused, and fun.

When Your Dog Pulls

Don’t tug back – just stop.
Stay still, hand by your side.
When your dog turns to look at you or releases pressure on the lead, mark and reward.

This teaches your dog that pulling gets them nowhere, but checking in with you keeps the walk moving forward.

Patience is the quiet teacher dogs understand best.

Grade 3: Moving Outdoors

Now it’s time to step outside.
Start somewhere calm – your driveway or quiet street, not the park just yet.

Go back to basics:

• One step. Stop. Mark. Reward.
• Two steps. Stop. Mark. Reward.
• Keep it easy and encouraging.

As distractions grow, lower your expectations temporarily. Success builds confidence – failure builds frustration.

Only move to “high school” walks (like busy foreshore paths) once your dog can calmly handle mild outdoor distractions.

Final Thoughts

Loose lead walking isn’t about obedience – it’s about partnership.
You’re learning a rhythm together.

Remember to include sniffari moments in every walk. Let your dog lead sometimes.
That’s how you’ll both find calm – where instinct meets everyday life.

 

Author’s Note

This article was inspired by training principles from SueEllen Le Page (BFF Dog Training) and Orlando Dos Santos (Results Dog Training, WA), whose dedication to positive training continues to shape calm, connected living with dogs.

At Snifflab™, we share this approach – helping dogs and humans understand each other through curiosity and care.