Advanced techniques and managing the challenges of walking on a leash
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: once the basics are in place, the goal is to make lead walking reliable everywhere. Three tools: rewarded changes of direction to keep its attention, games that make a loose lead fun, and work on distractions (reward as soon as it sees the trigger, at a comfortable distance). Add mental exercise such as sniffing games, and keep sessions short.
Is your dog ready for the advanced level?
My dog can already:
Three techniques to keep its attention
The aim: it watches you rather than the horizon.
- Walk, then turn round or take a turn, without pulling, inviting it with your voice or a gesture.
- As soon as it follows on a loose lead: "Yes!" and a reward.
- Vary it: turns, about-turns, zigzags. Unpredictability keeps it attentive.
A Stop and Go variation. Lead tight: you stop, still and silent. Lead slack (ideally with a glance at you): you move on. Calm and consistency do all the work.
Making a loose lead fun. Somewhere quiet, change pace (slow, fast) and direction, and reward generously whenever the lead stays slack. Pair it with a happy word, always the same one.
Managing distractions
The principle: stay at a distance where your dog sees the trigger without reacting, then gradually reduce it. If the lead tightens or it stares, you're too close: back off.
- "Look at That": look, and get paidAs soon as it spots the trigger (dog, bike) and before it reacts, say "Yes!" and give a high-value treat. It learns that seeing a dog = turning to you. This exercise was popularised by trainer Leslie McDevitt.
- Scatter feedingIf a distraction gets too close, scatter a few treats on the ground and say "Find it!". It sniffs while the distraction goes by.
- Close the gapSession by session, move a little closer, always staying below the point where it reacts.
Reactive dog? If it barks, growls or lunges at the end of the lead, don't force contact and get help from a trainer who works without aversive methods. See when to call in a professional.
Physical and mental exercise
A dog with pent-up energy struggles to focus. A little exercise before a training session helps it be receptive.
Scent games
Hidden treats, snuffle mats: sniffing keeps a dog's mind busy.
Food toys
A treat-dispensing toy takes thought and patience.
Sniff breaks
Let it explore smells on cue: it's a reward and real stimulation.
Tip: before a training walk, 5 minutes of play or scent work in the garden. A dog that has let off a little steam pays more attention.
True or false
A light tug on the lead helps change direction.
FALSENo need: invite it with your voice or a gesture, then reward when it follows. Jerks teach nothing and strain the neck.
A tired dog learns better.
IT DEPENDSA dog that has let off some steam is more attentive, but an exhausted dog can't focus. Aim for the middle ground.
You should always stop the dog from sniffing.
FALSESniffing is one of its needs. Alternate focused walking with sniff breaks.
To change length for each exercise, a multi-position lead goes from 120 to 250 cm in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my dog pulling when it sees another dog?
Work at a distance: reward it as soon as it sees the dog, before it reacts, then gradually reduce the distance.
What is the "Look at That" exercise?
An exercise where the dog is rewarded each time it calmly looks at a trigger. It learns to turn to you instead of reacting.
Should I let my dog sniff on walks?
Yes, at times. Sniff breaks are important stimulation and a great reward.
What if it regresses?
It's normal in a new place. Go back to somewhere quieter and more frequent rewards for a few sessions.
Sources
- McDevitt L. (2007). Control Unleashed. Clean Run Productions (the "Look at That" game).
- Vieira de Castro A. C. et al. (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE.