The "Stop and Go" method: the simple and effective technique for teaching your dog to walk on a leash
Why does my dog pull on the leash? The nature of the problem
Teaching your dog to walk on a leash is one of the first challenges any owner faces. Pulling on the leash is a natural behavior: the dog wants to explore, sniff, and move towards what catches its attention.
But this behavior makes walking tiring, even unpleasant. Fortunately, there is a gentle and consistent method to remedy this: the Stop and Go method.
What is the "Stop and Go" method?
The Stop and Go method (in French , "arrêter et repartir" ) is based on a very simple principle:
The dog only moves forward when the leash is slack .
As soon as the dog pulls: we stop .
As soon as the leash loosens: we set off again .
This system teaches the dog that pulling gets you nowhere, while walking calmly allows him to move forward. It's a positive, clear, and easy -to-understand method for the dog.
Why does the Stop and Go method work? Positive reinforcement
This approach is based on pure positive reinforcement .
For a dog, moving forward and exploring are natural rewards . The method directly plays on this motivation.
- If he shoots → he loses this reward (we stop ).
- If he walks calmly → he gets the reward (we move forward ).
As a result, your dog quickly learns that walking without pulling is the best way to get what he wants. The slack leash becomes the signal of freedom to explore.
How to apply the Stop and Go method step by step
Here's how to put this technique into practice during your walks. Be consistent at each step:
- Choose a quiet environment to start with (few distractions).
- Use a leash of about 2 meters to give a little freedom.
- Start walking normally.
- As soon as the leash becomes taut → stop immediately . Say nothing.
- Wait for the leash to loosen (the dog comes back towards you or releases the pressure).
- As soon as she is relaxed → start again slowly .
- Repeat this process each time the leash is tensioned .
💡 Tip: Be patient and above all consistent . At first, you will spend a lot of time standing still, but consistency is the key to rapid and lasting learning.
Tips for strengthening learning and relationships
Rewards and attention
- 🎁 Reward good behavior: Give a treat, a pat, or a kind word when the leash is slack (immediate positive reinforcement is vital).
- 🔄 Change direction often: This encourages the dog to stay attentive to you instead of focusing solely on its surroundings.
- ⏱️ Keep sessions short: 5 to 10 minutes is enough at the beginning to maximize the dog's concentration.
Family cohesion
- 🙌 Be consistent: Everyone in the family must apply the same Stop and Go rule.
The major advantages of the Stop and Go method
- Gentle technique respectful of the dog (no punishment).
- Easy to set up , even for beginners.
- Strengthens the connection and trust between the dog and its human.
- Visible results from the first sessions if the application is rigorous.
In summary: Stress-free walks guaranteed!
The Stop and Go method is one of the most effective techniques for teaching your dog to walk on a leash without stress. By combining patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you will transform your walks into a truly enjoyable shared experience .