✅ 1. Start in a low-distraction environment
Begin training somewhere quiet like your living room, backyard, or a quiet street in Mona Vale or Avalon. If your puppy is too excited, they won’t be able to learn.
✅ 2. Reward the behaviour you want
Whenever your puppy walks beside you and the lead is loose, reward them! Use small, tasty treats and praise to make staying close to you more valuable than pulling.
💬 “Dogs do what works. If pulling gets them forward, they’ll keep doing it. If staying near you gets food, attention, or fun—they’ll do that instead.” – Carly, Dog Modo
✅ 3. Use the ‘Stop or Change Direction’ rule
When your puppy pulls:
- Stop walking and wait for the lead to go slack, or
- Gently change direction and encourage your pup to follow you
This teaches them that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go—but walking with you does.
✅ 4. Keep your walks short and successful
Especially for young puppies, short, positive walks around Newport or Palm Beach are more effective than long, stressful ones. End on a good note!
✅ 5. Use the right equipment
A flat collar and a front-clip harness (like a Perfect Fit or Balance Harness) can give you more control while still being comfortable for your pup. Avoid retractable leads or anything that encourages tension.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Teach “Let’s Go!”
Teach your puppy a cue like “Let’s go!” to signal that it’s time to move forward together. Say it in a happy voice and reward your dog for walking with you after the cue.
🚫 What Not to Do
- Don’t jerk or yank the lead—it can damage your puppy’s neck and harm your relationship.
- Don’t punish pulling. Puppies aren’t being “bad”—they just haven’t learned the skill yet.
- Don’t expect perfection in busy areas like Avalon Beach or Barrenjoey Road on day one. Build up gradually.
Need Personalised Help?
If your puppy is pulling like a sled dog, Carly from Dog Modo can help you get back on track. She offers one-on-one training across Mona Vale, Newport, Avalon, and Palm Beach, using kind, modern methods to teach leash manners that last.
💬 “Loose lead walking isn’t about control—it’s about connection. When your puppy learns that walking with you is the best part of the day, everything changes.” – Carly, Dog Modo
Ready to stop the pulling and start enjoying your walks?
Book a session with Carly today and take the first step toward calm, happy walks on the Northern Beaches.
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