The Winter Leash Training Guide Every Dog Owner Needs

On any given winter morning in Massachusetts, frustrated dog owners can be seen bracing against leashes as their dogs pull ahead. Leash training takes practice and planning, but it can make walking your dog more enjoyable and safer.

Why Dogs Pull More in Winter

In warmer months, it’s easier to get out for exercise. There are plenty of dog-friendly activities and places to take your pet. As temperatures drop, however, meeting a dog’s exercise needs becomes harder. Excess energy contributes to leash pulling, and when you add winter gloves and a shivering owner on the other end of the lead, leash manners often become an afterthought. The focus becomes simply trying to get through your daily walk.

There is no single piece of equipment or technique that solves leash pulling. While some harnesses and collars promise quick results, the real key to your dog’s success is you. Every dog is different, so the first step is identifying what’s driving your dog’s behavior.

Common Reasons Dogs Pull on Leash

There are many reasons dogs pull, not just excitement. Some pull out of fear, seeking safety by pulling towards home. Many pull toward other dogs, people, or scents. Others pull simply because it’s what they’ve always done. No one has taught them how to walk on a relaxed leash.

Pulling isn’t the only issue. Some owners struggle with dogs who stop and refuse to move forward, a common complaint among puppy owners. Often, this signals that the puppy needs much shorter walks and more positive support while learning how to walk on a leash.

Before you can fix leash problems, identify what you want to improve. Next, start training. That doesn’t mean stepping out the door right away, though.

Start Leash Training Indoors

Consider beginning leash training indoors for a few minutes a day. You don’t need much space, and it allows you to practice leash handling skills and help your dog learn without outdoor distractions.

Expert Tips from Professional Trainers

Professional dog trainer Amanda VanTassel of Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializes in helping people enjoy walks with their dogs by offering online coaching and in-person sessions through her business, No Hassle Dog Training. She recommends a simple indoor exercise to begin building leash skills.

“Start by standing still while your leashed dog moves around,” VanTassel said. “As they begin to get close to the end of the leash, call their name or use a kissy noise to get their attention and bring them back to you.”

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The next step is to begin walking around the space with your dog, continuing to cue them back before they reach the end of the leash. VanTassel adds one tip that makes the exercise stand out compared to similar versions: do it before heading out for a walk.

“Practice this for a few minutes before each walk,” she said.

Multi-credentialed dog trainer and behavior consultant Kate LaSala explained that leash walking is not a natural skill for dogs and offers additional guidance.

“As frustrating as a pulling dog can be, try to avoid leash corrections, yanking, or yelling at the dog,” LaSala said. “Not only will this not teach them not to pull, but it can have unwanted fallout behavioral effects, including fear.”

LaSala, owner of Rescued By Training LLC, works with dogs and owners worldwide, specializing in cases involving anxiety, fearfulness, and aggression.

“It’s important to understand that dogs don’t come pre-wired knowing how to walk on a leash or stay near us,” she said. “Being tethered is unusual for them, and they need to be taught to be comfortable with it and how to walk nicely.”

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“Rewarding the dog for checking in with you, staying within an invisible bubble at your side, or returning to you if they get ahead are all ways you can encourage your dog to stay near,” LaSala said.

While some dogs pull more than others, it’s essential to recognize that many factors contribute to pulling. A dog you see walking perfectly every day likely has a lot of practice. Some dogs walk better after exercise; others need frequent sniff breaks. Sometimes a dog’s walking is fine, but the owner has unknowingly been tightening the leash the whole time. If you’re struggling, a professional trainer can help identify which areas need the most work.

Leash walking doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Playing training games in the yard or indoors can improve leash manners. Even trick training with the leash attached can strengthen communication and teamwork.

Alternatives for Extra-Cold Days

Winter may not always offer ideal walking conditions, but you can make the walks you do take more enjoyable by developing leash skills. On extra-cold days, try alternative forms of exercise such as scent work or trick training to help meet your dog’s needs.

Melissa "MJ" Viera is the owner of MJ's Pet Training Academy in Acushnet.