Leash manners are one of the most common struggles dog owners face. Whether your dog is a puppy just learning about the world or an adult who pulls, lunges, or zigzags down the sidewalk, walking together can quickly become frustrating for everyone involved.
Unless your dog never leaves your home or fenced yard, they’ll likely spend part of their life attached to a leash. Unfortunately, many people view the leash as the primary way to control their dog. In reality, the leash should simply be a safety tool—not your method of communication.
Most leashes are attached to a collar or harness while the owner holds the other end. Yet many owners find themselves wrapping the leash around their hands multiple times just to keep from being pulled off balance. If you’ve ever done this, you already know it doesn’t solve the problem. It simply creates more tension—for both you and your dog.
Think about it this way: when a parent holds a child’s hand, they don’t rely on the handhold alone to teach behavior. They still communicate verbally, explaining expectations and helping the child understand how to navigate the world safely. Our dogs deserve the same clarity.
Rather than relying on leash pressure to direct your dog, teach them words that communicate exactly what you want. These “walking words” become valuable whether your dog is on a leash, dragging a long line, or eventually enjoying safe off-leash freedom where appropriate.
Decide on the Behaviors First
Before choosing cue words, think about the behaviors you actually want your dog to perform.
For example:
- Moving with you after standing still.
- Walking within sight of you.
- Walking beside you when needed.
- Changing direction with you.
- Stopping and waiting.
- Coming all the way to you and making physical contact.
- Returning to exploring after a cue.
- Having permission to enjoy the environment without constantly checking in.
Once you’re clear on the behaviors, choose words that feel natural and are easy for you to remember. There are no magic commands. Consistency matters far more than the actual words.
The Walking Words I Teach
Let’s Go
This simply means, “We’re moving together now.”
When my dogs hear “Let’s Go,” my expectation is simple: don’t pull, don’t trip me, and keep moving with me. I don’t require a formal heel, nor do I care which side they walk on. In fact, I prefer they have the freedom to change sides when necessary. This allows them to create space from something they may find concerning rather than feeling trapped against my body.
Too Far
“You’ve reached the end of your space. Please don’t continue in that direction.”
This isn’t a correction. It’s simply information.
With Me
Walk directly beside me on the side I’ve indicated until you’re released.
This cue is useful when passing other dogs, navigating busy areas, or walking through tighter spaces.
This Way
Move back in my direction.
Notice this isn’t the same as “Come.” I don’t need my dog to come all the way to me. I simply want them to change direction with me.
Wait
Stop where you are and wait for more information.
Often the next cue is simply permission to continue walking.
Come
Come directly to me, make physical contact, and wait for further instruction.
Release
You’re free to continue exploring.
Free Dog
This is one of my favorite cues because it gives the dog permission to simply be a dog.
During “Free Dog,” my dogs don’t need to worry about staying close or checking in every few seconds. They can sniff, explore, investigate scents, and enjoy their environment. When I need their attention again, I simply call them, creating a new expectation.
Practice Before You Need It
None of these skills require a leash to begin learning.
Start inside your home or in a fenced backyard where distractions are low. Keep sessions short, make them fun, and use rewards your dog truly enjoys. Food works well, but so can play, a favorite toy, a game of chase, or an opportunity to sniff.
The more meaningful the reinforcement is, the more valuable your words become.
Loose Leash Walking Isn’t About Perfection
One of the biggest misconceptions is that dogs should spend an entire walk in a perfect heel position.
For most dogs, that’s unnecessary.
Walks should be enjoyable for both ends of the leash. Your dog should have opportunities to sniff, investigate, eliminate comfortably, and even choose to move away from something that feels uncomfortable. Giving dogs appropriate agency allows them to make safe decisions and reduces unnecessary stress.
When we keep constant tension on the leash, we often remove their ability to communicate, create distance, or cope with their environment.
The Relationship Matters Most
Walking words are only one piece of successful leash manners.
The foundation is your relationship.
Your dog should trust that you’ll help them navigate the world safely, advocate for them when necessary, and avoid placing them in situations they’re not emotionally prepared to handle. Loose leash walking becomes much easier when your dog’s nervous system is regulated, they’re developmentally ready for the environment, and they understand that you’re someone worth paying attention to.
Leash manners aren’t created by tighter leashes or stronger equipment. They’re built through clear communication, thoughtful teaching, and a relationship rooted in trust.
In future articles, we’ll explore how factors like adolescence, nervous system regulation, and gradual exposure to the world influence your dog’s ability to walk calmly by your side.
Until then, remember: the leash is for safety. Your words—and your relationship—are what truly guide your dog.