By Prateek Kashyap, dog trainer and behaviourist. I have been working with dogs since 2006.
A walk can feel like a tug-of-war before you have even reached the gate. The usual advice is to “make the dog walk beside you,” but that is a big ask if the dog is already excited by every smell, person and passing scooter.
Start somewhere your dog can think. In a Gurgaon society, that may be a quiet lane or a calm corner at a less busy time. Keep the first practice short. The goal is not distance; it is giving your dog a chance to notice you and move with a loose lead.
Reward the leash you want
Carry a few small rewards your dog enjoys. When the lead is slack and your dog checks in or walks near you, calmly mark that moment with a word such as “yes” and reward beside your leg. This shows your dog which position makes good things happen.
A loose lead does not mean your dog has to stare at you or stay glued to your knee. Let them sniff and look around. When the lead hangs in a relaxed curve, you can keep moving. If it tightens, pause without yanking. When your dog turns back or the lead loosens, mark that and move again. If standing still makes the dog more wound up, calmly turn in a safe direction and reward them for coming with you.
Make the walk easier before making it longer
Practise for a few minutes, then take a break. Add one challenge at a time: a slightly longer stretch, a little more foot traffic, or a new route. If your dog cannot respond to a familiar cue or take a reward, the setting may be too difficult right now. Create more distance or return to a quieter spot.
Consistency matters. If pulling sometimes gets your dog to the tree, another dog or the lift, pulling can become the fastest way to reach what they want. Instead, reward slack-leash movement and use sniffing or forward motion as part of the walk. You can also give a release cue to let your dog explore, then invite them back when you are ready to move on.
Keep safety and comfort in mind
Check that the collar or harness fits properly and that the lead and clips are secure. Avoid practising close to traffic or in a crowd if your dog is not ready for it. If your dog is powerful, fearful, or pulling towards other dogs, get individual guidance rather than trying to manage a difficult situation in a busy place.
Reward-based training gives your dog clear information about what to do. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s humane training statement explains why training should teach and reward desired behaviour.
Walks in a busy neighbourhood can take practice. Start with a small, repeatable step and build from there. If leash pulling is part of a bigger behaviour concern, I offer home visits in Gurgaon sectors 75–110 and online consultations across India. Contact Prateek on WhatsApp: 9650671501.