Dog trainer reveals one thing you can do before a walk to stop your dog pulling on the lead

Dogs pulling on the lead while trying to go for a walk can be hugely frustrating, so much that it can lead to dreading and resenting what should be an enjoyable activity.

If you've been having that struggle it might be worth trying a trick from a dog trainer at Youies K9 Services.

He shared the tip in a TikTok video where he revealed an activity done before walking can lead to a much more relaxed stroll with your pooch.

Watch the video above.

The trainer demonstrated how effective playing tug-of-war is with a lead-pulling dog with footage from a training session.

Before the game you can see a 10-month-old Staffordshire terrier pulling hard while his owner tries to walk him.

They'd already changed from a harness, which the trainer said makes it easier for the dog to pull, to a flat collar.

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"This boy had a lot of pent-up energy so before we did any training we had a quick game of tug-of-war to drain some of that out of him," the trainer said.

"Tug-of-war is great, not only can it be used for exercise it creates a better bond between dog and owner and builds confidence when you let them win – so always let your dog win."

In addition to playing tug-of-war, the trainer also worked on lead manners and used balance training to set boundaries with the dog.

Once that was done the owner had a go at walking her Staffy again and the difference was incredible, with the pooch calmly walking right beside her with no signs of lead pulling.

"She was over the moon. After just a one hour session this dog and owner can now enjoy their walks to the fullest," he said.

A look at the comment section of this video showed that dogs pulling on leads during walks is a very common issue.

If tug-of-war doesn't suit you and your dog there is another trick you can try.

Ryan Jones, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT mobility instructor shared the tip with nine.com.au for the launch of a free eight-week training program called the Learning Lab.

The tip is all about positive reinforcement and requires a wooden spoon and some peanut butter.

To start add some peanut butter to the wooden spoon before heading out, and then when your dog walks beside you give them a lick of the spoon as a reward.

"Straight away, I have made myself more interesting than anything else the dog will encounter on the walk," Jones said.

Through positive reinforcement the dog's behaviour will change and then you can start offering a treat instead – which is no doubt easier to carry around than the spoon – and then eventually you won't need treats at all.

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