How to Stop Your Dog From Pulling on the Leash

A walk should be a bonding experience, not a daily tug-of-war. If your dog constantly pulls on the leash, they aren't just frustrating you—they could be injuring themselves.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) strongly advises against using traditional neck collars for dogs that pull. Constant pressure on the neck can cause severe damage to the trachea, increase pressure in the eyes (dangerous for breeds with prone to glaucoma), and injure the delicate thyroid gland.

Why Shouldn't I Use a Neck Collar for a Dog That Pulls?

Dogs have an opposition reflex. When they feel pressure on their neck, their instinct is to pull harder against it. To fix the behavior, you need a combination of positive reinforcement training and the right mechanical tool.

Does a Harness Actually Stop Leash Pulling?

Switching the point of contact changes everything. At CanCatStore, our premium Harnesses are specifically designed to distribute pressure safely across the chest and shoulders, entirely bypassing the fragile neck area.

Recommended products:

• Red Travel Harness for Dogs – No-choke design
• Premium Dog Travel Harness – Comfortable fit
• Dog Car Seat Belt Tether – Secure in transit

Explore our collection to find durable, escape-proof harnesses that make walks safer and significantly more enjoyable for both of you.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a dog to stop pulling on the leash?

Switch the point of contact from the neck to the chest with a properly fitted harness, and pair it with consistent training: stop walking the instant the leash goes tight, and only continue once it's slack again. The dog learns that pulling doesn't get them where they're going any faster.

Why shouldn't I use a neck collar for a dog that pulls?

The AVSAB advises against it: constant pressure on the neck can damage the trachea, raise eye pressure (a concern for glaucoma-prone breeds), and injure the thyroid gland.

Why does my dog pull harder when I pull back on the leash?

Dogs have an opposition reflex — pressure on the neck triggers an instinct to pull harder against it, so pulling back alone doesn't fix the behavior.

Does a harness actually stop leash pulling?

A well-fitted harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck, removing the physical trigger behind the opposition reflex, though it works best combined with positive-reinforcement training.

What's the best anti-pull device for a dog?

A front-clip or dual-clip harness that redirects the dog's forward motion back toward you the moment they pull, with zero pressure on the neck. Skip prong, choke, or shock collars — veterinary behaviorists find no role for aversive tools in correcting pulling.

Do vets recommend aversive tools like prong or choke collars for pulling?

No. Veterinary behaviorists, as reported by the AVMA, find no role for aversive dog training practices in addressing pulling or other behavior problems.

Sources & references

• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior — Position Statements.
• American Veterinary Medical Association — Veterinary behaviorists: no role for aversive dog training practices.