How to Use Our Front Leash Attachment Point

In our other blog post, we shared some of our favorite tips for how to train your dog to not pull when walking. Today, we want to talk about how you can train your dog to not pull using the front harness attachment ring like the one on our harness.

First Things First

Before we start, it’s important to make sure the harness is adjusted correctly. The correct fit should be snug, but not too tight that it causes chafing. The harness should not be moving too much to one side or the other when you are walking. You can check out our quick start adjustment guide for our harness.

Please also note that the front ring attachment is designed to be used within a training setting and will only assist with no pull training. The harness alone will not stop your dog from pulling if no additional training is provided. 

The Right Incentives

Before we start, make sure that you have something to reward your dog. The best way to train your dog is through his stomach, so bring along plenty of tasty treats, and only use these after your dog has done the correct behavior. Verbal cues like “good” and “yes” will also help him remember.

Start in a Familiar Environment

Often, when your dog pulls, it’s because he gets too excited. There are simply too many wonderful things that he wants to explore, so when you are just starting training, start in a location that he is already very familiar with.

Using the Front Attachment Point

Attach the leash to the front D ring. The D ring can also be used to attach a dog tag if you wish. When you start walking with your dog, hold one section of the leash with the hand closer to your dog, and the end of the leash (where the loop is) with your other hand.

Say “let’s go” or a similar verbal command, and if he is walking next to you with a loose leash, reward him with a treat. However, as your dog starts walking ahead of you and you feel tension on the hand closer to your dog, give him a warning verbal cue like “careful.” Once he reaches the end of the leash and is pulling, tell him “no” and turn around to walk in the other direction.

Because the leash is attached to the front of the harness, and you have turned around, this should also cause your dog to turn around. You will now be in front of your dog. Walk slowly so he can catch up to you, and again, when he is walking by your side without tension in the leash, give him a treat and a positive verbal cue. Continue to give him treats as he is walking by your side.

If your dog continues to pull, make sure that you don’t follow him and allow him to pull you. If you do so, you are basically telling him that by pulling, he can get what he wants. Stay grounded, turn around, and start walking the other way.

Repeat the process if he starts walking ahead of you or starts pulling again. Be sure to use the same verbal cues in a similar pitch and tone, so that over time, he will learn what these cues mean.

Training with 2 Leashes

Another option is to use 2 leashes. This will give you more control when your dog pulls, so you can readjust your pup's trajectory.

Practice, Practice, Practice

With any new skill, it will take your dog a bit of time to learn, but with persistence and consistency, your hard work will pay off. If your dog has hearing problems, be sure to adjust with hand signals or other cues so you can communicate effectively with your dog. Dogs do learn at different speeds, so be sure to be consistent and stick to the training.