Effective Techniques To Train Your Small Dog To Stop Pulling Using A Harness

Walking your small dog should be a peaceful, enjoyable experience—not a constant tug-of-war down the sidewalk. Yet many owners struggle with their pets pulling on the leash, often due to improper equipment or inconsistent training. A well-fitted harness can significantly reduce strain on your dog’s neck and give you better control, but it's only part of the solution. The real change comes from consistent, reward-based training that teaches your dog to walk calmly by your side. This guide outlines practical, humane techniques that address both the physical setup and behavioral conditioning needed to stop pulling for good.

Why Harnesses Are Better for Small Dogs

Small dogs are especially vulnerable to injury when using traditional collars. Their delicate tracheas and cervical spines can suffer long-term damage from repeated jerking or sudden pulls. A front-clip or back-clip harness distributes pressure more evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing stress on sensitive areas. More importantly, certain harness designs discourage pulling by redirecting the dog’s movement when tension is applied.

Not all harnesses are created equal. While some simply offer comfort, others—like front-attaching models—gently turn the dog toward you when they surge forward, making it harder to pull effectively. This subtle correction encourages awareness and responsiveness without pain or fear.

Tip: Always adjust the harness snugly so it doesn’t shift during movement, but ensure you can fit two fingers comfortably under each strap.

Selecting the Right Harness Type

The effectiveness of your training depends heavily on choosing the correct harness design. Below is a comparison of common types and their suitability for preventing pulling behavior.

Harness Type	Best For	Pulling Prevention	Notes
Front-Clip Harness	Dogs that pull strongly	High	Redirects dog’s direction when pulling; requires adjustment period
Back-Clip Harness	Calm walkers or trained dogs	Moderate	Easier to put on; may encourage pulling if not combined with training
No-Pull Dual Clip (Front & Back)	Training transition phase	Very High	Allows gradual switch from front to back attachment as behavior improves
Vest-Style Harness	Comfort and visibility	Low-Moderate	Great for small breeds with respiratory issues; less control over pulling

“Using a front-clip harness isn’t about dominance—it’s about communication. It gives the dog immediate feedback that pulling leads to redirection, which helps them learn self-control.” — Dr. Lisa Marano, Certified Canine Behaviorist

Step-by-Step Training Plan to Stop Pulling

Even the best harness won't fix pulling without structured training. Start this plan in a low-distraction environment like your backyard or quiet street, then gradually increase difficulty.

1. Introduce the harness indoors: Let your dog wear it while playing or eating to build positive associations. Reward calm behavior with treats.
2. Practice loose-leash walking inside: Walk around the house. Every time the leash stays slack, mark the moment with a clicker or verbal cue (“Yes!”) and give a treat.
3. Start moving forward only when the leash is loose: If your dog pulls ahead, stop immediately. Stand still until the leash relaxes, then praise and continue.
4. Use directional cues: Encourage your dog to stay at your side by luring them with a treat held near your leg. Use a consistent command like “Let’s go” or “Heel.”
5. Incorporate turns: Make frequent U-turns whenever your dog moves ahead. This teaches them to pay attention to your movements rather than forging forward.
6. Gradually add distractions: Move to sidewalks, parks, or other environments with increasing stimuli. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and end on a success.
7. Phase out constant treats: Once your dog walks reliably, switch to intermittent rewards—sometimes after one step, sometimes after ten—to build lasting habits.

Real Example: Training a Reactive Chihuahua

Sophie, a 4-year-old Chihuahua, would lunge and bark at every passerby, dragging her owner down the block. Her veterinarian recommended switching from a collar to a front-clip harness for safety. Her owner began daily 7-minute training walks using the stop-and-go method. Initially, Sophie stopped only after several seconds of tension, but within two weeks, she learned that pulling meant no progress. By week four, she was checking in with her owner before crossing thresholds and earned treats for glancing at distractions without lunging. After six weeks, neighborhood walks became relaxed and predictable.

Common Mistakes That Undermine Progress

• Allowing pulling occasionally: Inconsistency confuses dogs. If pulling sometimes works (e.g., getting them closer to a squirrel), they’ll keep trying.
• Yanking back on the leash: This increases tension and can create fear or aggression. Use stillness or redirection instead.
• Expecting perfection too soon: Small dogs often have high prey drive or anxiety. Patience and repetition are essential.
• Using the wrong harness: A poorly fitted or back-only harness may actually encourage pulling by giving the dog leverage.

Tip: End every walk with a calm activity like sitting on the porch or practicing a simple command. This reinforces that the walk concludes peacefully, not with excitement or struggle.

Essential Training Checklist

Follow this checklist to ensure your training approach is comprehensive and effective:

• ✅ Choose a well-fitted front-clip or dual-clip harness
• ✅ Conduct short, focused training sessions (5–10 minutes)
• ✅ Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats)
• ✅ Practice in progressively distracting environments
• ✅ Reward attention and loose-leash walking instantly
• ✅ Stay patient and avoid punishment-based corrections
• ✅ Involve all family members in consistent training

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to stop a small dog from pulling?

Most small dogs show improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent daily practice. Full reliability in all environments may take 2–3 months, depending on temperament and prior habits.

Can older dogs learn not to pull?

Absolutely. While puppies are easier to train from the start, adult dogs can learn new behaviors with patience and positive reinforcement. The key is consistency and managing expectations based on age and health.

Is it okay to use a retractable leash during training?

No. Retractable leashes encourage pulling by rewarding the dog for surging forward. They also pose safety risks and make precise feedback impossible. Use a standard 4–6 foot nylon or biothane leash for training.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Teaching your small dog to walk politely on a harness is one of the most impactful things you can do for their well-being and your shared quality of life. It reduces physical strain, enhances communication, and builds confidence. Success doesn’t come from gadgets alone—it comes from daily practice, empathy, and understanding your dog’s perspective. With the right tools and techniques, even the most enthusiastic puller can become a calm, attentive companion on walks.

💬 Ready to transform your walks? Pick one technique from this guide and practice it today. Share your progress or challenges in the comments—your journey could inspire another dog owner to try a gentler path.