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Your Starting Plan · The Freight Train

To your dog, pulling forward always pays off.

If your dog leans into the leash and tows you down the block, pulling has become the default. Start changing your walks today.

Why it's happening

Why your dog is stuck

Your Freight Train isn't stubborn, and they're not dumb. Somewhere along the way, leaning into the leash became the fastest way to get where they want to go. Usually it's a mix of these three things.

1

Pulling works

Every time leaning forward got your dog where they wanted to go, it paid off. Pulling has simply become the fastest way to get there.

2

The leash only ever meant “go”

On a back-clip harness or a flat collar, tension has always meant forward. Your dog leans into pressure because that is exactly what they were taught, by accident.

3

You are the brakes, not the plan

Right now the only thing slowing your dog down is your body weight. Nothing has taught them where to walk or why staying beside you is worth it.

The fix is a simple, step-by-step plan.

You change the rules so pulling stops the walk, teach your dog that the best rewards happen right beside you, and turn your direction changes into a game they choose to follow.

What you need

Your starter kit

1
A 6ft leash. A regular fixed-length leash is all you need to start. Skip the retractable, which only teaches your dog to lean into constant tension.
2
High-value treats. Reserve special, extra tasty treats for your leash work. Fresh chicken, string cheese, or hot dog are great options.
3
A treat pouch. Keep rewards out of sight and ready to go, so you can pay fast and keep your hands free.
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Get started in these three phases

1

Phase 1

The Cool Exit

You'll need a 6ft leash

How your dog leaves the house sets the tone for the entire walk. If they bolt out the door wound up and pulling, you're starting every walk on their terms. This exercise teaches your dog to wait, stay calm, and step outside only when you’re ready.

1
Get ready to go.Leash up and get your dog ready for their walk.
2
Open the door.Open the door and get ready to step outside. If your dog immediately tries to push out the door in front of you, gently pull your dog back and close the door. Don't say anything or punish your dog, just quietly and calmly close the door.
3
Reset and repeat.After you close the door, reset your dog with a calm loop around the living room or entryway and then try opening the door again. If they try to push out, close the door again and do your calm loop.
4
Repeat until calm.Keep repeating this exercise, until you can calmly step outside without your dog pushing in front of you or starting to pull the second you step outside. Stay patient, this may take a while for your dog to learn the new rules of exiting the home.
PracticeReps until dog is calm before every walk
2

Phase 2

Red Light, Green Light

You'll need a 6ft leash, high-value treats, and a treat pouch

This is the game that ends the pulling. Your dog learns that a tight leash is a red light that stops everything, and a loose leash is a green light that keeps the walk going. The only way to get where they want to go is to keep the leash slack.

1
Green light, start walking.Set off at a normal pace with a loose leash. As long as it stays slack, keep moving. That is the green light.
2
Red light, stop when they pull.The moment your dog pulls and the leash goes tight, stop walking completely and stand still. All forward progress stops. That is the red light.
3
Wait for a check-in.Say nothing and wait. A stuck, tight leash is boring, so your dog will ease off and check in with you, whether they glance back or take a step your way.
4
Reward and go again.The instant they check in and the leash loosens, say “yes!”, give a treat, and start walking. Green light. Your dog quickly learns that pulling stops the walk and a loose leash keeps it moving.
PracticeThroughout the whole walk, every walk
3

Phase 3

Direction Pivot

You'll need a 6ft leash, high-value treats, and a treat pouch

By now your dog is convinced that forward is the only direction that matters. The Direction Pivot changes that. Every time they lock onto something and start to pull, you calmly switch directions, so staying tuned in to you becomes the fastest way through the walk instead of powering ahead.

1
Slow your pace.The moment your dog starts to pull ahead, get ready to change direction by slowing down your pace and allowing the leash to pull out a little in front of you.
2
Say “let's go” and turn.Just before your dog hits the end of the leash, cheerfully say “let's go,” then turn and walk the opposite way. Your dog will have to catch up to you.
3
Reward the catch-up.The second your dog reaches your side after the turn, say “yes!” and reward. Turning to follow you just paid off.
4
Reset your direction.When ready, you can do another pivot to reset back to your original walking direction.
5
Repeat.Sprinkle these turns throughout the walk. Your dog learns to keep one eye on you instead of powering ahead.
PracticeThroughout the whole walk, every walk

Keep the momentum

This is just the start! Ready for the full leash training system?

These three exercises get your foundation going. But the real work is teaching your Freight Train to answer your leash cues instead of your treat pouch, so a loose leash sticks even when the food is gone.

Two ways to get there — do it yourself, or let me coach you through it.

Get the full step-by-step system → Work with a trainer one-on-one →