Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
My 9-year-old dog pulls on leash. How can I train her to walk calmly?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 6 years and 9 months old | 120 lbs
I wanted to know if I can teach my 9 yr old dog to leash train? I have tried everything. Rewarding with new treats to using a pullback leash. On the first part of the walk she is very hyper, pulls at the leash, and is pretty much walking me! At the end she’s pretty calm, but still tugs a LOT. She always keeps running. And when I try to jog she gets faster. Any help? Thanks!
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 2, 2018
What a cutie Paige is! Learning to walk on an loose leash is one of the toughest things for a dog! I would recommend following the method outlined by veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin in this article https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/walk-on-loose-leash-part-1-choose-the-right-walking-pace-and-make-it-clear/ to work on this. It takes a good deal of patience and persistence. In the meantime, when you are needing to exercise her I would also look into using a Gentle Leader head collar https://www.petsafe.net/gentleleader or an Easywalk Harness https://www.petsafe.net/easywalk
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful