Not going to lie, Loose Lead Walking (LLW) is one of the most common issues that people post about in dog training related groups. Believe me, I struggle with it too!
Ripley can walk on a loose lead, whether it's attached to a collar or harness, pretty much anywhere. Regardless of the lead length. He's been able to do this fairly reliably since he was probably 18mths to two years old. Of course there are exceptions, but mostly he walks with his head up and not suddenly diving off to sniff something. He's nearly ten now, and has transitioned to 'old dog rules' - he tends to walk at the end of the lead (not pulling) rather than by my side.
Peak, on the other hand... he's three and a half now and only in the last six months has he become pretty reliable at being able to walk on a loose(ish) lead. He does still dart to the side at times, but is getting better! I still prefer to use a harness if he's likely to be on lead for any length of time (because it's less harmful if he does suddenly pull), but for short distances I'm happy to walk him on a collar.
The BIG reason why it's taken longer for Peak to get this than Ripley? Consistency.
This is the main reason that a LOT of people struggle with LLW - it needs consistent attention, especially at the start. Whilst we would like our dogs to walk on a loose lead, we don't actually want to train it 😂 Let's face it, it's not the most fun thing in the world - we just want to head out and enjoy a walk with our dogs, how hard can it be?
Coming back to my two...
When Ripley came to join us, I was working from home full time and had a fair amount of flexibility. It was easy to just pop outside and spend five or ten minutes walking up and down the road working on his LLW skills. Pretty much Every. Single. Day. Consistently. This was in addition to daily walks, where he could do all the running about he wanted. I used different equipment to make it clear when we were training versus when he was a bit more free. Lead attached to collar equalled nose off the ground, walking by my side. Lead attached to harness equalled you're free to sniff a bit more (but please try to not pull my arm straigh out of the socket!) I made use of a two point harness when needed (i.e. when I couldn't consistently help him maintain LLW criteria)
By the time Peak came along, I was running a hydrotherapy center and had less flexibility to do the training that he needed. Plus a busy industrial estate wasn't as suitable for the training as a quiet cul-de-sac! I got lazy; pciked walks where he could free run straight from the car, fell back on management using a two point harness. I was definitely not consistent! Back in 2023, I did focus on his lead walking for six weeks, following along with an online course. Unsurprisingly, we made progress as I consistently worked on LLW training most days. But the class ended, and I reverted to my lazy ways 🙈 However, he now had some useful skills installed, so gradually we've got to where we are now.
Now, there are other factors to consider; Ripley is a far easier dog to train in many ways - he's brighter, more food orientated, has incredible body awareness and thoroughly enjoys precision in his training. Peak on the other hand is a bit slower on the uptake (somewhat of an understatment 😉), had about three food reps in him as a pup and has no idea what his legs are doing most of the time! That said, his brother who is of a similar disposition had LLW (and off lead heeling) skills a lot younger than Peak.
However - that raises another key factor. Motivation. It's physically painful for Peak's brother's owner if her dogs pull on lead (plus she has a large number of dogs, so impractical too). I am strong enough to cope with a dog that pulls (even if it is uncomfortable). I can walk plenty of places where lead walking is either minimal or not needed. I am competent with a two point harness to limit pulling if needed.
I'm back to being a bit more consistent now; I take advantage of points in our routine when I can sneak in some practise. For example, as Peak won't currently do his bedtime wee in the garden (don't ask, who knows 🙄) we take a short walk along the road, and I'm consistent with my criteria - don't drag me! If I need to put him on lead during a walk, I ensure we stick to criteria. The course I did a couple of years ago gave us a great foundation to build on, as well as my overall knowledge and experience of what works for my dog.
So, before saying 'I've tried everything and my dog STILL pulls' consider whether you've been consistent. Trying something once or twice won't cut it, especially if your dog has already learned that pulling works! Yes, LLW training isn't the most fun thing you'll do, but along with a recall it's a skill that you'll need for life. It deserves the same sort of attention that you likely give a recall!