Leash walking
Why does my dog pull towards other dogs on walks?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Most dogs pulling toward other dogs are simply excited to greet them, a friendly instinct that gets amplified because a leash prevents the normal, curved approach dogs use with each other off leash. A minority are pulling out of frustration or anxiety rather than friendliness, which looks similar from a distance but needs a different response, usually distance and a qualified trainer if it escalates.
The straight line problem
Dogs greeting each other naturally approach in a curve and sniff side by side, but a 1.8 metre leash forces a direct, head on approach that reads as confrontational in dog body language even when the intent is friendly. This mismatch is part of why leashed greetings go wrong more often than off leash ones.
Telling excitement from frustration
A dog pulling with a loose, wiggly body, soft eyes, and a relaxed mouth is usually just keen to say hello. A dog pulling with a stiff body, hard stare, or repeated barking is more likely frustrated at being blocked from something it wants, which can tip into reactivity over time if it keeps happening.
What helps in the moment
Rather than letting every pull succeed in reaching the other dog, practice turning away and rewarding your dog for checking in with you when it notices another dog at a distance. If pulling toward other dogs is frequent, intense, or paired with barking and lunging, a qualified trainer can help before the pattern becomes harder to shift.
Key takeaways
- Leashes force a head on approach that can make friendly greetings look tense.
- Body language, loose and wiggly versus stiff and staring, tells you whether the pulling is excitement or frustration.
- Reward your dog for noticing another dog and checking in with you instead of always allowing contact.
- Get a qualified trainer involved if pulling toward dogs comes with regular barking or lunging.