Leash walking
Why does my puppy already pull on the lead at a young age?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Puppies pull because the outside world is overwhelming and exciting, and they have had no time yet to learn that a taut leash means stop. This is not a sign of a future difficult dog, it is simply a skill that has not been taught, and starting loose leash habits early, from around 8 to 10 weeks old, prevents the pattern from becoming deeply practiced.
No concept of leash pressure yet
A young puppy has no built in understanding that resistance on its collar or harness means slow down, since nothing in its short life has taught that connection yet. Pulling toward interesting things is simply the default response until training changes it.
Starting training early pays off
Teaching loose leash walking at 8 to 10 weeks old, in very short 3 to 5 minute sessions, is far easier than correcting the same habit in a 40 kg adolescent 8 months later. Puppies also generalize new skills quickly at this age, so consistent short sessions add up fast.
Keeping expectations realistic
A young puppy's attention span and impulse control are genuinely limited, so some pulling toward exciting smells or people is normal even with good training underway. The goal at this age is steady improvement, not a perfectly loose leash on every outing.
Key takeaways
- Puppies pull mainly because they have not yet learned what leash pressure means.
- Starting loose leash training at 8 to 10 weeks old prevents years of practiced pulling later.
- Keep early sessions short, 3 to 5 minutes, matching a puppy's limited attention span.
- Some pulling is still normal at this age even with consistent training underway.