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How to stop a Siberian Husky from pulling on the leash during walks?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | unspayed | 5 years and 6 months old

I've had eska for a few years now she is a five your old siberian husky. I got her as a rescue. No matter what I do she can't be leash trained she pulls and pulls and doesn't stop it's very stressful taking her for a walk. I was wondering how I can break this bad habbit.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

Oh Eska - she's doing what she was bred to do: pull! I am a fellow husky owner and can relate :-) I recommend teaching her to wear a "Gentle Leader" collar - these can work wonders with dogs who are leash pullers. The collar comes with a little instructional DVD, and it is definitely worth watching to make sure you have a good fit and train her to use it appropriately, as there is a little bit of technique to it. Here's their website: http://www.petsafe.net/gentleleader If you're interested, it may also be beneficial to harness her desire to pull and help tire her out. Huskies have amazing amounts of energy, and her love of pulling can be used to your advantage in getting her exercise. She can be taught to pull a sled, or a scooter, or a person on rollerblades or skis... if you can get her to work off some of that excessive energy, she may be less inclined to pull you on a leash! Of course, if you are going to encourage her to pull sometimes, you need to make it very clear to her when she is to pull and when she is not. When she is asked to pull, she should be wearing an appropriate sled dog harness such as this one: http://kondosoutdoors.com/shop/dog-harnesses/ And here's a great beginner book for sled dog training basics: https://www.amazon.com/Ski-Spot-Run-Enchanting-Dog-Powered/dp/0974801100 We want it to be clear to her that when she's wearing the sled dog harness, she can pull, and when she's wearing the Gentle Leader, she should not. Hope this helps!

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would recommend trying a harness or a gentle leader. These types of devices help discourage pulling. Once you get one of these products it is important to take Eska on long walks frequently to get her used it. This may be a struggle at first but the more you do it the easier it will become. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    You should try a Halti or Gentle leader. this incorporates their nose to the collar and leash so every time they pull, it pulls the head down and makes them back up. Make sure you reward her when she doesn't pull and make her sit and wait when it pulls her back

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