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My dog pulls very hard on leash. How can I walk him off-leash safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | 9.503 lbs

Simba is good dog. But he runs every very when we go outside for a walk on leash, he pulls the leash very strong . But I want him to walk beside me without leash, I many times had a walk without leash but he tried to run away . Any tips to go for a walk without leash ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 25th, 2018

I can understand that you want him to be under voice control and walk beside you without a leash but this is usually very difficult because dogs are such curious creatures. It is also unsafe. I always recommend having a dog on a leash when not in a fenced in area because of cars and other animals passing by could seriously injure your dog. All it takes is a small break in concentration (from a passerby, another pet, or a squirrel or bird) for your dog to not listen to your commands and run off. I’m sorry, I know this was probably not the response you hoping to hear but your pet’s safety is the primary concern. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 27th, 2018

    Before considering having Simba walk without a leash, your first goal should be mastering having him walk beside you while leashed. If he can not be adequately controlled even while on his leash, you can not expect him to listen to you or your commands while off lead. Once you have gotten to the point where you firmly believe he is close to 100% trained on leash, training him off leash should be done in a very safe, quiet place. He should not be exposed to anywhere that is busy or where he could be in danger (or place others in danger) until he has shown you multiples times that he can be trusted not to run off. The training method of keep your dog off leash and at your side is very similar to the training regimen you will be using to keep your dog at heel. A dog that is walking on a long lead but staying at your side does not actually feel like it is on a leash. Hope this helps.

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