Right then, who’s ready for those crisp, golden autumn walks? Imagine it: crunchy leaves underfoot, that lovely cool air, and your furry best friend trotting happily beside you, lead slack, soaking it all in. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?

Now, let’s be honest. For many of us, summer walks can get a bit… relaxed. Maybe your dog got used to more off-lead adventures, or perhaps the heat made both of you a little less inclined to stick to perfect lead etiquette. Whatever the reason, if your once-pristine lead manners have gone a bit pear-shaped, September is the perfect time for a reset!

Before those muddy puddles and exciting woodland smells completely derail your efforts, let’s get back to basics. Here are five top tips to get your lead training back on track, just in time for some glorious autumn strolls around London and beyond!

1. Re-establish Your “Walking Buddy” Bond

Summer often means more distractions – picnics, kids playing, other dogs at the park. Your dog might have started to see you as just the thing holding the other end of the lead, rather than their main focus.

The Fix: Before you even leave the house, spend a few minutes engaging with your dog. A quick game of tug, some high-value treats for eye contact, or even just some gentle fuss. The goal is to make you the most interesting thing around. During your walk, frequently check in: call their name, reward them for looking at you, and praise them for walking nicely. You’re a team, remember!

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2. Practice Makes Perfect (In Low-Distraction Areas First)

Don’t dive straight back into the hustle and bustle of a busy park if your dog is pulling like a steam train. That’s setting both of you up for failure.

The Fix: Start in a quiet area. Your garden, a very quiet street, or a park early in the morning. Focus purely on loose-lead walking. As soon as the lead goes taut, stop dead. Wait for the lead to slacken, even just a little, then praise and reward before moving forward. Be consistent. Once they’re reliably walking nicely in a quiet spot, gradually introduce more distractions.

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3. The Power of “Leave It!” (Seriously, It’s a Lifesaver)

Autumn brings a whole new world of exciting (and sometimes gross) smells and objects for your dog. Think fallen apples, mysterious leaves, discarded takeaway, and yes, other dogs’ offerings. A strong “Leave It!” cue is your best friend.

The Fix: Practice “Leave It!” indoors first with low-value items, then build up to more tempting things and eventually, outdoor distractions. When you’re out walking and your dog spots something intriguing, give your “Leave It!” cue before they can snatch it. If they ignore it and keep walking, reward them lavishly. If they go for it, gently guide them away and try again. This isn’t just about good manners; it’s about safety!

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4. Gear Check: Is Your Equipment Helping or Hindering?

Sometimes the problem isn’t just the dog; it’s the tools! A poorly fitting collar or the wrong type of harness can make pulling worse or even cause discomfort.

The Fix:

  • Collar vs. Harness: If your dog is a consistent puller, a front-clip harness can be incredibly effective at discouraging it, as it redirects their momentum back towards you. Avoid retractable leads if you’re working on lead manners; they teach dogs that pulling extends their freedom. A fixed-length lead (around 6ft/2m) is usually best.
  • Fit is Key: Ensure collars aren’t too tight or too loose, and harnesses don’t chafe. A comfortable dog is a happier walker!

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5. Be Patient, Be Persistent, Be Positive!

Lead training (or retraining) isn’t a one-and-done deal. It takes time, consistency, and a huge dose of patience. There will be days when it feels like you’ve made no progress, and that’s okay.

The Fix: Celebrate the small wins! Did your dog walk nicely for 30 seconds? Massive praise! Did they look at you instead of lunging for that squirrel? Jackpot treat! Keep your tone positive and encouraging. Dogs respond far better to praise and rewards than to frustration. Remember why you’re doing this – for enjoyable, stress-free walks for both of you.

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