Dog Training – Loose Lead Walking
Loose Lead Walking in Cork
Dog Training – Loose Lead Walking in Cork
Is walking your dog more of a workout for your arms than a pleasure for you both?
Does your dog:
- Drag you down the road
- Lunge at every smell
- Turn every walk into a tug of war
Pulling on the lead is one of the most common reasons Cork owners get in touch with me, and it’s one of the most fixable.
I’m Lauren, and I teach loose lead walking through 1-to-1 training in your own home and on your own local walks, using kind, reward-based methods. No yanking, no gadgets that hurt, and no fear.
Not sure if this is right for your dog? Have a free 15-minute chat with Lauren.
Why does my dog pull on the lead?
Dogs don’t pull to be stubborn or “dominant”. They pull because it works, and nobody has shown them a better way to walk with you. The most common reasons are:
- They’re faster than us. Your dog’s natural walking pace is quicker than yours, so they get ahead without even trying.
- Pulling gets results. Every time your dog pulls and the walk moves forward, they learn that tension on the lead is how you get to the good stuff: smells, other dogs, the park gates.
- The world is exciting. Smells, sights, squirrels and other dogs are far more interesting than the person on the other end of the lead, especially for young and adolescent dogs.
- They haven’t been taught what we want. Walking nicely on a lead is a skill. Dogs need to learn it step by step, just like anything else.
Understanding the “why” matters, because once pulling is no longer rewarded and loose-lead walking is, dogs learn quickly.
Where to start: three steps you can try this week
Practise somewhere calm first. Start in your hallway or garden, where there’s little to distract your dog. Mark (“yes!”) and treat when they walk beside you with a loose lead, right next to your leg.
Stop when the lead goes tight. Stand still and wait. The moment it loosens, say “yes” and move on. Pulling means the walk stops; a loose lead means we go.
Build up slowly. Keep sessions short and fun, then move from the garden to your quiet road and on to busier places. If your dog can’t cope, go back a step.
A comfortable, well-fitted harness or flat collar and a lead that’s a sensible length will help. If you’re not sure what suits your dog, ask me.
When walks need more than a few tips
You may need more tailored help if your dog lunges, barks or snarls at other dogs or people, is too over-excited to take food, or seems frightened on walks.
This is where 1-to-1 training really makes a difference. If reactivity or fear is part of the problem, my Behaviour Consults start with a full assessment so we can work out what’s really going on and build a plan that fits your dog.
How I teach loose lead walking
Most problems don’t show up in a training hall, so I don’t train in one. I come to you and work in the places where you and your dog actually walk.
- In your home and local area. We start where it’s easy and build up to your real routes, so the changes carry over to daily life.
- A plan built around your dog. I coach you as well as your dog and explain the “why”, so you can keep going on your own.
- Clear notes, support between sessions. Printed session notes and step-by-step exercises mean you always know what to practise next.
Loose lead walking is a core part of my 6-week In-Home Obedience Course for dogs aged 6 months and over, and part of my Puppy Training for younger dogs. Most owners see real improvement within 2–3 sessions. See courses and pricing.
Real Results from Happy Clients
“Before working with Lauren, Bodie barked at everything, pulled so hard on the lead that walks were difficult, and couldn’t reliably follow basic commands like sit, down, mat, or recall. Our biggest issue was keeping him safely inside the gate, and bringing him anywhere was stressful because of the barking and overexcitement.
Since Lauren helped us, the change in him has been incredible. He now walks so well with the head collar that even my young children can walk him confidently. He is calm around other dogs, no longer reacts to cars or birds on walks, and has settled beautifully into family life.
Bodie is such a handsome, gentle boy now, and we honestly couldn’t imagine life without him. We’re so grateful to Lauren for all her help and support ❤️”
“We can’t thank Lauren enough for the incredible difference she has made with our dog. Ollie is a large dog who used to pull constantly and be very reactive on walks, going out with him would often be very stressful. After working with Lauren, he is noticeably calmer, pulls so much less, and our walks are now so much more enjoyable. We have also been practicing recall which has improved massively.
We are absolutely over the moon with his progress. Lauren is amazing at what she does and we couldn’t recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Lauren! 🐾❤️”
“We have a staffy, now 7 months old, and for the first 4/5 months was an absolute handful. A super energetic dog, that nipped and chewed any part of the body it could. With 2 young kids and a pup that was quickly growing, we needed help.
I contacted Lauren, and from the first phone call a plan was in action. With weekly sessions, and improvements from the first hour, our pup was now acting as a family member. Calm, gentle, and listening. Commands were not making rules for the pup, but instead, fun and satisfying routines which turned into normal everyday behaviour all whilst rewarding the pup along the way.
Lauren and planet pup could not have made it any easier, teaching me how to communicate with the pup without repeating no, stop, out, or generally getting annoyed and putting him in the crate.
Also along the way teaching him fun tricks, walking on loose leash, and routine time outs for naps.
Could not suggest anyone better for what I needed. Thank you Lauren.
Kind regards, King (Kong, king of the blues)”
See our other Google Reviews
How It Works
Getting started is simple, and it begins with a chat, not a commitment.
1. Have a free 15-minute chat with Lauren
Tell her about your dog: their age, what’s going on, and what you’d like to change. No obligation.
2. Choose your course and book
Pick the Good Dog Obedience Course, or a Behaviour Consult if Lauren recommends one. Spread the cost with Klarna if you’d like, paying in three monthly instalments at checkout.
Once you book, you will have access to Lauren’s booking calendar and will be able to book in at a time and date that suits you.
3. Lauren comes to you
The one-hour sessions take place in your home. You’ll learn step-by-step exercises with your dog in the place where the real-life challenges happen.
4. Practise between sessions with support
After every session you’ll get printed notes and exercises to follow, plus support between visits (by WhatsApp) if you get stuck. You’ll always know what to work on next.
Not sure where to start?
Frequently Asked Questions
01 My dog is fine at home, but pulls when we get outside. Why?
That’s very normal. Outside is far more exciting and distracting, so skills that look solid at home need to be built up gradually. That’s why I train in your real environment, not just in the living room.
02 Is my dog too old to learn loose lead walking?
No. Dogs can learn at any age. Adult dogs who have pulled for years can improve a lot with clear, consistent, reward-based training.
03 How long does it take to teach a dog to stop pulling on lead?
It depends on your dog’s age, history and how consistent the whole household is. Most owners see real improvement within 2–3 sessions, but loose lead walking is a skill that gets stronger with practice. Your plan will tell you exactly what to work on each week.
Ready for calmer, more enjoyable walks?
I train 1-to-1 in your home across Cork City and County. Get in touch for a free 15-minute call, tell me about your dog, and I’ll let you know how I can help.
Book your Good Dog Obedience Course or Puppy Training Course today and start seeing real-world results.
Or do you have a dog with more severe behaviour issues? See our Behaviour Consults →
1-2-1 training • In your home • Tailored to your dog
Still not sure? Request a Call-back
No spam. No mailing lists. Just a callback regarding your dog. We respect your privacy and never share your details.
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