What is leash walking training?

Leash walking training focuses on helping dogs move comfortably on leash with their people. Sessions work on pacing, attention, and loose leash skills so walks feel easier and less stressful.

Is leash walking training only for dogs who pull?

Not at all. Leash walking training can help with pulling, stopping, lagging behind, getting distracted, or feeling overwhelmed on walks.

Where do leash walking sessions take place?

Sessions can take place on your usual walking routes, in nearby outdoor spaces, or at the Copilot Dog Training facility in Avondale when more space or controlled setups are helpful.

How many leash walking sessions does a dog usually need?

That depends on the dog and what’s making walks difficult. Some dogs make noticeable progress in a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support.

Leash Walking in Chicago

Private, in-home leash training focused on clearer communication, calmer walks, and helping dogs and people enjoy getting outside together.

Request a Phone Consult

When walks feel harder than they should

A lot of dogs struggle on leash, especially in busy environments. Pulling, lunging, freezing, barking, or constant scanning usually mean a dog is overwhelmed, unsure what’s expected, or having a hard time processing what’s happening outside.

If walks feel more stressful than they should, you’re not doing anything wrong. Leash training focuses on building understanding and predictable routines so walks start to feel more manageable and more enjoyable.

meet the trainer

Dog walking calmly on leash with trainer on a Chicago sidewalk

What leash training focuses on

Leash training looks different depending on the dog and what’s making walks feel tricky. Sessions are shaped around the reason walking feels hard, rather than pushing every dog into the same style of walk.

Common focus areas include:

Pulling toward dogs, people, or smells
Reactivity on leash, including barking or lunging
Trouble staying engaged on walks
Feeling overstimulated in busy areas
Navigating sidewalks, patios, bikes, and strollers
Building loose-leash habits without constant tension
Recovering more easily after distractions

Private leash training session with dog and owner outside their home

illustration of a dog chewing on his leash

Why leash walking can be challenging

Walking on leash asks dogs to manage a lot at once

limited movement
walking in a straight line at a pace that’s slow to them
close proximity to others
unfamiliar sound
a steady stream of information.

For many dogs, that’s a lot to process and not natural for them.

Pulling or reacting is often a sign that a dog is struggling to take everything in, not a sign that they’re being difficult. Leash training helps dogs understand expectations and gives them tools that make walking near you fun, not frustrating.

Trainer working on leash skills with a dog in a neighborhood setting

Leash training can be helpful for dogs who…

Pull or stop frequently on walks
React to dogs, people, bikes, or movement
Feel scattered or overwhelmed outside
Have tried equipment changes without seeing much improvement
Are newly adopted and still settling into walks
Stop walking when they don’t want to go home

Training is adjusted to the dog in front of you, not a preset checklist or rigid system.

How leash training is structured

How Training Works

All training is one-on-one and customized for your dog, your routines, and your goals.

1. Start with chatting about your goals

We talk through what’s happening on walks and what you’d like to feel different. That might be pulling, reactivity, focus, or just enjoying walks a little more.

2. Build skills in small, clear steps

Skills are taught using simple setups that help dogs understand what’s expected. Patterns, repetition, and play keep things approachable.

3. Practice and adjust over time

As things get clearer, we practice in slightly more distracting situations and adjust as needed. You’ll get session notes and guidance after each visit.

Dog and owner practicing calm leash walking during in-home training

Leash Training FAQs

Leash training can help with pulling, reactivity, freezing, overstimulation, or difficulty staying engaged on walks. The focus is on communication and comfort rather than strict positioning.
Yes! Leash training often overlaps with reactivity work by focusing on regulation, disengagement, and helping dogs move through their environment with less stress.
Typically, a front clip harness or a gentle leader are recommended for leash pulling, but equipment recommendations depend on the dog and the situation.
That said, I don’t use prong collars or e-collars.
Training focuses on building skills and habits rather than relying on tools alone.
The number of sessions depends on the dog, the challenges involved, and how long the behavior has been in place. Some dogs benefit from short-term support, while others need a longer runway.

questions? reach out!

Good dogs with good reviews

Hailey is so passionate about helping owners and their pets and she is so sweet and patient. She’s helped build confidence in my anxious little baby, and, even though she’s afraid of most people, my dog lovesss Hailey.

Megan Montgomery
Hailey worked with my mini goldendoodle Murphy, who is the sweetest dog but had some resource guard issues that were starting to get tricky to manage. Hailey was incredibly knowledgeable and patient — not just with my dog but with me, too! I noticed a huge difference after just a few sessions. Thank you so much Hailey!!!!!

Jenna White
Hailey is an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainer! Hailey’s best skill is her ability to meet dogs where they are at and then build deep trust to form behavioral changes. She has experience with all levels - eager puppy all the way to fearful, reactive adult.

Sarah Fitzpatrick