October 13, 2025, 4:53 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Autumn is showing its best side: colorful forests, fresh air, rustling leaves. But as idyllic as it sounds–for dog owners, the season also poses dangers, especially if the dog pulls on the leash.
In summer, a dog pulling on the leash might be just annoying. In fall and winter, it quickly becomes hazardous: slippery leaves, icy sidewalks, darkness, and frozen paths turn any sudden dash into a real accident risk. Even a medium-sized dog can cause its owner to stumble or even fall.
That’s why now, leash training is not optional but mandatory. In this article, we debunk the 10 craziest myths about leash training, show you what really helps, and how “Labrador Bernd” went from a leash chaos to a relaxed walker.
The 10 Craziest Myths About Leash Training
Myth 1: “A dog just needs to be tired enough, then it won’t pull.”
Being tired doesn’t mean being trained. Even after a long walk, your dog can pull if it has never learned how to walk calmly on a leash.
Myth 2: “A special collar or harness will do it automatically.”
Choke collars, prong collars, anti-pull harnesses–many products promise quick fixes. The truth: No equipment replaces training. Some methods are even animal welfare concerns and extremely painful.
Also interesting:Dog strangled during play–how quickly a collar can become a death trap
Myth 3: “Ignoring is enough.”
Just standing still instead of pulling? Sounds good, but rarely works. The dog doesn’t automatically understand what it should do instead.
Myth 4: “A strong tug shows the dog who’s boss.”
Leash jerks are not only against animal welfare, but they can also cause injuries–from whiplash to permanent neck problems. You certainly won’t build trust that way. Note that sometimes it’s said: One merely gives an “impulse” with the leash–it’s the same thing and just as bad!
Myth 5: “The shorter the leash, the better.”
Short leashes often increase pressure and pulling. The dog has no room to move–and becomes even more frustrated. Depending on the dog’s character and size, owners need to vary the leash length a bit.
Myth 6: “If he walks in front, he wants to dominate.”
Overruled–dogs don’t pull because they want world domination, but because they want to reach their destination faster or find scents exciting.
Myth 7: “Training doesn’t work without hunger.”
Food is a good reward, but training is based on motivation, not deprivation. Some dogs prefer to work for play or praise.
Myth 8: “Only big dogs pull.”
Small dogs also pull on the leash–you just notice it less physically. Still, training is important to keep everyday life relaxed.
Myth 9: “They’ll grow out of it with age.”
No–on the contrary: The longer the dog succeeds in pulling, the more ingrained the behavior becomes.
Myth 10: “Pulling is just part of it.”
Pulling is normal, yes. But dogs can learn that walking calmly with their human is much more rewarding.
Training Leash Skills in Autumn
Leash training is not a punishment, but teamwork. The goal is not to restrain the dog, but to bring orientation and fun into the shared walk.
1. Encourage Orientation to the Human
Reward every eye contact and every moment your dog voluntarily walks beside you.
2. Start Calmly
Begin in a low-stimulus environment: in the living room, in the garden, on a country path. Only when the basics are in place should you move to more exciting locations.
3. Incorporate Playful Elements
Leash walking shouldn’t be a drill. Include small games: slalom around park posts, trees, or benches. This way, your dog automatically pays more attention to you–and doesn’t find the training boring.
4. Introduce Start and Pause Signals
Many dogs pull because they urgently want to sniff. Help your dog by establishing clear signals:
- “Let’s go” for focused walking by your side.
- “Sniff” for exploration breaks.
This creates a clear switch between work and leisure. Your dog no longer has to decide for itself–and the pulling disappears step by step.
5. Reward, Don’t Just Restrain
Many owners only react to incorrect behavior. But dogs learn best when correct behavior (loose leash, attention, calm walking) is immediately rewarded.
6. Practice Short and Regularly
Better 5 minutes of focused training with a sense of achievement than 60 minutes of struggle on the leash–it’s better to include more frequent short sessions.
Case Study: Labrador Bernd
“Bernd” is a typical young Labrador. Strong, full of energy–and notorious for his pulling power. His owner could hardly go out with him calmly, especially not in autumn weather.
The problems were varied. Bernd would start pulling as soon as he was outside. He also nearly pulled his owner to the ground when he saw a meadow or other dogs. This turned walks into a physical challenge and not a joy for either of them.
To counteract this, they received the following training plan:
- Adjust Equipment: A well-fitting chest harness equipped with a front ring, so the leash could be attached on both sides, instead of a collar, to relieve pressure from the neck and provide better control for Bernd’s owner.
- Practice Orientation: In the garden: Every eye contact, every voluntary approach to the side was rewarded.
- Incorporate Games: Slalom around posts, small direction changes–Bernd learned: The owner is fun, not just the path forward.
- Establish Signals: “Let’s go” for loose walking, “Sniff” for breaks. This gave him clarity on when it was worth holding back.
- Patience and Consistency: After 3 weeks, first progress; after 2 months, Bernd could walk calmly past a dog park.
Bernd’s owner could then conclude: “I used to have bruises and back pain. Now I feel like Bernd and I are really walking together–and not against each other.”
Why Train Now?
Wet leaves, frost, and snow increase the risk of slipping–any tug on the leash can be dangerous. In the dark, obstacles are harder to see, and a pulling dog can easily cause stumbling.
Additionally, more distractions lurk in fall and winter, such as wildlife, other dogs, or joggers in the dark. Training now means safety–for the dog and its owner.
Why Many Dogs Are Anxious During Fall Walks
What Puppy Owners Should Watch for in Fall and Winter
What Owners Really Need in Autumn
Not only does your dog need the right equipment–you should also be prepared to be safe on the go.
- Non-slip soles for shoes (e.g., attachable spikes): Prevent slipping on leaves, ice, or snow.
- Headlamp or flashlight: So you can see obstacles in the dark–and others can see you.
- Reflective clothing: Increases your visibility to drivers and cyclists.
- Gloves with grip: Protect against cold and provide a better hold on the leash.
- Waist bag or treat pouch: So rewards are within reach and you don’t have to fumble around.
The right equipment for both dog and human is not a luxury but necessary to conduct training safely.
Pulling Is Not Fate–Now Is the Best Time
A dog that pulls on the leash is not a problem dog. The myths about leash training show: Many old methods do more harm than good.
However, fall and winter make pulling not only exhausting but truly dangerous. Starting now with orientation, clear signals, and fun ensures safe, relaxed walks–even on slippery paths and in dark nights.
Don’t wait until you’ve had your first fall. Start with 5-minute training today–your dog and your health will thank you.