How to Stop a German Shepherd From Pulling on the Leash (What Actually Works)

[Malakai The Great]

If you own a German Shepherd, you’ve probably experienced this: You clip the leash on, step outside and suddenly you’re water skiing behind a 70-pound freight train.

Pulling is one of the most common struggles with shepherds especially during adolescence. Thankfully, it’s fixable. But it requires clarity and consistency.

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First: Why German Shepherds Pull​

Pulling isn’t stubbornness.

It’s usually one of three things:

• Excitement
• Lack of clear leash rules
• Reinforcement history (pulling has worked before)

Every time your dog pulls and gets where they want to go, they’ve just been rewarded. Dogs repeat what works.

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Step 1: Change the Walk Structure​

Most people try to “correct” pulling without changing the structure. Instead, start here:

Before you even leave the house:

• Ask for a calm sit
• No door rushing
• Controlled exit

If the walk begins chaotic, it usually stays chaotic. Calm start = calmer walk.

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Step 2: Stop Moving When They Pull​

This sounds simple, but most people don’t commit to it.

The rule: If leash tightens -> you stop.

• No yelling.
• No yanking.
• No drama.

Just stop. When the leash loosens, you move again.

Your dog learns:

• Pulling = no progress
• Loose leash = forward movement

Consistency here is everything.

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Step 3: Reward Position, Not Just Obedience​

Shepherds respond well to clear markers.

When they walk beside you:

• Mark it (yes / good)
• Reward occasionally
• Keep moving

You’re teaching them the exact position you want. If you never reinforce the correct position, they’ll default to what’s more stimulating, pulling.

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Step 4: Train Below Threshold​

This is especially important for adolescents and working lines.

If your dog is:

• Overstimulated
• Hyper-focused on environment
• Already aroused before leaving

You’re training in the red zone.

Start in:

• Driveway
• Quiet street
• Low-distraction area

Build success first then increase difficulty.

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Working Line vs Show Line Considerations​

Working lines often:

• Have higher environmental drive
• Pull harder
• Need more mental engagement before walks

For WL owners, add:

• 5–10 minutes of obedience drills before leaving
• Structured tug session
• Focus exercises

A mentally engaged shepherd pulls less than an under-stimulated one. Show lines still need structure but some may settle faster once expectations are clear.

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Equipment: Helpful but Not Magic​

Tools like:

• Front-clip harness
• Prong collar / E-collar (properly used)
• Slip lead

Can assist but they do not replace training. If you rely only on equipment, pulling returns when the tool changes. Clarity > tools.

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Common Mistakes​

• Inconsistent rules
• Letting them pull “sometimes”
• Talking constantly instead of marking clearly
• Long chaotic walks before leash skills are built
• Negatively reinforcing the wrong action with improper corrections timing

Remember: leash walking is a trained behavior, not automatic.

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The Bigger Picture​

Pulling often spikes during:

• 6–18 months (adolescence)
• After long periods without structured walks
• When exercise needs aren’t being met

This ties directly into:

• Calm behavior
• Energy management
• Structure in daily life

A shepherd that understands expectations walks differently.

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Final Takeaway​

You don’t stop pulling by overpowering your dog.

You stop it by:

• Removing reinforcement
• Rewarding the correct position
• Training below threshold
• Being consistent every single walk

It’s not about strength, it’s about clarity.