Looking for Tips on Managing an Excitable Leash-Puller

[Markembrose]

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Hi everyone,

I’d love some advice if anyone has any tips!

I have a 7-month-old Beagle named Milo, and he’s been an amazing companion—super friendly, affectionate, and bursting with energy. Our main challenge, however, is getting him to walk calmly on the leash. As soon as we head out, he gets overly excited and starts pulling hard. Just yesterday, he was practically jumping up, trying to cross the street to see another dog.

He finds it hard to stay calm around other dogs or people, as his excitement often takes over. We had a similar issue with our previous dog, a Golden Retriever, and unfortunately, I could never get him to walk calmly on the lead, which was frustrating for both of us.

With so much conflicting advice online about managing leash-pulling, I’m not sure what really works. If anyone has dealt with a similar issue or has any tips, I’d really appreciate your help!

 

[JoanneF]

There was another member who asked about this recently, so I'm going to link their thread as a first step.

As I said there, there are two issues that are related, but separate -.the pulling, and the excitement to see other dogs. I think you need to address both.

Here's the thread, but do come back with any questions, concerns etc.

pulling on lead and too much excitement!

 

[Mad Murphy]

I can only speak for myself . I'm now on my second beagle both were excitable train pulling arm stretching monsters.
But with a Beagle food is your best friend ,they will jump through hoops of fire to get the food. When we got George he would bark at anything sheep ,horses, cows, dogs, people cars and considering we live in the countryside that's not ideal.
So I started using the look at me command saying 'George look at me' and holding a treat near to my face so that he had to look up and focus on me and of course the treat , but this distracted him from other things and we now have a Beagle who will walk past herds of cows, sheep, goats, deer , horses , people etc and only occasionally gets sparked by a dog. usually the loose running ones.
Giving them something to focus on other than the other person or other dog is key in my opinion.
I've even used the look at me command to get him to 'stand , look at me'. which is ideal , to get him to stand still at the side of the road when people pass us on bikes and scooters etc.

 

[Flobo]

I too have taught all my dogs a 'watch me' , not for lead pulling but for other reasons. It is a fantastically useful and versatile command to have any dog learn for sure!

 

[crazycockerowner]

Have you tried a harness and double lead, I find it has worked for pip and I, as regards meeting other dogs while on the street I have been known to turn and walk back and either go down a side street or cross over the road and go back the way we were