Leash Pressure
Leash pressure in dog training is a way of using communication and guidance. The basic idea is that the dog learns what a particular sensation means and how to respond to it. Dogs should learn that they have the ability to turn pressure on and off from a leash based on their own behavior and choices.
In order to achieve “off leash” behavior and obedience, your dog needs to learn “on leash” behavior and obedience first. The leash is your way to hold your dog accountable to your voice and requests. Without the leash, your voice alone isn’t going to be able to build a history of compliance properly. The dog learns over time how to build this by conditioning the voice command with a physical way to guide them ( the leash )
How it works
Think of leash pressure as a simple communication sequence:
Directional Pressure: Apply light pressure in a direction—for example, gently guiding the leash to the side.
The dog notices the pressure and moves in response.
Immediately release the pressure when the dog moves the desired way.
Reward the response when appropriate, such as with praise, food, or access to something the dog wants.
The release of the leash pressure is particularly important. Over repeated repetitions, the dog can learn:
“When I feel this light pressure, moving in that direction makes the pressure go away.”
Anytime the leash is holding tension, this creates stress and opposition reflex kicks in. Create slack in the leash and communicate this way. Train yourself to apply pressure and get in a habit of getting your dog to choose to come off the pressure himself.
*Make sure you’re not letting your dog pull YOU into the pressure, if they pull on the leash, don’t give in and follow them to release it, in this case they will be training YOU to come off leash pressure instead of the other way around
Leash pops can vary in pressure and should be applied to communicate and interrupt an unwanted behavior.
Example: Cue ( “No” – “Leave it” “Stop it”) → leash pop if needed → desired response → immediate release/reward of no pressure
For example, during loose-leash walking, a trainer might give a verbal cue such as “heel.” If the dog continues moving away despite the cue, the trainer may apply a brief leash pop and then immediately return the leash to slack when the dog reorients toward the handler. The dog may then be rewarded for walking in the desired position.
The distinction from ordinary leash pressure is primarily intensity and purpose:
Leash pressure: gentle, directional information—“move this way.”
Leash pop: a quick corrective stimulus intended to interrupt or discourage a behavior.
Sustained pulling or tension: continuous force, like tug of war, and should not be used.
Communicating through your leash should be quick, with proper timing, pressure, and tools, and should be supervised and practiced often with a professional until proficient in the skill.
Obedience commands to practice while reinforcing with leash pressure or pops:
Using the leash to teach obedience is not only important, it is necessary and vital to their understanding.
Get in front of your dog and ask them to sit, if they sit, immediately say Yes or Good and treat. Payment should only be given while they are in the command itself.
If they know how to stay, continue below - if they haven't learned the stay part of the command, see my blog post on "Teaching The Stay"
If you say sit, and they ignore, say “Uh Uh” or “No” and use a hand motion to guide them, if they still ignore, use leash pressure and light pops in an upward direction until they sit, then release pressure.
Release from sit with “ok!” and throw ball or reward with praise
Repeat with Down command, if dog ignores, use downward leash pressure to guide them into position. Then release with “Ok!” and throw ball and reward with praise.
If dog comes out of command before being released, hold them accountable by telling them “Uh Uh” and guiding them back into position with the leash. Your dog will learn you are consistent if you continue to use the leash to communicate properly, instead of letting your dog pull and keep tension on their leash! Always communicate anytime this happens, it is not a one time thing.
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