Shelter Dog Meal Donation Count:

Learn More

5 Secrets To Stop Your Mastiff from Leash Pulling

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 24, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you. 

5 Vital Strategies to Help Your Mastiff with Loose Leash Walking

Mastiffs are known for their calm and composed temperament, making them great pets for families. However, when it comes to leash walking, their large size and strength can make it difficult to control them if they start pulling. Pulling on the leash not only makes walking less enjoyable, but it can also be dangerous for both the dog and the owner. Fortunately, with the right approach and training, it’s possible to teach your mastiff to walk calmly on a leash. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for helping your mastiff stop pulling on the leash.

1. Start with Basic Training for Your Mastiff

“But wait,” you say. “I just want my Mastiff to stop pulling on the leash! Do I really need ‘basic training’ too?”

The answer is: it depends. While its possible to train your Mastiff to stop pulling on the leash without training other commands, all training becomes easier if you start with a solid foundation, such as training your Mastiff basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” (as an aside, if you’re looking for a solid overall training program, we really like the K9 Training Institute’s program or SpiritDog’s program, both of which include modules on leash pulling)

Before heading out for a walk, spend some time training your dog inside your home or in your yard. Use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and affection to reward your dog for good behavior. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards.

2. Buy a No-Pull Harness for Your Mastiff

A no-pull harness is an excellent tool for training your Mastiff to stop leash pulling. Unlike a traditional collar or harness, a no-pull harness is designed to discourage your dog from pulling by gently applying pressure to their chest. When your dog starts to pull, the harness will tighten, and your dog will feel a slight discomfort that will discourage them from pulling. Using a no-pull harness can be a safe and effective way to train your Mastiff to walk calmly on a leash.

We love the Rabbitgoo brand no-pull harness on Amazon, which has almost 150,000 reviews.

3. Be Consistent: When Your Mastiff Starts Pulling, STOP Walking

Consistency is key when training your Mastiff to loose leash walk. It’s essential to use the same techniques every time you take your dog for a walk. For example, if your dog starts to pull, stop walking and wait for your dog to calm down before continuing. Be patient and persistent, and your dog will eventually learn that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement like Training Treats

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective training techniques for stopping leash pulling. When your Mastiff walks calmly by your side, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. This will help your dog to associate good behavior with positive rewards, making them more likely to repeat that behavior in the future. Avoid punishing your dog for pulling, as this can make the problem worse by increasing their anxiety and frustration.

Our test pups LOVE these bacon flavored Pet Botanics training treats. They are small enough size that you can give a lot of them, and not overdo calories.

We’d also recommend a handy training treats pouch you can wear on your belt during walks.

5. Try an Online Dog Training Course for Your Mastiff

If you’re struggling to teach your Mastiff loose leash walking, it may be time to seek professional help through and online dog training course. A professional dog trainer can provide you with personalized advice and techniques to address your specific issues. They can help you to identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling and provide you with effective solutions to correct the behavior. With the help of a professional trainer, you can teach your Mastiff to walk calmly on a leash, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Our 2 Favorite Online Training Programs for Mastiff Leash Pulling

  1. SpiritDog makes an excellent and affordable training course called “Loose Leash Walking” that’s an excellent resource for Mastiff owners. The course promises to teach your Mastiff to stop pulling in 10 minutes a day. You can also get feedback from real, professional dog trainers.
  2. K9 Training Institute Makes an Excellent, Well Rounded Dog “Masterclass” that includes modules on loose leash walking. While it’s a bit pricier than SpiritDog, it offers a solid foundation and solutions to nearly any behavior challenge you might face. The course uses the same material that professionals use to train service dogs, so the quality of the material is top notch.

In conclusion, training your mastiff to stop pulling on the leash is essential for both their safety and your enjoyment of walks. While it may take some time and effort to break this habit, there are various methods that can be employed to help your dog learn to walk calmly and confidently by your side. It is important to remember that consistency and positive reinforcement are key to success, and that patience and understanding are necessary when working with your dog. With the right techniques and a bit of dedication, you can teach your mastiff to walk on a loose leash and enjoy stress-free walks together.

Recent Articles

Interested in learning even more about all things dogs? Get your paws on more great content from iHeartDogs!

Read the Blog