Walking a husky can feel more like a sled ride than a peaceful stroll—especially when they decide the sidewalk is their personal racetrack. If your arm feels sore after every walk, you’re not alone. Huskies are born pullers, and this instinct is deeply ingrained in their DNA.
But while leash pulling is natural for a Siberian Husky, it doesn’t mean it’s unchangeable. With the right tools, mindset, and consistency, you can train your husky to walk calmly beside you—making walks more enjoyable, safer, and more connected.
In this guide, you’ll learn why huskies pull, what not to do, and how to train loose-leash walking from scratch, even if your husky is a strong adult.
Why Do Huskies Pull So Much?
Siberian Huskies were literally bred to pull. Their role for centuries was to haul sleds across long distances. This behavior was reinforced through generations, creating a dog with:
- Strong forward drive
- High stamina
- Independent decision-making
- Low instinct to “heel” or stay close
In a husky’s mind, pulling isn’t disobedience—it’s just instinctual motion.
Other common reasons include:
- Excitement at the start of a walk
- Lack of leash training
- Pent-up energy
- Distractions like squirrels, smells, or other dogs
- Unknowingly reinforced behavior (e.g., letting them reach the park faster when pulling)
Fortunately, even the most determined puller can learn to walk with a loose leash—with consistency and patience.
The Difference Between Pulling and Leading
Not every forward movement is pulling.
- A dog walking ahead without tension on the leash is fine
- A dog lunging, dragging, or pulling with pressure is not
Your goal isn’t necessarily a robotic “heel” walk at your side—it’s a loose, relaxed leash with a responsive dog that doesn’t pull.
What Not to Do
1. Don’t Use Choke Chains or Prong Collars
These tools may stop pulling temporarily through discomfort, but they:
- Don’t address the underlying behavior
- Can cause pain, injury, or fear
- Often backfire with intelligent, independent breeds like huskies
2. Don’t Pull Back Constantly
This creates a “tug-of-war reflex”—your husky pulls harder when they feel tension.
3. Don’t Let Pulling Work
If your husky pulls and you let them continue walking, you’re reinforcing that pulling gets results.
4. Don’t Expect Instant Results
Loose-leash walking is a skill. It takes repetition, patience, and adjustment based on your dog’s learning style.
Choosing the Right Equipment
The right gear can make a huge difference in training.
✅ Recommended tools:
- Front-clip harness (like the Freedom, Ruffwear, or PetSafe Easy Walk): Redirects pulling motion sideways, not forward
- Double-ended leash: Offers control from both chest and back
- Standard 6-ft leash (not retractable): Provides stability and consistency
- Treat pouch: To reward and reinforce good walking habits
- High-value treats: Soft, small, and irresistible
🚫 Avoid:
- Retractable leashes (create constant tension and risk injury)
- Back-clip harnesses (can actually increase pulling)
Step-by-Step Training for Loose-Leash Walking
Phase 1: Teach “Focus” Indoors
Before walking on a leash, teach your husky to check in with you.
Steps:
- Say “look” or “watch me”
- When your dog makes eye contact, mark it (“yes!”) and reward
- Repeat multiple times a day in calm environments
- Add distractions gradually
This builds a connection that becomes essential during walks.
Phase 2: Introduce Walking With Direction
Start in a quiet place—indoors or your backyard.
Steps:
- Stand still and wait until your dog looks at you
- Take a few steps forward
- If the leash stays loose, praise and reward
- If the leash tightens, stop immediately
- Wait for slack (or walk backward slightly), then try again
Repeat until your dog learns: pulling stops the walk, calm walking makes it continue.
Phase 3: Add Real-World Distractions
Move your training to the sidewalk, park, or urban setting.
Use the “turn around” method:
- The moment your dog pulls, say “let’s go” and calmly turn 180°
- Walk the opposite direction
- Don’t yank—let the leash guide
- Reward when your husky catches up and walks nicely
You may do dozens of turnarounds on early walks. This is normal.
Phase 4: Reinforce with Directional Games
- “Find it”: Toss a treat a few steps ahead—reward calmly walking to it
- “Red light, green light”: Stop walking every time they pull—only resume when leash is loose
- “Let’s go sniff”: Reward good walking with access to a sniffing area—on your cue
This makes the walk interactive and teaches your husky that paying attention to you = more freedom.
Daily Practice Schedule
Consistency is key. Aim for:
- 5–10 minutes of leash training twice a day
- Separate from regular walks at first
- Slowly extend training walks to replace daily outings
- End sessions on a good note—even if it’s short
Don’t expect perfection on every walk—progress happens over time.
How to Handle Setbacks and Regression
Even well-trained huskies may regress:
- In new environments
- After a stressful event
- When energy levels are too high
- During adolescence (6–18 months)
Stay calm and return to basics. Training is a cycle, not a straight line.
Complementary Exercises to Reduce Pulling
Pulling often reflects excess energy and poor impulse control. Complement leash training with:
- Impulse games: “Wait,” “stay,” “leave it”
- Tug-of-war with rules (start/stop on cue)
- Fetch in fenced areas
- Scent games before walks to “drain” mental energy
- Trick training at home
The more fulfilled your husky feels before the walk, the more focus they’ll give you on leash.
What About Sled Training or Pulling Sports?
Huskies can still enjoy pulling—but in the right context. Consider:
- Urban mushing
- Bikejoring
- Skijoring
- Canicross
Train a specific harness and cue (“let’s pull!”) for sport pulling, and use different gear for loose-leash walking. This helps your husky understand the difference in expectation.
Final Thoughts: From Dragging to Dream Walking
Teaching a husky not to pull on leash isn’t about domination or forcing submission—it’s about communication, partnership, and patience.
When you understand why your husky pulls and consistently reinforce what you want instead, the leash becomes a bridge—not a battle.
And once your husky learns to walk with you—not ahead of you—you’ll discover that the real reward isn’t just a quiet walk… it’s the connection you’ve built along the way.