It is pretty common for dogs to yank on their leashes when they’re walked, but it can become a problem, particularly if the dog weighs almost as much as you do. It can be hard on your dog, too, because she’s putting a lot of pressure on her neck.

A Gentle Leader – This may be the simplest solution to this problem. Gentle Leaders hook onto a leash just like collars. They look something like muzzles, but they don’t keep dogs’ mouths from opening unless the person holding the leash applies pressure. When your dog is wearing a Gentle Leader and tugs against her leash, the force turns her head back toward you. She’ll learn pretty quickly that it won’t get her anywhere. You can find Gentle Leaders at almost any pet store.

Remove positive reinforcements – Another option that works well with smaller dogs is taking away all the positive reinforcement they get from pulling on the leash. Your dog is tugging on the leash because she wants to go faster, so whenever she tugs, stop in your tracks and refuse to move. When she calms down and stops pulling, you can start walking again. If you’re patient and do this consistently, your dog can learn that the only way she’s going to get to walk around and sniff all the wonderful things she wants to sniff is by walking calmly and politely beside you.