How to stop a French Bulldog from pulling on the leash
Let me be blunt: a French Bulldog pulling on the leash might not seem like a big deal—until you’re being dragged down the sidewalk by 25 pounds of stubborn muscle in a compact frame. I’ve watched too many owners let their dogs lead the walk, and every time, it’s the same issue—lack of structure and clear boundaries.
This stops today. You want calm, controlled walks? You take charge. Here’s how we fix it—no gimmicks, no shortcuts.
How to Stop a French Bulldog from Pulling on the Leash
By a Veterinarian with 10 Years of Experience & Founder of a Sanctuary for Stray Dogs and Cats
Let me be blunt: a French Bulldog pulling on the leash might not seem like a big deal—until you’re being dragged down the sidewalk by 25 pounds of stubborn muscle in a compact frame. I’ve watched too many owners let their dogs lead the walk, and every time, it’s the same issue—lack of structure and clear boundaries.
This stops today. You want calm, controlled walks? You take charge. Here’s how we fix it—no gimmicks, no shortcuts.
Understand Why Your Frenchie Pulls
Let’s not paint these dogs as rebels. French Bulldogs pull for a few simple reasons:
- They’re excited and have zero impulse control.
- You’ve let them pull in the past, so they think it works.
- They’ve never learned what walking with you looks like.
Your job? Teach them. Every walk is training time until the habit breaks.
Ditch the Retractable Leash—Seriously
Let me say this once and clear: throw out the retractable leash. It encourages pulling by design. You give your dog more leash when they pull. That’s backwards.
Use a 4 to 6-foot standard leash—not too long, not too short. Clip it to a harness with a front-clip option (like the Freedom or Easy Walk). It gives you control and discourages lunging.
Don’t Move Until They Do It Right
When that leash goes tight, you stop. No begging, no yanking, no dragging.
- Stop dead the moment your Frenchie pulls.
- Wait until they look at you or the leash loosens.
- Then—and only then—you walk again.
Do this every time. Consistency trains. Laziness confuses.
Use the Turn-and-Go Technique
Here’s a street-smart method I’ve taught to hundreds of dog owners:
- Dog pulls ahead?
- Say nothing. Just turn 180° and walk the other way.
- Let them catch up to you—then praise.
After a few walk-switches, your Frenchie starts paying attention to you, not the pigeons or parked cars.
Reward Calm Walking, Not Chaos
This part is key. Don’t just correct—reinforce the good.
- When your dog walks beside you? Reward with a treat or praise.
- When they check in or glance up at you? Reward.
- Keep your energy calm. No squealing, no high-pitched chatter. You’re not a cartoon. You’re the leader.
Short bursts of praise and an occasional snack go a long way with Frenchies. They’re stubborn, not dumb.
Train Indoors Before Hitting the Streets
If your dog loses their mind at every leaf that blows by, start indoors.
- Practice leash walking in your living room, hallway, or backyard.
- Use calm repetition.
- Nail the basics before distractions come into play.
Too many people expect leash manners in traffic when they haven’t even trained in the kitchen.
