Help for Leash Pullers: The “Mini Reset” Technique

If your dog tends to pull on the leash during walks, you’re not alone. One of our favorite approaches is a simple strategy we call the Mini Reset.

What Is the Mini Reset? It’s a calm, consistent method that uses quick directional changes to help your dog re-engage with you and break the habit of pulling. 1. As soon as the leash tightens and your dog begins to pull, 2. Make a quick U-turn and take just a few steps in the opposite direction, 3. Then turn back around and continue along your original path. Over time, most dogs learn the pattern: Pulling = we go nowhere. Walking nicely = we keep going. It’s not a correction—it’s a clear and gentle consequence that helps your dog understand the cause-and-effect relationship between their behavior and the outcome. Why the Mini Reset Works Avoids tension or conflict Keeps the walk flowing without coming to a complete stop Encourages self-regulation in a calm, positive way Need to Exit a Situation? If your dog becomes overly focused, excited, or reactive, a full U-turn (without turning back) allows you to calmly walk away and create distance. Want to See It in Action? If you’d like to get a feel for what this technique looks like in real life, click the YouTube button on our website for a short clip of our guest dog Iggy demonstrating the Mini Reset.  Tip for Practice: Keep your leash short but loose, stay calm, and avoid pulling back. Let the turns do the teaching. With repetition and consistency, your dog will begin to walk more thoughtfully by your side.