How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash and Chewing Everything
My Experience with Waylon
Learn how to stop your dog from pulling on the leash and chewing household items. Practical tips based on real experience with a 10-month-old chocolate lab puppy, Waylon.
Training a young, energetic dog can be challenging, especially if your pup loves pulling on the leash and chewing everything in sight. My 10-month-old chocolate lab puppy, Waylon, has taught me more about patience and consistency than I ever expected. If you’re struggling with the same issues, this guide will help you understand the reasons behind your dog’s behavior, how to fix it with positive, gentle training, and also address common health concerns like Chronic Dog Ear Infection that can affect your puppy’s comfort and behavior.
Waylon is a big boy—almost 100 pounds—and extremely energetic. Even though he’s gentle and sweet, walking him became stressful because he constantly pulled on the leash. At home, he started chewing baseboards, furniture, shoes, and even my backpack. I knew I needed a solid training plan, not just random commands.
If you want to learn How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash, the first step is understanding why your dog behaves this way.
My Struggle with My Chocolate Lab Puppy, Waylon
Hello everyone! My 10-month-old chocolate lab puppy, Waylon, is the love of my life — but for the past few months, he’s turned into a little “trouble machine”
Going on walks has become difficult because he constantly pulls on the leash, and lately, he has started chewing things around the house.
Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
There are several reasons your dog may be pulling:
Labradors and other energetic breeds naturally want to explore
Proper leash training didn’t start early
Outdoor distractions are too exciting
Your dog has excess energy and wants to move faster
The dog has learned that pulling makes the walk continue
Waylon pulled because he was excited and didn’t understand what a loose leash meant.
Possible Reasons:
Labradors are naturally energetic dogs.
Proper leash training wasn’t started early.
Too much excitement and outdoor distractions.
How I’m Fixing the Problem
1. Short, Calm Training Walks
I stopped taking him on long, overstimulating walks and started training in my backyard.
Whenever he walked without pulling, I praised him immediately. Reward-based training teaches your dog exactly what you want.
2. Switching to a Front-Clip Harness
Instead of a shock collar or prong collar, I moved to a front-clip harness.
This gives you control without hurting your dog and prevents the dog from lunging forward.
3. Changing Directions Quickly
Whenever Waylon pulled, I never continued forward.
I simply turned and walked the opposite way.
He learned that pulling doesn’t help him get where he wants.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Every time Waylon kept the leash loose, I rewarded him.
Dogs repeat what gets rewarded—simple as that.
The Chewing Problem
Waylon has started chewing baseboards, wall trims — even my backpack!
This usually happens when I’m not watching him closely.
Why Dogs Chew Everything
Chewing is normal, especially for puppies, but it becomes a problem when:
Your dog is bored
There’s a lack of mental stimulation
Teething habits continue
Your dog wants attention
Excess energy leads to destructive behavior
Waylon chewed things whenever he wasn’t physically or mentally tired.
How I Reduced the Chewing Behavior
1. Providing Chew Toys
Rubber bones, frozen treats, and durable chew toys kept him busy and satisfied.
2. Increasing Exercise Time
A tired dog is a calm dog.
More playtime and structured exercise helped reduce destructive habits.
3. Redirecting Instead of Scolding
Whenever he chewed something wrong, I calmly said “No” and gave him a toy.
Redirection works far better than shouting.
4. Puppy-Proofing My Home
I removed valuable and dangerous items from his reach. Prevention is easier than correction.
Final Thoughts
Training takes time, patience, and consistency. Dogs don’t become perfect overnight, but with the right techniques, they learn quickly. If your dog is like Waylon—energetic, smart, and a little stubborn—positive reinforcement and structured training will make a huge difference.
Your dog isn’t misbehaving on purpose.
He just needs guidance, rules, and lots of love.
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