Why Does My Dog Run from the Leash? (And What You Can Do About It)

by Courtney Goblirsch

Does this sound familiar?

You grab the leash and your pup suddenly bolts across the room. They look at you with those playful eyes like, “Catch me if you can!” and suddenly a simple walk turns into a game of chase around the living room.

If your dog runs away every time you try to put on their leash or harness, you’re definitely not alone. This is super common, especially with puppies, and it’s usually not about being stubborn, it’s about how they feel about the leash.

Let’s take a look at what might be going on and how you can help your dog feel more confident and cooperative when it’s time to leash up.

Why They Might Be Avoiding the Leash

Dogs run from the leash for a few different reasons:

• It feels like a game. You grab the leash, they take off, and you chase, fun!

• They’re uncomfortable with the gear. Harnesses and leashes can feel strange or even scary if they weren’t introduced slowly.

• They’ve connected it with something negative. If the leash only comes out when fun ends (like leaving the dog park), they might try to avoid it.

Whatever the reason, it’s not about being “bad.” It’s about comfort, trust, and clear communication, things we can absolutely build together.

So, How Do We Fix It?

1. Help them feel better about the gear

Start simple. Let them see the leash or harness during calm moments, like while they’re eating or playing. Toss a treat any time they walk near it or sniff it. If the harness is the main issue, break it down:

• Let them see it.

• Reward for putting their head through.

• Slowly work up to clipping it on, always with praise and rewards.

2. Don’t play the chase game (even if they do!)

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, your dog bolts, and you go after them. But to them, this becomes a super fun game. Instead, try:

• Walking away from them and sitting down, many dogs will come over out of curiosity.

• Tossing a treat to one side of the room, then clipping the leash when they come back.

• Teaching a “touch” cue (they boop your hand with their nose) and using that as a fun way to call them in.

3. Celebrate every small step

It’s easy to only reward once the leash is on, but we want to make all the steps leading up to that feel just as good:

• Reward when they come to you.

• Reward when they stay close while you reach out.

• Reward for being calm when you lift the leash or harness.

It’s not just about “clipping it on” it’s about building trust one little win at a time.

4. Practice when you’re not going for a walk

This is a big one. If your dog only sees the leash right before something they don’t love (like leaving the park or going to the vet), it’s no wonder they avoid it.

Instead, put the leash on randomly during the day, praise, treat, and take it off again. Make it part of everyday life, not just outings.

End with Something Fun!

After leashing up, play a quick game of tug, ask for a trick and reward, or toss a few treats around the room. If something fun always comes after the leash, your dog will start looking forward to it. This kind of training takes time and patience, but the payoff is so worth it. Imagine your dog walking over, tail wagging, sitting nicely while you clip on the leash. It’s totally possible and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Remember: what they feel matters.

When we teach with trust, our dogs don’t just behave better, they feel better. And that’s what makes all the difference.