How to Stop a Rottweiler Pulling on the Lead: A Real Loose Leash Training Success Story

By Marta Tari, COAPE Diploma in Animal Behaviour and Training

If your Rottweiler pulls so hard on walks that your shoulders ache, you're not alone. Large, powerful breeds are more than capable of dragging their owners down the street, especially during adolescence. The good news is that pulling isn't something dogs are born knowing how to stop—it's a behaviour that can be changed with the right training.

This is the story of Axel, a one-year-old Rottweiler who transformed from an enthusiastic lead-puller into a dog that could walk calmly beside his owner. Even more impressive, every session was completed remotely through personalised online coaching.

If you're wondering whether online dog training really works, this case study shows exactly how.

Why Do Rottweilers Pull on the Lead?

Rottweilers are intelligent, energetic and incredibly strong dogs. Many owners assume their dog is being stubborn when they pull, but that's rarely the case.

Dogs pull because pulling often works. Every time they reach the exciting smell, another dog, or the park by pulling forward, the behaviour is reinforced.

Young dogs, particularly around one year old, are also going through adolescence. Their impulse control is still developing, making calm walking even more challenging.

Rather than correcting the pulling with force, our aim is to teach the dog that staying connected with the owner is far more rewarding than rushing ahead.

Meet Axel

When Axel's owners first contacted me, walks had become stressful.

Like many adolescent Rottweilers, Axel was enthusiastic about everything around him. He forged ahead on the lead, ignored his owners once outside and struggled to remain focused in distracting environments.

Because they didn't live nearby, we completed the entire programme remotely through video consultations, personalised written plans and regular training video reviews.

This allowed me to coach every stage while adapting the programme to Axel's progress.

Why We Didn't Start Outside

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is trying to teach loose leash walking during an actual walk.

Outside is full of distractions, exciting smells, moving people and other dogs. For a dog that has never learned the foundations, expecting calm walking in that environment is like asking someone to pass a driving test before they've sat in a car.

Instead, we built the skills gradually.

Each stage had to be reliable before moving to the next.

Step 1 – Building Eye Contact

Everything started with engagement.

Axel first learned that checking in with his owner was the most rewarding choice he could make.

The exercise was simple.

His owner sat quietly on the sofa, tossed a treat away and waited. As soon as Axel finished eating and voluntarily looked back, he was marked, praised and rewarded again.

This exercise was repeated for only a few minutes each day.

Once Axel was consistently offering eye contact while the owner remained seated, we increased the difficulty by practising while standing and then while moving around the room.

This foundation became the basis for every future walk.

Step 2 – Creating a Reliable Name Response

Next, we strengthened Axel's response to his name.

The goal wasn't simply for him to hear it.

The goal was for hearing his name to automatically trigger him to look at his owner.

Training began in quiet environments before gradually introducing distractions, such as the television, movement around the home and different rooms.

By progressing slowly, Axel learned that responding to his owner was always worthwhile, regardless of what was happening around him.

Step 3 – Making the Lead Predict Positive Experiences

Many dogs become excited the moment they see their lead because it predicts an exciting walk.

Instead of rushing outside immediately, we first taught Axel that wearing the lead itself was completely normal and relaxing.

The lead was clipped on.

Treats followed.

The lead came off again.

No walking.

No excitement.

As Axel became comfortable, we gradually increased the amount of time he wore the lead while remaining calm indoors.

Only once this foundation was solid did we begin taking short steps together.

Building Loose Leash Walking

Rather than expecting perfection outdoors, we introduced walking in carefully planned stages.

We practised:

• indoors
• around the house
• in the garden
• quiet outdoor areas
• gradually more distracting locations

Each environment only became more difficult when Axel consistently succeeded at the previous stage.

This systematic progression prevented frustration for both dog and owner.

Why Online Dog Training Worked

Many owners wonder whether online dog training can really produce lasting results.

In Axel's case, it absolutely did.

After every training session, his owners sent me short videos showing their progress.

Watching these clips allowed me to identify subtle changes in Axel's behaviour, adjust the training plan and prevent problems before they became habits.

Because feedback was frequent and personalised, the owners always knew exactly what to practise next.

Remote coaching also allowed them to train in their everyday environment, where the behaviour actually mattered.

The Result

Over time, Axel became calmer, more focused and much easier to walk.

His owners gained confidence because they understood the training process rather than simply following instructions.

Most importantly, walks became enjoyable instead of stressful.

There wasn't a single magic technique.

Success came from consistent practice, careful progression and rewarding the behaviours we wanted to see more often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a one-year-old Rottweiler still learn loose leash walking?

Absolutely. One year old is an excellent age to begin structured training. Although adolescent dogs can be easily distracted, they are highly capable of learning new behaviours through consistent positive reinforcement.

How long does loose leash training take?

Every dog progresses at a different pace. Some improve within a few weeks, while others require several months depending on their previous experiences, consistency of training and environment.

Is online dog training effective?

Yes. With personalised coaching, regular feedback and a structured training plan, online dog training can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for many behaviour and training goals.

Should I use a slip lead or choke chain?

Please do not. Training that focuses on teaching the dog what to do, rather than relying on discomfort or punishment, creates more reliable long-term behaviour and strengthens the relationship between dog and owner.

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Need Help with a Dog That Pulls on the Lead?

If your dog pulls on every walk, reacts to distractions or simply doesn't know how to walk calmly beside you, I'd be happy to help.

At Dogs Decoded Simply, I offer personalised, science-based dog training programmes for owners in Madrid and online worldwide. Every training plan is tailored to your dog's individual needs using modern, reward-based methods that build lasting behaviour change.

Book your free consultation today and let's make walks enjoyable again.