Walking on the lead is not an exercise in strength, but in communication. The aim is for your dog to choose to stay close to you.
A dog that lacks physical or mental stimulation will struggle to control themselves on a walk.
Smells, other dogs or passers-by are often more stimulating than the handler.
Your dog has learned that “to move forward and reach my goal, I have to pull”.
Keep the hand holding the lead at navel level. It is your centre of gravity, and it avoids arm movements that send unclear signals.
Use a fixed-length lead of about 1.5 to 1.8 m.
Give the treat (or the toy) only when your dog is close to your leg.
Every outing is a session. You never “switch off”. If you let your dog pull just once to go and sniff a post, you are endorsing the behaviour.
Change direction suddenly (U-turn, 90° turn) in a dynamic and crisp way, without being abrupt. Important: do it without speaking to your dog. It is up to your dog to take the information from your body. They must learn to follow your leg. As soon as they get back into position: immediate reward.
Walk, then stop dead without saying anything. If your dog stops or sits by themselves, praise warmly. If they carry on, wait for them to notice you have stopped before setting off again.
Use urban features (posts, trees, cones) to weave tightly. It forces your dog to stay alert to your hips.
Alternate between a very slow walk (almost in slow motion) and a very fast one. Your dog must match your speed instantly.