Sarah Fernandezlopez says:

Dogs are very contextual, so I think that you pup can certainly learn that tugging on the leash is allowed when cued, or when walking alone, but not allowed when walking in pairs.

Both our BCs routinely tug on their leashes. Many time when we go for walks, they start as if they are at practice or a trial. They flip toward us, walk backwards, and wait for their get it cue (and if it doesn’t come for a long time, they may take a swipe at the leash just to check). I may have to tell them “give” a few times before they realize that this isn’t “that kind of walk” and they settle into facing forward and walking regularly.

Another thing that I think helps is using the same length leash so they can walk side by side without one being in a the lead. This made a HUGE difference in walking dogs side by side for me. They both want to be in front and so they both go to the end of the leash leaving no extra leash to play with.

I also think using a harness is helpful because it also puts the leash further back.

Do monitor your pup and make sure she’s not overly bummed about your mild fussing at her. It is helpful if she has an “out” or “leave it” type of cue.

You can also build up the behavior little by little for rewarding any few steps of walking together nicely. That can be a bit difficult as it brings the focus back onto you rather than forward, but it’s worth trying if she’s not getting the idea quickly.

You can then ALSO take her on short solo walks where you do allow, encourage and cue he taking her leash.

When I’m walking and I see something that is a trigger for my dog (like a motorcycle), I will immediately say “get it” and present the leash. This is HUGELY helpful for my dogs, and then when the trigger has passed I can go back to regular walking.

One other idea (and I haven’t tried this) is to get a light chain leash that you put on the Pom. Then the puppy won’t really want to tug on the Pom’s leash.