Honey the Dog

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Walking your dog should be one of the best parts of your day—but if you’ve got a dog that pulls, it can quickly become stressful. Once I had a baby, add a pram into the mix, and suddenly what should be a relaxing walk feels like a full-body workout.

I found myself constantly juggling the lead, the pram, and trying to keep everything under control. That’s when I came across the figure of 8 dog lead—and honestly, it made a bigger difference than I expected.

In this post, I’ll explain exactly what a figure of 8 lead is, how it works, and share my personal experience using one (especially while walking with a baby).

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What Is a Figure of 8 Dog Lead?

A figure of 8 dog lead is a simple training aid designed to help reduce pulling.

It’s made from a single piece of rope that loops over your dog’s nose and around their neck, forming a shape similar to the number eight. Unlike a standard collar or harness, it gives you gentle control over your dog’s head movement.

Because where the head goes, the body follows, this makes it much easier to guide your dog and discourage pulling without using force.

Many people start using a figure of 8 lead as a training tool—but for some (myself included), it quickly becomes a go-to for everyday walks. Here is the exact figure of 8 lead I have been using from Amazon, which I’m really happy with. It has over 3.7K positive reviews and a rating of 4.3 stars.

How Does a Figure of 8 Lead Work?

The design of a figure of 8 lead is what makes it so effective. When your dog pulls forward, the loop around their nose applies light pressure. This gently turns their head back towards you, interrupting the pulling motion.

Rather than pulling against your dog (which often turns into a tug-of-war), the lead works by redirecting their movement in a much calmer and more controlled way.

It’s subtle, but incredibly effective—especially for dogs who are strong or easily distracted on walks.

I much prefer it to a slip lead, as there is a lot less pressure directly on your dog’s neck – no choking sounds or restricted breathing when your dog pulls.

Why I Started Using a Figure of 8 Lead

My dog, Honey, has always been a strong puller. Honey is a Springador – a cross between two working breeds, so she has strong instincts to follow her nose. Not only that, she’s a sociable girl who loves to greet every dog and human.

Honey has fantastic recall and is amazing off lead, but always struggled not to pull on the lead. Once I had a baby, we worked with a dog trainer on getting her used to heeling next to the pram, and she did fantastic at this.

Even though she could do a fantastic heel next to the pram, she would still pull towards things that were exciting to her (squirrels becoming a real issue). After a scary incident I knew I needed a new solution for our walks to feel calmer and safer.

I needed something that would:

• Give me better control with one hand
• Reduce pulling
• Make walks feel calmer and safer

There were moments where I felt like I was being pulled in different directions, which isn’t ideal when you’ve got a baby in the pram.

After seeing figure of 8 leads recommended, I decided to give one a try—and I’m so glad I did.

My Experience Using a Figure of 8 Lead

From the first few walks, I noticed a real difference. My dog was:

• Pulling significantly less
• Walking closer to my side
• Paying more attention to me

The biggest change, though, was how much easier everything felt. I don’t know how to describe it, but her personality just seemed calmer with the figure of 8 lead on.

I could steer the pram and hold the lead comfortably in one hand without feeling like I was constantly correcting or bracing myself. Walks became more relaxed and enjoyable again.

What I also appreciated was how gentle it felt. It didn’t seem harsh or restrictive—just a simple way to communicate more clearly with my dog.

Despite how it might look, a figure of 8 lead is NOT a muzzle. She can still open her mouth comfortably, so she gets plenty of treats for being a good girl.

Pros and Cons of a Figure of 8 Lead

Like any dog training tool, figure of 8 leads have their advantages and a few things to consider.

Pros

• Great for dogs that pull on the lead
• Allows for better one-handed control
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Ideal for busy situations (like walking with a pram)

Cons

• Some dogs need time to adjust to the nose loop
• Not always suitable for very anxious or sensitive dogs
• Needs to be fit correctly to work effectively

How to Fit a Figure of 8 Lead Correctly

Getting the fit right is key to making sure the lead is both safe and comfortable.

• The nose loop should sit high on your dog’s snout
• The neck loop should sit just behind the ears
• It should feel secure, but not tight—you should be able to fit a finger underneath

If it’s too loose, it won’t work effectively. Too tight, and it could be uncomfortable. It might take a couple of tries, but once it’s fitted properly, it should stay in place during your walk.

Tips for Introducing a Figure of 8 Lead

If your dog hasn’t worn anything around their nose before, it’s important to introduce it gradually. Start by letting them sniff the lead and rewarding them with treats. When you first put it on, keep things positive and low-pressure. Practise wearing it in the house and garden before venturing on your first walk.

The first few walks Honey would stop every few meters to rub her nose in the grass or with her paw, I had to take a lot of treats out with me to keep her walking!

A few simple tips:

• Start with short walks
• Use LOADS of treats and praise
• Keep your tone calm and encouraging

Most dogs adjust quickly—especially when they realise it still means they’re going out for a walk.

Figure of 8 Lead vs Harness: Which Is Better?

This really depends on your dog and your walking style.

Harnesses can be great for comfort and are often recommended for small dogs or those with delicate necks. However, some dogs will still pull strongly in a harness. In fact, many dog trainers say a harness gives your dog MORE pulling power. My favourite harness is the Halti no-pull harness – this was a fantastic training tool when my dog was younger, and before I knew about a figure 8 lead.

A figure of 8 lead offers more control over your dog’s direction, which can make a big difference if pulling is your main issue—especially in situations where you need that extra control, like walking with a pram.

For me, the figure of 8 lead was the better option for our daily walks, but it’s always worth trying what works best for your individual dog.

I still use a harness in many scenarios, like a car harness for travel, also a harness for when I take my dog running (without a pram!). I’ve got some great recommendations for Running Leads here.

Is a Figure of 8 Lead Right for Your Dog?

A figure of 8 lead could be a great fit if:

• Your dog tends to pull on walks
• You need better control (especially one-handed)
• You’re looking for a simple, lightweight solution

That said, every dog is different. Some may prefer a harness or other training tools, so it’s all about finding what works best for you and your dog.

Final Thoughts

Switching to a figure of 8 lead genuinely made my walks feel easier, calmer, and far more enjoyable—especially with a baby in tow.

It’s not a magic solution, and it doesn’t replace training, but it is a simple and effective tool that can make a noticeable difference.

If you’re struggling with pulling or trying to juggle a dog and a pram, it’s definitely worth considering.

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