A leash is an important gear for training dogs to develop good habits. However, most of dog parents don’t know how to use the leash to train their dogs.
Don’t pull hard on the leash
Many people tend to pull forcefully on the leash to drag their dogs back when their dogs pick up something on the ground to eat. Similarly, when their dogs pull forward suddenly during walking, people yank the leash hard to pull the dogs back and keep them close. These methods do not help at all in correcting the dog’s behavior.
Roughly pulling your dog back won’t solve its problem of scavenging for food or pulling. Just like when two people are in an argument, if someone else jumps in to stop them, it can sometimes make things worse, so too with your dogs, when you prevent it from getting what it wants, the desire does not disappear, on the contrary, it will intensify, making the behavior more likely to recur with even greater strength.
What is the correct way to use a dog leash?
The core principle is to apply pressure and release it immediately, rather than maintaining a constant pull. For example, to prevent scavenging, we can warn the dogs with a quick, gentle tightening and immediate release of the leash, helping the dogs calm down effectively. In contrast, pulling tightly on the leash only provokes resistance and is helpless.
Similarly, to ask your dog to sit, simply apply a brief upward tension on the leash, and it will naturally complete the action, and at the moment they sit, immediately release the pressure as a reward. This “pressure and release” communication allows you to guide your dog’s behavior efficiently and clearly.
Choosing a suitable dog leash and use it correctly
Many people have questions about how to use a dog leash correctly and what length to choose. Generally speaking, a leash in 1.5 to 2 meters long is sufficient for daily dog walking. When walking, you can put your thumb through the leash loop, grip the leash firmly and adjust it to an appropriate tightness, allowing the dog to follow freely.
If you are in an open and safe area and want to give your dog more space to move around, you can properly lengthen the leash, hold the end with your hand, and let out or reel it in while adjusting as needed. This way, you can not only give the dog a certain degree of freedom but also maintain control at all times, allowing it to move safely and comfortably.
Use the slip dog leash correctly.
A slip leash is a training collar that forms a ‘P’ shape when worn around a dog’s neck.
If the slip leash is not used correctly, it can not only hurt the dog’s neck but also make it difficult to control the dog. The proper way to use it is to wear it around the dog’s neck, making sure it rests behind the ears where there is a bony protrusion, and ensure the metal ring is facing you to maintain the correct ‘P’ shape.
Use the retractable dog leash with caution
Most people prefer to use the retractable leash since they believe it allow their dogs more freedom. However, the retractable is unsuitable during the early stages of training. The excessive length makes it difficult for dog owners to provide timely feedback or quickly restrain a dog that bolts. This is particularly hazardous in crowded areas or heavy traffic: dogs run very fast, and any delay in the owner’s reaction can lead to an accident. Moreover, the sharp jerk from a sudden retraction can easily strain the dog’s neck. Therefore, retractable leashes are better suited for well-trained dogs with established obedience and not suit for novice dog owners.
Don’t use the Chain dog leash for everyday walks
Many dog owners choose a chain for a long time due to it is durable and chew-proof. However, the chain leash is too heavy which make the dog uncomfortable, and the jangling sound of the chain leash make the dog nervous. Moreover, some dogs become more sensitive due to the sounds. Although the chain leashes are indeed strong and durable, they are just suitable for short-term use, such as during short-time walk or for controlling the large dogs. They are not suitable for daily walks.
We are a manufacturer of dog leashes offering OEM service. If you need any assistance, feel free to reach out to us, and we will reply within 24 hours.
Hi, my name is Lina Zhang, I am the author of this article, and also the Founder of Lucky MFG, with 15 years of experience in the pet product industry. If you have any questions, you can contact me at any time.
