Are you handling your pup’s leash properly?
Did you know there was a proper way to handle a leash?
Let’s explore!
When choosing a leash, some things we want to consider are:
· What is comfortable for the human?
· What serves the dog in front of you? Is it comfortable? Easily used? Non-invasive?
· What are your intentions for your outing with your pup and what does your leash need to be able to do? Consider length, hands free options, cross body options, options with “traffic handles” and more.
At Engaged Dogs, our favorite leash, paws down is the Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Leash. This versatile leash offers you the opportunity to be used as a traditional 6 foot leash with a handle, it can be clipped via a carabiner to secure your pup to a post/ to your belt loop/ to that tree etc., it can be used as a crossbody leash, and it can be utilized as a hands free waist leash, which is our preference.
By utilizing a hands-free waist leash system, this enables us to:
· Have our hands free to utilize for cuing and rewarding our pups, holding coffee, holding our umbrella, carrying our mail in, etc.
· When properly worn, the waist leash falls on one’s hips, which is the center of gravity. This better enables us to maintain a planted stance for dogs who might be pullers, as we don’t want them tugging us around or getting access to what they are attempting to pull towards. One caution here: Do be careful to keep the leash on your hips (never your low back) and to put your hand on the leash for added slowing down of your pup if you have a friend who might suddenly lunge after a squirrel or other critter unexpectedly.
· Easy adjustment of the length of the leash. This is useful for navigating crowds, busy trails, etc. as you can easily clip your pup closer and then extend their access by utilizing the various loops on the leash.
· The carabiner attachment at the end enables you to easily clip your pup to a stationary object. This is helpful for impromptu training opportunities where you want to ensure your pup can’t get far if they accidently break their “Stay” for example.
What NOT to do with your leash:
· Do not wrap your leash around your hand/ arm/ etc. This is dangerous and creates unnecessary resistance on the leash. Resistance meets resistance. If you pull your dog, they will certainly pull you back.
· Do not use the leash as communication. No pulling, popping, yanking, snapping, etc. The leash is ONLY meant to be a failsafe to your training.
· Do not continue to move if the leash is tense/ taught. If you continue to move while your pup is pulling, you are teaching them pulling is effective and rewarding. Instead, stop and wait for them to release tension on the leash before proceeding forward. They may simply move towards you slightly or return all the way to you; as soon as the tension is released, continue to move. If they return alongside you, praise and offer a treat reward for making a good choice. Repeat as often as needed. You can also incorporate U-turns and circles to help get your pups’ focus back on you, encourage a loose leash, and be able to mark and reward them when they are walking loose leash alongside you once more.
· Do not use leashes or collars that cinch/ pinch/ poke/ zap/ squeeze etc. Not only is it dangerous to have pressure on a dogs neck, but additionally using an aversive method is likely to cause trauma and does not teach the dog the actual expectation- it instead teaches them to avoid consequences. Take the time to teach your pup the expectations and you will never feel the need to resort to one of these barbaric, emotionally damaging “quick fixes.”
Leash Do's:
· Do take the time to find a leash that works well for you and the pup in front of you.
· Take the time to practice working with it and learning how to handle it properly. If you’re not sure, ask your trainer! (This is a common question that comes up and we are happy to help!)
· Do know that your emotions often travel down the leash and your pup will feel and respond to your energy. Take your time. Be patient. Breath. Meet yourself AND your pup exactly where you are from moment to moment. Leash manners can be challenging, but it is worth it to be consistent and patient.
· Praise and reward often when your pup makes good choices.
· Find a leash that can help you remember your treats!
We like to clip the Kurgo treat pouch to our Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Leash.
The utility belt is also great to add more attachments and to feel like a real superhero while working with your dog!
If you’d like more support around leash manners, choosing the right gear, and building your relationship with your pup, reach out and set up a consultation!
Leash manners is our specialty and we are happy to help.
Follow us on all social platforms for more tips like these:
@Engaged_Dogs
Check out our review and tutorial of our favorite leash to use during our Engaged Walks: The Kurgo 6-in-1 Quantum Leash
Need a great hands free, versatile leash to be better able to work with your pup?
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Want to better understand your dog as a unique individual?
We really appreciate Kim Brophy's insight in her revolutionary new book: Meet You Dog: The game-changing guide to understanding your dog's behavior
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