Beginner Leash Handling 101

Your leash should be a communication tool, not a containment device. This means that you want to have a loose leash, rather than a tight one, at all times. When you hold the leash tight, you send negative energy down to your dog, which can signal them to be on alert. A constantly tight leash will also teach your dog to fight pressure, and our aim is to teach your dog to release pressure.

Hand placement: If your dog will be walking on your left side, hold your leash in the right hand with the loop over your thumb and the rest of it contained within your closed hand. If the dog pulls quickly, this will trap the leash in your hand, rather than having it slip off. Drape the leash across the front of your body and loosely hold halfway down with your left hand. You may also loop the leash back over your right thumb to help shorten it, leaving a free left hand that can administer treats or grab the leash at any time.

Leash Direction: It is important to know that your leash is directional. If you want your dog to move in a direction, you should point your leash in the direction you want them to go, parallel to the ground. Holding the leash handle above your dog’s height can be confusing, so remember to keep it low. If you want your dog to sit, you need to apply pressure straight up and if you want your dog to down, you need to point the leash directly toward the ground. Once you apply leash pressure, it is important to hold it until your dog has done what you want. As soon as they release pressure, you must then release the pressure too. If you release the pressure too soon, you tell your dog that they have done the desired behavior, when perhaps they actually have not.

Be an Anchor: Your first task is to anchor your dog from their collar (no harnesses or face halters) to your body and move about throughout your life. This can be done around the home, yard, and on walks. If you hold the leash in your hand, when your dog pulls, your arms will move, giving to your dog’s pressure. Any dog tied out to a stationary object never pulls at the end of the leash because they know they will never get anywhere; by tying your leash around your body, you create an anchor that will not give to your dog’s leash pressure. If your dog gets to the end of the leash and pulls, simply stand strong with feet spread apart and knees bent, and wait them out until they stop pulling. Only once there is no tension on the leash should you begin to move again.

If you are walking and your dog tries to be an anchor holding you back, or pulls to go sniff something to the side, do not give to their pressure, but rather simply walk through it, knocking them off their ground. This can be done slowly or swiftly, depending on the dog’s level of confidence.

With insecure dogs, you are better off applying smooth, slow, steady pressure without pulling. Apply pressure (not force) and wait for your dog to respond. Do not hold leash pressure directly in front or behind the dog as they can brace themselves; adjust the angle of the leash to help knock the dog off balance. As soon as they release the pressure and start moving, you release the tension on your end and carry on.