Dealing with a dog that pulls on the leash can be frustrating and even lead to injuries for both you and your canine companion. While many factors contribute to leash pulling, the equipment you use, particularly the lead, plays a significant role. This guide will help you understand the different types of leads and identify the best options for training your dog to walk calmly by your side.
Understanding Lead Types and Their Effectiveness
When training your dog to walk on a lead without pulling, the type of lead you use can greatly impact your success. Some leads are designed to absorb the shock of pulling, while others are better suited for providing clear feedback during training.
Bungee Leads: A Double-Edged Sword
Bungee-style leads are often considered for their ability to reduce the jarring impact of a dog pulling. They absorb some of the tension, which can be easier on your joints and your dog’s. However, this shock absorption also means that these leads can dampen the crucial “lead feedback” you rely on during training. Any subtle cues or corrections you attempt to give through the lead are partially absorbed by the bungee section, making it more challenging to communicate effectively with your dog about what you want them to do. While they can be useful for simply managing the forces of pulling without active training, they are not recommended when you are actively working to stop your dog from pulling on the lead. For dedicated training, switching to a lead that offers clearer feedback is essential.
The Importance of the Lead Itself
In my experience, the lead itself is often less critical than the equipment it attaches to, such as the collar, harness, or halter. However, the lead does have specific characteristics that make it more or less suitable for training.
For a versatile and effective training lead, I recommend the leads available from Black Dog. These leads are high-quality, come in various thicknesses suitable for different dog sizes, and are a good length at 1.8 meters. This length provides flexibility: you can allow your dog more freedom to explore or gather the lead to keep it shorter and closer when needed. This adaptability makes them ideal for training, allowing you to easily shorten the lead for control during focused exercises or extend it when teaching your dog to stay at a distance. It’s important to note that if your dog has a tendency to chew on the lead, a soft lead might not be the most durable option. In such cases, a different type of lead, discussed next, would be more appropriate.
Managing Lead Chewing
For dogs that tend to bite or chew on their leads while walking, a chain lead can be a practical solution. These leads are more resistant to chewing, preventing your dog from breaking free. While teaching your dog not to chew the lead is the ultimate goal, and can be addressed through training programs like the one offered in our online course, a chain lead serves as a safety measure in the interim. However, chain leads may not be suitable for very small dogs due to their weight, nor are they ideal for use with a head halter, as the added weight can be uncomfortable for the dog. As a temporary deterrent, you can try applying safe, distasteful substances like white vinegar to the lead, though this should be seen as a short-term aid rather than a replacement for consistent training.
Attaching Your Dog’s Lead: The Right Collar, Harness, or Halter
The equipment to which you attach your dog’s lead is arguably more crucial than the lead itself when aiming to prevent pulling. The right choice can significantly influence your dog’s comfort and responsiveness during walks. We will explore the various options available for collars, harnesses, and halters in more detail.
Before diving into the specifics of collars, harnesses, and halters, be sure to download your free, easy-to-print cheat-sheet that summarizes all the essential information in this guide. This handy resource will be invaluable as you select the best equipment for your dog.
