Young dogs often bite the leash because they have not yet learned to walk on a leash. But even an adult dog will bite the leash if it didn’t learn it as a puppy. In this article, you will find out why this is the case and how you can train to be on a leash.
Why do dogs bite the leash?
First, you should be aware of what the leash represents from your dog’s point of view. First of all, the direct connection to you, because you are at the other end of the leash. Now, when your dog bites, tugs, or jumps on the leash, that is contact with you. Your dog wants to draw attention to itself, to play, to be occupied, or to be the center of your attention.
But there can also be another reason why your dog bites the leash. Some dogs are just so excited at the prospect of being walked that they have to compensate for their excitement with a skipping act by biting the leash.
It is clear that you cannot walk your dog sensibly and safely in this way. Proper outdoor walking on a leash is therefore much more relaxed and stress-free for everyone involved.
Why does my dog put the leash in its mouth?
The leash is the direct connection between you and your dog. The dog often wants to demand the attention of its human.
Dog bites the leash – tips, and tricks
To ignore
If you are now aware that your dog’s leash-biting is intended to get your attention or to compensate for being excited, it is obvious that you must consistently ignore his behavior. To do this, simply drop the leash, turn away, eliminate all eye contact, and demonstratively engage in something else. To train for this, you should go to a distraction-free and traffic-safe place.
Abort signal
In addition to consistently ignoring it as a reaction to the misconduct, you should also give your dog an acoustic signal, the so-called stop signal. For example, an “Off”, “No” or “No”. Say it loud and clear at the same time as turning away. Make sure you remain friendly to your dog while doing this. You, too, learn better and faster if you are taught something in a friendly and patient manner until you understand it.
Reward
During your training, always make sure to praise your dog extensively and exuberantly when he has done something well and correctly. Gladly with one of his favorite treats. Direct timing is very important so that your dog can link the right behavior to the reward.
Aid when the dog bites the leash
To ensure that your dog is on a leash, you can also use small aids for relaxed walks. Try it with an alternative in the mouth. Instead of biting the leash, let him carry something. Rubber grid balls are very suitable for this. Your dog has a task and is distracted by the leash. Make sure, however, that other dog encounters do not result in a defense of resources. You can also make the leashless palatable to your dog by rubbing it very lightly with lemon juice.
Enough employment and utilization
One of the most important topics for a successful education and bond-building between dog and human is the species-appropriate mental and physical workload of the four-legged friend. If your furry friend feels comfortable and has a well-balanced personality, he will learn new things faster. That includes what not to do. As with all things, it is important to find the right balance and not to overload the dog with it. Because overloading also leads to conspicuous behavior. Be it in the direction of hyperactivity, aggressiveness or even withdrawal and depression.
Dog bites the leash – What not to do
In order for your dog to have fun and enjoy training and learning, it is just as important that you convey the same to him. Shouting, being annoyed, or even physically assaulting the dog is absolutely taboo. If you notice that you no longer have the nerve to continue training, end the training in a friendly, positive, and very important way with a positive experience for your dog so that it is fully motivated again next time.
How to prevent the dog from biting the leash?
You can offer your dog a substitute, such as a lattice ball, for him to carry. Or rub the leash lightly with lemon juice.
