Leash Length

Grace has on a 4ft leash, and Brutus has a 6ft leash.

   If you've ever wandered down the "Leash Aisle" of a pet store, your senses have probably been assaulted by every imaginable color, shape, material, size and length of leash available.  Before you wander the aisle, it helps to have a specific goal in mind.  By choosing the correct leash type, you can make your training experience much easier!  When a dog has been taught how to walk on leash properly, it will feel like there is not a dog there at all. 



     Many people pose the question to me "Why do I need a leash right now if my puppy stays right at my feet?".  A young or insecure dog will often suction to their handler in the beginning, but eventually distraction and exploration takes place, and a leash can prevent them from undesirable behaviors, as well as keep them safe.  The behavioral ramifications are more difficult to overcome.  By choosing to allow the dog off-leash, it gives the impression to the dog that their proximity is always their choice, and they may refuse to follow you when you put it on.

     A standard 4 or 6 foot leash is the best starter for basic training. It allows for a few wiggles, while keeping the dog close enough to show it what you would like it to do for that tasty treat!  It also helps keep a young puppy close enough to prevent them from getting themselves in trouble! 

     Longer leashes (10ft and more) are great for working on recalls ("Come When Called").  Even though many retractable leashes are available in these lengths I always recommend against them.  Firstly, one hard tug from a dog can dislodge the line and break the leash.  A dog that is already 20ft away and tugging hard enough to break the leash is not usually easy to catch.  The long lines are very thin, it allows them to coil neatly in the handheld part.  It makes then incredibly flimsy and able to be bitten through in less than a moment.  Also, the way the leashes are designed, there is always a slight tension on the line, which teaches dogs that it is a normal sensation to pull against the handler to move forward.  Unless you are training your dog to pull you on Rollerblades (and attach the line to a harness of course) this walking is undesirable, and counter-productive to teaching the "Heel" position.

Peanut uses a 5ft leash for his loose leash walking exercises.

      There are other less frequented options as well.  Leashes are also available in 6 inch - 2 foot lengths.  These shorter leashes are often called "Pull-Tabs" or "Traffic Leads".  I have seen people mistakenly grab these short leads intending to use them to teach "Heeling" nice and close to the handler.  It very rarely is successful however.  The dog must learn to "Heel" first, then a shorter line can be used- otherwise the dog is just constantly pulling and learns to drag you around and choke itself whenever it is on leash.



     When used properly, these shorter lines are used with collar conditioning for pressure collars to proof the work done with new distractions present, under the guidance of a trainer. 

     Happy walking!

Capri

(Photos courtesy of Duane Watson, owner, breeder, handler)

   
 When I originally spoke to Duane about Capri, his almost 11 month old Rottweiler, he informed me that she was getting "out of control".  I quickly followed up with a series of questions designed to help outline our problem areas (specifically when or where Capri is having trouble performing consistantly), clearly define our goals, and prioritize the goals.  Capri had an extenuating circumstance directly related to her behavioral issues: she had been diagnosed with Panosteitis several months ago, and thus had been on a strict schedule of crate rest. 

     Together Duane and I chose to focus on Capri's leash walking as our first goal.  We agreed that by teaching her to walk calmly she had a much better chance to continue healing, and to feel better in general.  In addition, we would then have the option of taking her more places to continue her socialization.  At close to 80lbs, Capri was even getting difficult for Duane to handle on leash. 

  

  In our very first session, we had dramatic results.  Because Duane is a savvy owner, he made sure to continue 

bonding with Capri, even though she could not have as much physical exersize during her prescribed rest period.  He made sure she was polite in her crate, and that she would allow him to touch her all over her body.  With a solid bond, and with step by step instruction from me, we had Capri walking smoothly on leash, not pulling, and stopping when Duane stopped.  He was very pleased, and just as important- Capri was also content with the results.  Each week we meet to continue conditioning Capri for more consistent behavior on-leash.