Dogs enjoy a good tug-of-war, and they will usually go through a tugging phase as puppies that will cause you a massive headache when left untrained.
Biting a leash may not look like bad behavior because that’s what dogs do, but over time, you’ll start getting frustrated, especially if you have to buy a new leash every few months.
The game of tug is a fantastic game for your dog when done in the right environment and with the right toy. Today, we will cover this important topic: how to stop dog from biting leash.
Why Does a Dog Bite its Leash?
Despite common beliefs, not all leash bites are similar, and knowing what’s causing your dog to bite its leash is the first step towards fixing the situation. These are some of the reasons why your dog is biting its leash:
- Your dog may just be excited to be outside.
- Chewing and tugging are some of their most fun activities, and you’re offering resistance as they bite into it which makes them want to play more.
- Your dog feels trapped, especially when it sees other dogs and wants to say hi.
- If your dog is getting trained, leash biting may show frustration, especially if the lesson is too long or too hard for them.
- Your dog may not have enough toys and sees the leash as a toy.
- Your dog may be craving your attention, and for some dogs, getting attention is the key regardless of whether positive or negative.
- Overstimulation.
How Can I Stop Leash Biting?
1. Behavior counseling from a young age
If you’ve got a puppy, the best way to ensure they have less destructive behaviors is to start their training early. Puppies go through a biting phase, and it’s best to stop it as soon as it begins so that they don’t carry the behavior into adulthood.
In order to plan your training sessions to be the most beneficial for both you and your dog, you need to know what to include in the sessions. Reinforce the good behavior they portray by first acknowledging it with a “good boy” or “good girl” and then offer them a treat.
Another training method requires that you remain still when they bite their leash. Dogs like the resistance your tug offers, which may get them more aggressive in their tugging and biting. Hold the leash limply and stop when they bite the leash until they realize that you’re not encouraging the game.
When they stop, wait for a beat, maintain eye contact, and reward the behavior with treats. A treat in this sense can be something they like to eat, a pat, or a positive word. After you reward the behavior you want, start walking again, you may need to repeat this process several times before they catch on.
2. Get enough toys
Your dog needs to have enough toys so that they don’t need to use their leash as a chew toy. Include a long toy that’s soft and looks similar to a leash, and engage them in a tug of war. This toy may be a fleece tug, a long stuffed animal like a giraffe, or something similar.
This is a fun game for them, and you don’t need to stop the behavior altogether. With this toy, you can simulate a safe environment where they can tug at and chew on the long toy at home to have an easier job when you walk them.
Playing with your dog using this designated chew toy is an excellent opportunity to train them as well. Start by giving them a verbal command to fetch the toy, and then reinforce the behavior. Once in a while, ask the dog to drop the toy. When they bite the leash when walking, ask them to drop it, and they’ll remember the command.
3. Play with your dog enough
Some pet owners are so busy that they only get to hang out with their dogs when they take them out to poop and walk. If your dog is so used to the indoors, the chances are that it will feel overstimulated once you go out.
Spend some time with your dog before taking them for a walk so that they’re not too excited to see you and play with them so that their energy levels are slightly lower to ensure they’re calm as you walk them.
Remember to take your dog out as frequently as possible to reduce overstimulation. Dogs love attention, and if you provide them with enough attention during the day, they can focus on a calm evening walk.
4. Reward alternate behavior
If your dog is misbehaving to get your attention, first acknowledge their need and then train them to a healthier, alternative behavior that gets your attention. Reward the correct behavior.
5. Calm their anxiety
A dog that bites has a trigger. Pay attention to when they start biting and calm them down before it escalates. If they’re tense from meeting an unfamiliar dog, find a way to ease the tension. If frustrated often, try finding a quieter walking route, so your dog isn’t always on high alert.
6. Let your dog exercise
Your dog needs enough physical exercise and mental simulation every day. Play a game of fetch, go for a clicker training session, incorporate food puzzles, or train their noses so that they are all tired out by the end of the day. When you walk your dog, the leash won’t be attractive enough to play with.
7. Invest in a high-quality leash
Spend more money on a high-quality leash, maybe go for a good leather one. Dogs don’t like biting into hard things, so get your dog a lightweight chain leash, or attach a short chain piece to your leash.
8. Let your dog carry an object in its mouth when walking
This can be a tennis ball or something similar, and it will keep the dog’s mouth preoccupied as you walk the dog.
The Don’ts of Leash Training
- Don’t reprimand the dog: verbal reprimands are usually counterproductive
- Don’t wrestle the dog for the leash
Final Thoughts
So, the question remains: how to stop dog from biting leash?
A dog is a man’s best friend, and as long as your pet trusts you, then you can train them to do just about anything. Begin dog training as soon as you get them. It’s said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and that may be true to some extent. You can carefully correct their behavior, though. Remember that positive reinforcement works like magic for pets, so always make your dog feel extra special when they do something good.