The Most Effective Tool When Working with Dogs – Leash
Well, maybe I should say the second most effective tool, since the first one is and will always be our energy. Second to us, the leash is the most compelling tool for communicating with dogs. The best leash allows you to communicate effortlessly with your pup.
You can ask 10 different trainers, and you might get 10 different answers about their preferred tool. For me, the gold standard of leashes is a slip leash. A slip leash is a very simple tool; it is light enough to stay high on the dog’s neck (when used correctly) and strong enough to get your point across, regardless of the dog’s size. It mimics the pressure that dogs use on each other’s necks to teach one another. Hence, it makes sense to the dog once they understand what that pressure means coming from a human.
I often equate working with a slip leash to holding a horse’s reins. The power of your grip won’t get your point across. On the contrary, if you are tense while gripping the reins of a horse, you most likely won’t get a lot accomplished. The same is true for a leash. The more tension one applies while holding the leash, the less effective the tool becomes.
When choosing a type of leash, keep in mind that the tool will not teach your dog how to walk without pulling or dragging. That is our job. So no matter what the manufacturer tells you, a leash will not cure how your dog walks. Teaching will. Teaching with the right tool will make the lessons that much more effective. Since the slip leash is so light, the smallest tweaks, slight pops, and applied pressure will get responses. That is why it is my favourite type of leash. Other leashes with prong collars, martingales, harnesses, or chest leashes might help one get their point across. But be prepared to work harder to get the same information through with these other tools. The reasons vary, like the tools. Prong, metal, and martingale types of collars tend to slide down closer to a dog’s chest. That is a much less sensitive part of the body for receiving information. Hence why, in dog shows, the leash is always placed high up on the neck. This allows for cleaner lines of communication. The same is true for harnesses and chest leashes—you apply pressure to one of the strongest parts of a dog’s body when trying to communicate, making the process harder than necessary.
Whatever leash you decide to use, remember that you are responsible for your dog’s protection and direction. Dogs do not come out of the box ready to plug in and use. The leash is an amazing tool that connects us with our canine companions; that is it. It makes training easier, but it does not provide the lesson. That will always be our job.
If you are unsure how best to teach your dog to walk with you, consult a professional who can assist you. With the right attitude and the right tools, you and your pup will be strolling around in no time.
