When you take your dog out on walks, there is a world out there to explore. The way it explores the surroundings displays playful gestures, the happiness, and the cute fun associated with every time it goes out are adorable. However, there is one factor that could pose a challenge for you. That is the dog leash biting tendency. This dog’s behaviour when persistent and beyond control, can be frustrating. But we must remember that they are trainable creatures, and the habits that cannot be changed overnight, can be modified gradually, for sure. There are tips and methods to train your loving dog against leash biting. Whether outdoors or indoors, any such behaviour can be managed. Here is how you can change things for both of you.
How To Fight Dog Leash Biting
It is very heartwarming to see the way your pooch understands many things without words. But sometimes, the stubbornness they might have in the case of certain habits is quite appalling. Such a habit is leash-biting behaviour. Let us see the methods that can help you win this battle.
Keep your dog engaged
Dogs may bite on their leashes when they are bored. There are certain things that you can do to keep them engaged and distract them from the leash. You could talk to them intermittently and say something. They like to listen to your voice. They might not understand your language but will listen to your talks. This will keep them distracted and eliminate dog leash biting.
What to use:
- Engaging talks
- Engaging gestures
Reward good behaviour
As usual, rewards go a long way towards teaching etiquette to dogs. Whether it is training them to go out on bathroom breaks or training them to prevent dog leash biting, rewarding them never fails. So whenever you see your dog indulging in biting, command them not to do so, and when they obey, reward them. Give them high-quality treats. Repeat this, and gradually, it will lead to the elimination of their objectionable behaviour. Remember, repeating good behaviour through encouragement again and again leads to the fortification of positive habits. So reward them for all the good things they do before leash training. This will make them relate it to leash rewards when the time comes.
What to use:
- High-quality treats
- Positive reinforcement
Offering alternative behaviours
By instinct, some dogs tend to bite more on everything than others. Thus, they do not leave their leashes alone either. In such cases, offering them an alternative to biting can reduce their tendency to turn to the leash each time they need to bite. It is a simple way to demotivate these cute biters from digging into their leashes. Offering them a tug toy in between walks will eliminate dog leash biting.
Stop now and then to offer an alternative to them. Doing so before they start biting the leash can give them a hint that it is probably not a productive thing to do. Your pooch will get a positive message. The habit of biting a tug toy when it needs to will gradually help the bad habit fade away.
What to use:
- Tug toys
- Occasional breaks to indulge in tug toys
Leash Handling
An important reason for dog leash biting is that they feel uncomfortable being restrained in tempting outdoor surroundings. This conflict must be handled effectively. Thus, you must remember that while walking your dog, you must keep the leash loose. Avoid tightening it on the pooche neck. Keep your gait flexible to match your pup’s walk and pace.
Dogs tend to see everything around them as toys. Many times, they see leashes as toys too. Thus, do not let the leash dangle in front of its face, or it might get attracted to munching on it.
What to use:
- Not-too-tight handling for neck comfort
- Avoiding dangling of leashes
Reducing Conflict
Avoid shouting at your dog or punishing it for such behaviour. You must not give them a situation of conflict, for this could reinforce dog leash biting. More so, it is a good idea to keep the motivation positive. Thus, use positive methods like proactively engaging them, rewarding them, and playing with them. Remember, they are sensitive beings and do not like being scolded. It could give them a bad mood, and you know that. It is thus best for both of you to be on the same team rather than making two teams and creating conflict.
What to use:
- Positive reinforcements
- Non-aggressive handling
- Avoiding conflict
To manage unnecessary biting and to keep them on track, you would need to pay attention to good-quality leashes, high-quality treats, and tug toys. You can get the best collection of dog accessories at Dog-Friendly Co.
Whether it is because your pooch does not like to be held back, or because it does not understand proper leash behaviour, training and perseverance, along with proper methods, can help you. They will happily comply and keep away from dog leash biting. This will lead to a happy and conducive dog walking session.