This post will teach you all about how to stop leash biting.
When you have a dog that grabs the leash in their mouth playfully or to have something to chew on, it can ruin the walk for both of you. Not only can it damage a nice leash, but it can also make you feel like you don't want to take your dog out on a walk. After helping many puppy and dog owners teach their dog how to stop biting, I have found a way to stop the behavior without treats, redirection, training collars or bitter apple spray.
Whether you have a puppy who has just started to leash bite, or an older dog who has been biting the leash for years, this post will teach you how to stop leash biting.
How to Stop Leash Biting
Leash Biting Puppy
A dog or puppy who bites the leash can ruin the walk, especially if they are trying to play tug of war! Redirecting with toys and offering treats in exchange will only go so far. Eventually, the puppy learns if they grab the leash then you'll offer them a treat in exchange.
Chewing on the leash is a way to show their excitement and willingness to explore. However, this is not an appropriate way for puppies to express themselves.
Puppies chew on leashes because, well... why not? They are a fun texture, and when they pull on it, you might decide to pull back initiating a game of tug of war or wrestling. And Tug-of-War is FUN and engaging for puppies.
A puppy who bites the leash is NOT biting the leash to spite you. They might be trying to get a reaction from you so that you play, but it is not because they are holding a grudge.
Dogs don't understand that you spent your time working to earn money and then spent your time picking out the perfect leash. They don't understand that if they break it or damage it that you will have to go out and purchase another one.
All the puppy sees is something interesting they can put their teeth on and explore.
Golden Retriever Biting Leash
Any breed can end up loving to chew on their leash. Many doodles, goldens and labs will try this technique as part of their breed characteristic to retrieve and hold something.
There are 4 main reasons your dog is chewing on the leash:
1) A dog or puppy looking for a game
2) A dog or puppy who is frustrated (either with what you're asking them to do or because they are redirecting following a trigger)
3) A breed/personality characteristic
4) Your puppy is tired and needs a nap
Leash Biting Aggression
There are dogs who may bite the leash because they are redirecting their frustration. In this case, it's important to back off what you are asking your dog to do and break it up into small steps, use treats and/or move to a less distracting environment.
If your dog bites the leash when he sees another person, animal or other trigger, it's best to seek help from a professional trainer who can give you the tools and education to keep you and your dog safe as you work through this behavior issue.
How to Stop Dog From Biting Leash When Walking
One of the easiest ways to stop leash biting is to use your space to correct your dog. Dogs primarily communicate with space. We can invite them towards us by backing away, but we can also push them away by moving towards them.
When you move towards your dog, your dog should yield to you and move out of your space as you claim space.
So, as your dog is biting the leash, relax the leash and move toward your dog calmly and confidently.
If they are sitting or laying down, you'll have to scoot your feet under your dog until they get up, or just invite them up and start walking away. You may also have to bring the leash straight up over the dog's head and give some light pressure so your dog doesn't decide to walk away from you.
The second your dog takes his mouth off of the leash, take a step back to relieve the spatial pressure.
If your puppy or dog lays flat out on their side while you're correcting them with your space, don't continue to walk into them. Walk away from them and use your energy to engage and entice your dog into getting up. You can use smooching noises, their name and "let's go" (not your heel or come command).
You may have to repeat this process several times before your dog starts to understand that they are being corrected for putting their mouth on the leash. It's a little bit of a dance, but someone is always more persistent, and it will be you or the dog.
Why does my dog bite the leash?
If you're having trouble using space to correct your dog, it's probably because your dog doesn't respect your space.
The #1 comment I hear from dog training clients is that using their space has made the biggest impact on their dog's behavior. And this is NOT something your puppy classes will teach you about.
Dogs primarily communicate with their space. A dog who is pushy, nudges you for attention, jumps up, is constantly touching you or mouthing you is controlling your space. If they control your space and don't have respect for your space, they may struggle to respect you as you move through this exercise.
Not only can you use space to correct your dog when they bite the leash, but you can also use it to correct them from counter surfing, jumping up, being destructive or pulling on the leash.
We may be saying one thing with our voice, but our body language could be conveying another message to the dog. If your voice and nonverbal communication is not in sync, this could be exactly why you and your dog are struggling with basic obedience or behavior modification.
This is where the calm, quiet sit comes in. I teach all of my dog training clients this so they can help regulate their dog's frustrated, anxious, or reactive emotions and become a responsive, neutral dog at the end of the leash.
This is the #1 coping skill I use to help both dogs and dog owners relax and connect.
