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Does your dog turn into a ferocious shark the moment their lead is clipped on? You are not alone! Many owners grapple with this same problem, which can be equal parts embarrassing and upsetting. It’s nearly impossible to enjoy a walk with your pooch as they are gnawing and chomping on the leash beside you.
This common behavioral issue is one that can be resolved with time, patience and some sensible training tools. This is true for both puppies and adult dogs alike. This guide gives you all of the information you need on the causes of leash biting and how you can make it a thing of the past.
There is no one answer for this question, as the reasons do vary from dog to dog. Some of the more common triggers include:
Teething. This is the case in many pups that are less than seven months old. As their new teeth emerge, they have an insatiable appetite for gnawing on things, and the chewy texture of the lead can provide some temporary relief for their discomfort.
Boredom or excess energy. Though you may be eager for a calm amble along the street, your dog might be searching for something a little exciting to keep them occupied. Chewing on a moving leash (and getting a reaction from you!) is often a great way for them to ease their boredom.
Frustration during walks. Your dog may be chomping at the bit, raring to go, and eager for you to take off their lead and let them run free. If they are used to off-lead walks, they may simply be asking you to ‘Let me be free!’- in an obnoxious way.
Lack of leash training. If you’ve never properly explained to your dog how you would like them to walk on lead, they can’t be expected to know that chewing on the lead is ‘wrong’. It is up to you to teach this.
Attention-seeking behavior. Some dogs learn that this is the best way to grab your attention quickly and to get you looking at or talking to them. They don’t care that you’re annoyed at them, they just want you to pay them attention.
Stress or anxiety. For some dogs, a walk is a worrying experience. The loud noises, new smells and approaching people can be too much for them to handle, and that nervous energy can turn into barking, shaking, humping, jumping up or lead chewing. This is common in young pups.
There are a number of reasons why we want to discourage and stop leash biting.
The aim is to have your dog walking nicely to heal, to your side and at your pace. A dog who is biting at the leash is not going to be keeping pace politely beside you. Their attention is elsewhere and they’re not paying attention to you.
Leash biting is often a ‘gateway behavior’ to other unwanted antics including jumping up, lunging or even tugging. If your dog realises you let them get away with leash biting, they soon start looking for the next ‘fun’ thing to do.
Of course, those sharp gnashers can do damage. If they fray or break the leash, this could lead to a loose dog in public- never a good thing if that dog is young or still in training. There is also the chance that they chew off and swallow some of the material, which could cause a gut obstruction.
Have you really got good control of your dog in public if they’re chewing the leash? Probably not. An untrained dog is a potential liability and may decide to run and lunge at things they go past.
There are some things you may be tempted to do reflexively, but are best avoided. These include:
Yanking or pulling back. This is just what your dog wants you to do! The increased resistance makes the activity more fun for them. As difficult as it is, refrain from matching their energy and pulling back.
Shouting or punishing. Although this is showing them negative attention, many dogs still see it as a wanted interaction. They are getting your (their favorite person!) attention and this makes them very happy.
Turning it into a game of tug-of-war. If you and your dog are fighting over leash control, this is a game you’re not going to win. They’ll enjoy it, and just keep coming back for more.
Rewarding the behavior with attention. Whether you are looking at your dog as they pull or telling them to settle down, they are lapping it all up, as they are little attention seekers.
So, let’s make a solid plan for teaching your dog to stop biting their leash.
Though it may seem obvious, the step that most owners miss is this one. Your dog needs to be taught what you do want them to do, they do not innately know this. When they are calm and walking nicely, give them lots of treats and high value, yummy treats. Over time, they make the connection that this is what makes you happy.
Once the leash biting starts, what do you do? A good solution is to ask for a ‘non compatible’ command. Ask your dog to ‘Sit!’, and reward this. Not only does the leash biting stop, it is a good method of distraction.
Another good re-direction technique is to bring along a favorite chew or tug toy. This still satisfies your dog’s desire to bite something, but in a way you’re both happy with. This is especially useful for teething puppies.
So much of training is using treats at the right time. Reward your dog as they walk on nicely on a loose leash, and for long periods of time spent without that leash in their mouth. In young puppies in particular, feed those treats like they’re going out of fashion.
This is especially important for nervous or over-stimulated dogs. If you go for a calm and quiet ‘sniffy’ walk, they’re less likely to over-fill their stress bucket and should be much calmer in general. They simply won't have the need to chew.
You also have the option of buying something to put on the leash, or to buy a type of leash that does not encourage biting. Metal, for example, is too hard for many dogs to enjoy chewing on.
The more free energy your pet has, the more likely they are to do ‘silly’ things like lead chewing. Before going out, burn off some energy with some brain games and licking/sniffing activities in the home, or a free run around the garden.
Start leash training indoors with your pup, so there are less distractions. Use a softer leash that is lightweight and not pulling on their neck. Try not to dangle it too much, as this can prove too much of a temptation!
Teething is a trying time for a pup and they may need your help to navigate this time in their lives. Chew ropes and frozen chew toys help sooth sore gums and can be brought along on walks, to offer a nice alternative to the leash.
The Kong Puppy Binkie or Nylabone Rings are some great options to get you started.
For a small number of dogs, the leash biting may escalate or get out of hand. If the normal training techniques are not cutting the mustard, you may need some external help.
Consult a canine behaviorist if there are any indicators of aggression (towards you or ohers), if the leash-walking is getting no better despite consistent training, if your dog has other signs of anxiety when outdoors, or if they’re constantly jumping up and not listening.
A behaviorist can work with you and your dog in person, to make a more tailored plan.
Though this can be a trying and frustrating issue to deal with, it is also one that can be resolved- usually without professional intervention. It is easiest to solve in puppies, who learn quickly and tend to chew less once out of that annoying teething phase.
Training needs to be consistent and you’ll also have to be patient. You aren’t going to see success overnight, especially if this behavior has been going on for weeks or months. Stick to your guns and you should start to notice little changes in the right direction in just a few days.
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