How to Stop Leash Biting
Watching a dog, or puppy, using his leash as a tug toy makes me giggle. I know it’s frustrating so I’ve compiled causes and dog training tips to prevent leash biting.
Causes and Tips
When dogs pull on their leashes using their mouths, they are usually overly excited. Now, a few dogs will bite and tug on their leash when frustrated. I’ve witnessed this during group class. The pet parent is chatting away with her neighbor and her pooch is saying, “Um, I want to keep playing” or “I just sat and laid down. You missed it. Where’s my treat?” Sometimes, dogs will stand still and chew their leashes. This usually happens with puppies and adolescent dogs. They’re totally bored. 🙂
Frustration
When teaching your dog skills, stay with him through the process. If you become sidetracked by a chatting neighbor or an adorable puppy, still click and treat your dog for good manners using the below tips.
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At home, when dog training sessions are done, say “all done” and put away your clicker and give your dog the rest of the treats. Basically, you’re asking your dog to punch out so he can go play or relax.
Excitement
Click and treat your dog when he lets go of the leash. By rewarding this behavior, your excited dog will learn two things: it pays to stop biting the leash and self-control.
RELATED: Teaching Dogs Self-Control
When your dog starts leash biting, stand still and refrain from pulling against the leash. When you become quiet, dogs will usually become quiet too. Bingo! Reward good behavior. If you pull the leash, fuss at your dog. Your dog will continue to become more excited, which means stronger leash biting.
Start a game of touch. This gives your dog something else to do with his mouth instead of leash biting. Plus, jumping into a fun game redirects excited dogs and puppies from the leash.
Sometimes, dogs will bite and tug on their leash when it’s time to turn around and go home from a fun walk. Wait until your dog stops biting the leash and click. Then, toss several treats ahead of you. Once your dog eats his treats, say “let’s go” and click/treat for loose leash walking.
VIDEO: Leash Biting
Happy training!
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