How Should You Hold the Leash?

Some dogs might be stronger than you, especially when they suddenly lunge forward when they get excited. It is important that you hold the leash correctly so it doesn’t slip or hurt you. Wrapping the leash around your wrist can be dangerous as if your dog moves quickly forward it will squeeze your wrist and can even break it.

You can also read this article in Dogo App.

The most secure way to hold the leash is to:

1. Hold a handle over your fingers and make a fist, locking it.
2. Place the leash between your pointer and middle fingers and make a fist.
3. Take the leash around your thumb, run it over your pointer finger and make a fist.

You can make several loops from the leash if it is too long and lock the loop in your fist.

When walking your dog, have your hand next to your body, you can put it in the pocket so it doesn’t extend when the dog is pulling on a leash. If you allow the hand to extend to the direction the dog is pulling you, it will act as an extension.

When holding the leash, it is important to keep a relaxed grip. Avoid holding the leash too tightly, as this can cause discomfort for your dog and may even lead to injury over time. Instead, aim for a firm but gentle grip that allows for easy movement of the leash. Remember, the leash should be a communication tool between you and your dog, not a means of control. 

When you deliver a treat to your dog, do it next to your knee, so the dog learns to come back towards you and re-establish the contact.

Additionally, it can be helpful to practice walking your dog in a low-distraction environment, such as a fenced-in backyard or quiet park. This can help you and your dog get comfortable with the proper leash-holding technique before venturing out into more distracting or challenging environments. Once you and your dog feel confident, you can gradually increase the level of distraction and challenge to build your skills and deepen your bond with your furry friend.

Additionally, it is important to note that if you are walking a larger breed dog or a particularly strong dog, you may want to consider using a front-clip harness. These harnesses are designed to reduce pulling and give you more control over your dog’s movements. They work by redirecting your dog’s forward momentum towards you, rather than allowing them to pull away from you. This can make it much easier to manage your dog’s movements, especially if they are prone to sudden bursts of energy. However, it is important to properly fit the harness to your dog’s body to ensure it is both effective and comfortable for them.

Another important factor to consider when walking your dog is your body language. Dogs are highly attuned to body language and can pick up on even subtle cues from their human companions. As such, it is important to maintain a calm and confident demeanor while walking your dog. Avoid tensing up or becoming anxious if your dog pulls on the leash, as this can exacerbate the problem. Instead, take a deep breath and calmly redirect your dog’s attention back to you.

If your dog continues to pull on the leash despite your best efforts, consider working with a professional dog trainer. A skilled trainer can help you identify the root cause of your dog’s pulling behavior and provide you with effective strategies for addressing it. With patience and persistence, you and your dog can become a successful walking team and enjoy many happy outings together.