Most dogs get excited to go for a walk – especially high-energy puppies. This excitement can manifest as pulling, leaping, weaving to try and sniff all the smells, and biting the leash. After all, puppies explore the world by putting objects in their mouth, and the leash is no exception. It can make walking difficult, though, so it is best to nip this behavior in the bud.
Why Do They Bite the Leash?
Besides the fact that puppies just like chewing on things, there are a few possible reasons they choose to bite the leash. They may see it as a toy, especially if they have other rope toys with which you play tug together. Alternatively, they might bite the leash because they are frustrated. Puppies love to run and jump freely, and introducing the leash may be an unwelcome restriction.
Getting Them to Stop Biting the Leash
Whenever you try to stop a particular behavior, the goal should be to teach and reward a preferred behavior- not to punish the undesirable behavior. Often, their “bad behavior” is simply the result of your dog trying to fill a need. A good solution is to recognize the need they are trying to fill – and provide them safe and acceptable methods to accomplish their goal. In this case, you want to teach your pup that ignoring the leash earns them rewards. Treats can work well, but it might also help to reward them with a quick game of tug-of-war to meet their need to bite.
- First, introduce them to the tug toy and show them it is an okay object to bite. It would be best if you opted for a toy that is a couple of feet long so that eventually when you’re walking, you don’t have to bend over to let them tug on it. Play tug-of-war together for a few minutes.
- Incorporate a cue that tells them to bite the toy. “Get it” or “tug” work well. As you two play, give the verbal cue just before they lunge at the toy. Praise your puppy with words and a small treat or two, then repeat.
- Next, they need to learn to ignore the leash. Sit your pup down, then calmly and slowly hold the leash a couple of feet in front of them. As long as they do not try to bite it, you should reward them. They can sniff, they can look at it, or they can ignore it entirely and look at you or elsewhere instead. Keep these initial sessions short, then put the leash away and play with your dog. If your dog does go after the leash (which they probably will), put the leash down and gently grab hold of their collar. Stay calm, and when they eventually drop the leash, reward them with a treat and try again.
- Once your pup can resist biting the leash, even if you wiggle it or move it closer to them, try clipping it on and walking around the room. For every couple steps they go without biting the leash, reward them heavily! After they can walk entirely around the room without chewing on the leash, get the tug toy. This toy will get your pup’s excitement levels up, making them more likely to try to bite the leash. When they resist, reward them with the toy and play tug for 20-30 seconds before resuming your stroll around the room. Over time, change locations–the hallway, the backyard, and eventually on a walk.Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is a Sarasota and Bradenton-based dog obedience school.
