What are the best dog leashes for pulling? Normally, a rope leash coupled with a little training is all that you need. However, what about the overzealous dog that believes everyone must be greeted and every scent must be explored. Or, maybe the dog is just excited to be spending time with their best friend (You).
I had this same question. My English Bulldog weighed in at a whopping 65lbs of pure muscle. As a descendent of a Champion bloodline from both the mother and father. This ball of joy would fly out the door like a bowling ball being shot out of a cannon. While I may have been lucky to have the walks last all of 5 minutes. The whole time I was holding on for dear life as he pulled, tugged, and puffed his way down the street. So, I did what I do best. I began searching for ways to stop this behavior for a better experience for everyone involved.
Best way to leash train a puppy
The best way is to stop it before it starts. Creating a no-pull relationship between your dog and the leash early in their life will set up early expectations for the puppy going into the walks. Now, you’re thinking, “Sounds great…I can barely get my doggo to sit. Let alone not attack the leash from pure serotonin overload!” Don’t worry. I went through that too.
Top 3 Leash Training Techniques For Puppies
The most important thing to remember when beginning this process is this. Puppies want two things treats & your attention. This is going to be crucial in the process of training your pup to stop the pulling before it starts. So, you’ve got attention to be earned and treats to be given. Let’s start training.
Introduce the leash to the puppy
The first step may seem simple. However, we want to build a relationship with the leash that is exciting and fun. Taking a stroll with your best friend is what dreams are made of (after food time of course). So, start by letting your pupper wear their leash around the house for a couple of minutes at a time. Creating an expectation that when this leash is on it means it is time to explore your surroundings will go a long way in the next couple of steps.
Make Them Come To You
Now, we have them on the leash and it is time to start the game of having them walk where you want them to walk. The way we are going to do this is by making combining our attention and treats to create the ultimate reward. Grab the leash and create a small space of separation between yourself and the puppy. Once there is a small space of separation call the puppy by using their name at first. Once the puppy walks up reward them with a small treat and by letting them know who the goodest puppy on the face of this earth is. Continue these steps until your dog is able to understand what the cue expects them to do.
*Its important to keep these sessions short. Our attention spans are short. Now, imagine experiencing the entire world for the first time. Less is more in the beginning*
Start Inside Then Go Out
This may go without saying but can be a crucial part of the process start inside. As we learned earlier everything is interesting to a puppy. I mean EVERYTHING. So, starting the first exercise inside is your best bet. It is a familiar environment that will not likely have as many distractions as the outside world. Unless the stray sock under the couch makes an appearance again. Continue practicing making them come to you while taking long walks throughout the house/apartment. Once you are able to make it comfortable. It is time to take the walk outside and see all of your hard work pay off! Remember, keep the first walks short, and if they start to pull. It is best to quickly change direction and gather their attention to make them come to you like they were doing in the house.
Now, you’ve done all that and it still is not enough? Below are them below are the perfect leashes for you.
Top 4 Dog Leashes for Pullers
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar, No-Pull Dog Collar
This leash coupled with the harness is the perfect starting place for owners who are looking for something that is as durable as it is universal. This leash comes in a variety of lengths and widths to choose from. With easy guidance on how to select your leash/harness combo. The days of being pulled and yanked are of the past.
BAAPET 2/4/5/6 FT Strong Dog Leash with Comfortable Padded Handle
The BAAPET strong dog leash comes with a comfortably padded handle to ease the aches and pains as your pup learns to not yank. This leash is made with rock climbing rope to bring durability to even the roughest of pullers. The reflectors that are imbedded within the rope themselves bring an extra layer of safety while walking day or night. This leash only comes in 5 foot length which makes this the perfect leash for training your dog and keeping it once they are trained.
lynxking Dog Leash Slip Lead and Snap Hook Leash Braided Rope
This style of leash is based on the British-style rope. This leash is an adjustable one size fits all leash. This leash is created to sit in your hand comfortably with a stretch reflex which acts as a trigger for your pup to know they need to come back. This strong and durable leash comes from a mountain climbing rope that creates a sense of security knowing that this leash can handle the wear and tear that will come through the daily walks. This leash comes with a variety of lengths and colors to best fit your needs.
Black Rhino Dog Leash
This leash comes bearing two handles. One allows for the full 6′ length of the leash to be used during a casual walk. The second handle is designed to be used as a traffic lead. The handle allows for 1ft from the clasp that is perfect for busy sidewalks, downtown areas, and any area that may create anxiousness within your dog. The comfort grip are padded with neoprene which ensures your comfort with walking your dog.
The Right One For You
The right one for you is going to be determined by where your pup is on their walking journey. Based on size and frequency of your dog will determine which of these leashes will be the best fit for you. However, regardless of which of these you choose the best leash is going to be the one that you use with frequency and intention while walking your pup.