The dog’s behaviour can be influenced by how its leash is handled during walks
Which leash is the best for the dog? How should it be handled so that the dog is comfortable? This article offers the keys to know which leash is recommended to educate the dog well and, above all, which are not. Information is also provided on the different types of canine collars and harnesses (leather collars, nylon, with buckle, with click, chains, choke collar, spike collar, chest harnesses, anti-escape, anti-pull, etc.), as well as tricks so that the dog does not pull on the leash .
Dog leashes, which one to choose?
In animal supply stores there are countless types of leashes: nylon, leather, chain, extendable, short, long, with different positions, double (for two dogs), etc. Except for very special cases, and as long as a professional justifies otherwise, the best way to walk with a dog will always be with a multi-position leash of approximately two meters, which is shortened and lengthened using its rings, either nylon or leather. and with a comfortable and padded buckle harness or collar , as they are safer than click ones.
Among the different types of harnesses that are marketed, it is advisable to consult with a professional which one is best for the animal, since with some it is possible that the dog pulls less on the leash than with others.
Choking collars , spiked collars , or extendable straps are not recommended , much less combining both options. Keep in mind the following: a choke or spiked collar hurts the dog every time it pulls on the leash and an extendable leash only allows it to move forward by pulling it. Need more comment on this horrible combination?
What information is transmitted to the dog on the leash?
Another reason why extensible leashes are not advisable is because they do not allow positive information to be transmitted to the dog. And it is that through the strap you can transmit a lot of information. The way you do it will be a very important point in most of the reactions you have when walking down the street. Many of the times when a dog misbehaves on a walk, he is receiving negative information from his owner through the leash.
What information is transmitted to the dog on the leash? Nerves, rush, anger, but also relaxation, peace and confidence. When you walk with your four-legged friend you tend to continue with the attitude you have at that time, even if it is bad or very bad. What does this mean? It means that if you are late for work, the dog may be given numerous tugs so that it does not entertain itself sniffing that corner that attracts so much attention. If that day has been discussed with someone, the safest thing is that the animal takes a scream in the street with the consequent tug of the leash … And so with all the different negative moods that can be experienced.
When you walk with the dog and it is believed that he may not get along with another dog that approaches, it tends to tighten its leash in order to have him “well held” in case it decides to attack. But the only thing that is achieved with this action is to turn the strap into a precursor of a possible attack , especially if this tension is accompanied by pain, such as the one you might feel if you were also wearing a suffocation or punishment collar.
The extendable leashes also transmit negative information to the dog, since all they perceive are dry braking, jerking and the sensation of having to pull on a rope to move forward.
How to convey positive information to the dog?
Once you have chosen a leash suitable for happy walks, you should always try to wear it as long as possible, as long as this cannot be a danger to the dog or passers-by on the street. The most important thing is that there is never tension on the belt, that it is always loose and in a “U” shape. It is very important to maintain this position not only when crossing with dogs, but also when doing it with children, cars, bicycles or anything else that may scare the dog. In this way you will perceive that you are calm and that there is nothing to fear. If the dog has to be stopped because it has a confrontation with another, is going to eat something off the ground or jump on top of someone, it will be done by holding the leash firmly without jerking dry, shortening it in a calm way, as long as the situation allows it.
Quality walks, quiet dogs at home
During the walks, it is very important to let them sniff, greet dogs and people , go at its own pace and thus take a quality walk according to its needs.