How You Hold The Leash Matters

Properly holding a leash is important for ensuring both your safety and that of your pet. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Choose the Right Leash

• Make sure you have a leash that is appropriate for your dog's size and breed. My personal preference is a sturdy leather leash for a comfortable and firm grip. Avoid leashes with a bungee feature or with padded handles. Classic nylon leashes can also be extremely uncomfortable if your dog pulls.

2. Grip the Leash: 

• Hold the handle of the leash firmly in one hand (usually your dominant hand) with the leash coiled up like a hose OR if your dog pulls or lunges, get comfortable using two hands to hold the leash.

• Do not wrap the leash around your wrist. Instead, speak to your trainer about the grips you can use that will be comfortable to you - these will vary based on your hand strength, physical ability and your dogs behavior on leash.

3. Maintain a Comfortable Length: 

•  Keep some slack in the leash but avoid letting it hang too loose. When in a structured heel position, you want enough slack to communicate with your dog without giving them too much freedom to pull out in front of you.

• If your dog tends to pull, consider holding the leash closer to the collar or harness, allowing for better control.

4. Use Your Other Hand: 

•  You can use your other hand to manage any additional length of the leash. This can help prevent tangles and keep you in control, especially if your dog tends to pull or dart.

• If your dog pulls/lunges, use both your “anchor hand” and your “fine tuning” hand. The anchor hand is typically the hand opposite the side your dog is walking on. So if your dog is on the left, your anchor hand will be your right hand and your leverage hand will be the left. 

5. Stay Alert: 

• Keep your hand steady and be aware of your surroundings. This will help you respond quickly if your dog sees something that excites them.

6. Practice Good Posture: 

• Walking confidently with good posture and body language will show your dog that you’re capable of handling any situation that occurs during the walk. If you’re slouched, on your phone, or tired, your dog will notice the weakness and is more likely to take control of the walk. Your confident energy is more important than you think!

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for better balance and stability while walking your dog. Keep your head facing forward rather than only focusing on your dog the whole time.

7. Adjust as Necessary: 

• Be prepared to adjust your grip or the length of the leash as needed, especially if you encounter distractions or if your dog pulls.

By following these steps, you can maintain control over your dog while ensuring a safe walking experience for both of you and anyone you might pass by. Work with a trainer to learn how to become more confident handling your leash so you may feel comfortable taking your dog just about anywhere!