Dog Training Tools, Leashes

A leash, or lead, gives you the ability to direct your dog without grabbing for him. It is a calm way to teach him and its use will give friends and family a way to be consistent without physically handling him. Many leashes are available to you. The following descriptions tell you which leash is best to use in a given situation.

INDOOR DRAG LEAD
There are two drag leads that will help you teach your dog good manners and train him to respond to you. An indoor drag lead is a four-foot leash that attaches to your dog’s buckle/tag collar or his Gentle Leader. You use it when advised to interrupt problem behavior calmly. It prevents you from having to chase or jump at your dog in order to catch him.

OUTDOOR DRAG LEAD
An outdoor drag lead is a twenty-five- to fifty-foot rope that attaches to your dog’s buckle or tag collar. It enables distant corrections to problem behavior and aids you in teaching off-lead obedience. Purchase or make the lightest possible line so that it won’t interfere with your dog’s activities. A light cotton-nylon mesh is ideal: twenty-five feet for dogs under thirty pounds and fifty feet for large and fast-moving breeds.

This long line is an ideal tool for working on distance control, especially with the WAIT-OK, DOWN, and COME commands.

HAND LEAD
When secured to your dog’s buckle collar, this short eight to twelve-inch leash reminds him that somebody is watching, while still giving him freedom to move about. A gentle reminder, the short attachment gives you the capacity to guide him subtly when his thoughts go astray. It can also be used for off-leash training exercises or secured to a seatbelt as a security system in the car.

FINGER LEAD
Like a hand lead, this short two-inch loop attached to your dog’s tag collar gives you easy access and quick control, especially for problem nipping and jumping.

RETRACTABLE LEASH
This leash is an ideal complement to working toward off-leash control and focus (see chapter 7). Once you accustom your dog to the pull of the retractable lead, it is ideal for reinforcing long-distance STAY and COME commands.

STATION LINE
This six- to ten-foot lead has a clip attached to either end. To use it outside, secure it to a tree or post and work on controlling your dog at a distance or helping him overcome separation anxiety.