How to Stop Your Dog Grabbing or Chewing the Lead

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable part of your daily routine, but dealing with a dog that grabs or chews the lead can quickly turn a pleasant walk into a frustrating experience. Understanding why your dog behaves this way and knowing how to address it effectively can save you stress, prevent damage to your leads, and keep walks more relaxed for both of you.

Why Does Your Dog Grab or Chew the Lead?

Dogs often grab at or chew the lead for various reasons. Puppies and younger dogs, especially during teething, explore their world with their mouths, making the lead an attractive target due to its texture. Retrieving breeds or dogs that love to carry objects may also find the lead irresistible.
Accepting this behaviour as a form of communication or excitement is crucial. Your dog might associate the lead with the exciting prospect of a walk and try to speed things up by grabbing it. Sometimes, the lead dangling near their mouth invites playful chewing.

Teaching your dog why grabbing or chewing the lead is not appropriate helps form the foundation for better lead manners.

Step 1: Preparation and Understanding Your Dog

Begin by identifying the specific reason your dog grabs or chews their lead. You might observe if it’s excitement, boredom, teething pain, or a desire for play.
Keep walks short initially, around 5-10 minutes, especially for puppies, and vary routes to keep their interest.
Consider your dog's breed tendencies; for instance, active retrievers often enjoy carrying things in their mouths, so providing an alternative is helpful.

Using a reputable breeder's pup or adopting an already partially trained dog can sometimes lessen these issues if proper early training has been introduced.

Step 2: Teach Calm Behaviour Before and During Lead Attachment

Never let your dog jump or grab eagerly for the lead. Instead, wait calmly before attaching it. If your dog is reactive or overexcited, pause and use calm commands until they're ready.
When your dog tries to grab or chew the lead, say a firm "no" and withhold the lead until they are quiet. Consistently reinforcing calm behaviour teaches your dog that respect wins the reward of the walk.

Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Good Lead Manners

During the walk, reward your dog with treats, praise, or a favourite toy when they walk calmly without grabbing the lead. If they start chewing, stop walking and wait patiently until the lead is released before continuing. This technique teaches your dog that grabbing the lead pauses all progress.
Carrying a favourite chew toy can divert your dog’s urge to mouth the lead into an appropriate outlet.

Step 4: Provide Alternatives and Manage Triggers

Offer your dog something safe and appealing to carry or chew during walks, such as a durable tug toy. This redirection can satisfy their natural tendencies without damaging your lead.
Be mindful of triggers like distractions or stops which might prompt lead grabbing. Planning your route to minimise these and managing social interactions helps prevent unwanted behaviour.

Step 5: Consider Equipment and Environment Adjustments

Using a back-clip harness keeps the lead away from your dog's mouth and reduces opportunities for grabbing. When not in use, keep leads out of your dog’s reach and sight to avoid temptation.
For dogs prone to chewing, applying a safe deterrent spray like bitter apple can make the lead less appealing but always test to ensure it doesn’t cause stress.

Conclusion: Consistency and Patience Are Key

Dealing with a dog that grabs or chews their lead requires patience, understanding, and consistent training. By combining calm handling, positive reinforcement, offering alternatives, managing environmental triggers, and using appropriate equipment, you can nurture better lead manners. This not only makes walks more enjoyable but also reinforces your bond, ensuring safe and happy outings together.