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As dog owners, we love taking our canine friends out for walks. It’s a great way for both us and our pets to get exercise and enjoy the fresh air. However, the way we handle our dog’s leash can greatly influence the quality of these walks. Are you potentially holding your dog’s leash wrong? Let’s delve into the basics of leash handling and address some of the most common queries that dog owners have.
What Hand Do You Hold Dog Leash?
Traditionally, the dog leash is held in the right hand while the left hand is free to gesture or offer commands. However, it may depend on your dog’s training and your comfort level. In many professional dog training circles, the leash is held in the left hand as dogs are typically trained to walk on the person’s left side. This convention stems from hunting and herding traditions where the dog was trained to be on the left, freeing up the right hand of the handler for other tasks.
Which Side Do You Hold a Leash?
As mentioned earlier, traditionally, dogs are walked on the left side of their handler. But, in casual settings, it’s more important that your dog is well-behaved and responsive to your commands, irrespective of the side they’re walking on.
How Do You Hold a Big Dog on a Leash?
For large dogs, it’s recommended to use both hands to maintain control, especially if they have a tendency to pull or become overly excited. Use your dominant hand to hold the leash closer to the collar for better control, while the other hand holds further down the leash.
Why Do You Hold a Leash in Your Left Hand?
Holding a leash in your left hand frees up your dominant hand (if you’re right-handed) for other tasks like giving hand signals, holding items, or opening doors. It also aligns with traditional dog training practices where dogs are taught to stay on their handler’s left side.
Should You Yank Your Dog’s Leash?
In most instances, yanking your dog’s leash is not recommended as it can cause physical harm and instill fear in your dog. It’s much more beneficial to focus on positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
What is Leash Etiquette?
Leash etiquette involves a set of guidelines that ensure a comfortable and safe walk for you, your dog, and others around you. This includes keeping your dog close to you, maintaining control over their movements, and being respectful to other pedestrians and animals you encounter. For more tips, check out our post on 20 Tips to Help a Leash Reactive Dog.
Should You Approach a Dog Palm Up or Down?
When meeting a new dog, it’s usually best to approach with your palm up, fingers curled inwards. This is a non-threatening gesture that allows the dog to sniff and get used to your scent before any physical contact is made.
What is the Correct Way to Pick Up and Hold a Dog?
Always support a dog’s bottom and chest when picking them up, especially for small dogs. For larger dogs, avoid lifting them unless absolutely necessary due to potential injury for both of you.
Why Do Dogs Put Leash in Mouth?
Some dogs might put their leash in their mouth as a sign of excitement, boredom, teething (for puppies), or wanting control of the walk. If this behavior becomes excessive, it might be worth investing in training to redirect this habit.
Understanding and mastering the proper way to handle your dog’s leash can make your walks more enjoyable and safe. For additional resources, check out our reviews on the top dog treadmills, pet collar trackers, and the best dog collars for training to walk.