The Leash: More Than a Tool, it's a Language
- Genna Rittenhouse
- Sep 2
- 5 min read
The leash. The most basic tool of canine ownership... and yet many don't understand the true importance of it: it's communication. People misuse, or fail to use, this incredibly important piece of equipment. Because at it's most basic explanation, it is an extension of your arm. And therefore, an extension of all your energy. Your leash helps establish a means of communicating with your dog in a way that the both of you can speak to your dog when excitement arises, during training, giving more freedom, or for general management...
And yet so many owners fail to realize that using a leash whenever and wherever you may need to is perfectly acceptable. In fact, I could not beg you more to use a leash whenever your communication is unclear.
Using the Leash Beyond Walks
When one thinks of a leash, it's often just another "dog object" only really used for walks or on general public outings. A means of control to keep your dog from lunging at that squirrel or to keep her from running up to the neighbor kids in the next yard. But a leash is far more than just keeping your dog 4 to 6 feet away from you.
A leash provides clarity.
This fact therefore means this: it's perfectly okay to use a leash in any necessary moment outside of just the walk. A leash is a tool that guides your dog into behaviors so you can reinforce those you like. It helps to break down a command if a dog is failing to understand or is becoming confused. Because any dog can become disinterested in food, and if that food lure is no longer alluring, you have your leash to gently guide your dog into the requested command to clarify.
Anytime your dog needs a little extra guidance or when your own energy feels unclear—clip the leash on. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that your dog isn’t trained. It means you’re choosing clear communication in the moment. This kind of positive reaction to real time situations means you are applying your leadership in the moment -- therefore, making this life lesson or future command really stick. Clarity is kindness, and the leash can provide the clearest of direction.
Yes, It Matters What You Use
As this extension of your arm and of your energies, a leash is an important tool in your training kit and therefore, your choice of lead does matter. My personal go-to is a good quality leather leash for training and walking. Bridgeport K9 Equipment has some of my favorite leashes and slip-leads. They break in like old baseball gloves, and are heaven on the hands!
Every dog owner should have three leashes for three separate and important uses:
Inside Lead (2-4 feet): for managing behaviors inside the house, and especially great for puppies, adolescent dogs, and new additions. This leash doesn't have to be expensive, in fact, it shouldn't! Your puppy or dog will definitely chew on it, but will become desensitized overtime. It shouldn't be too long so as to not get caught on furniture.
Walking & Training Lead (4-6 feet): your go-to out in the world leash. You want to take into consideration your dog's size and age when choosing a leash. Small dogs and puppies should have lighter leashes with smaller clips, and you probably don't want to introduce your nice leather lead to a teething puppy. Heavy buckles can create unnecessary pressure due to weight and muddy your technique.
Long Line/Check Cord (15-20 feet): the ultimate tool to begin an off-leash life, a check cord allows your dog space away from you to practice distance and distraction recall drills. Building trust in a solid Come command is important, and your long line will always be your first line of communication. Biothane leashes are an excellent and durable choice.
There are countless options of leashes, but function over fashion or fads is what your dog really needs. Avoid retractable leashes, as they fail to provide a consistent communication to your dog. Bungee leashes also fail to communicate to your dog because they absorb all the pressure you need to use the tool (although once a dog is trained it can be an option for things like running or hiking). Certain rope leashes also have a tendency to have too much give to them for a clear cue, and those with the padded handles are more bulky than helpful or ergonomic.
Holding Your Leash
And, yes. There is a right and a wrong way to hold your leash as well. Because you need to be fluid in your release of pressure and in your allowance of distance from you, knowing how to confidently master leash and handling skills is your main goal.
You want to first be balanced in your leash holding. I like to loop a right thumb through the handle, gather the excess in that same hand, so I don't have the leash like a jump rope around my knees. I then place my left hand with my dog on that side approximately 2-3 feet away from the clip. This gives my dog plenty of room to walk with me, but I have the say in how much leash I want my dog to have. You do not want to wrap your hand in the lead in an attempt to "have control."
Your dog will sense any extra tension in the leash -- so relax. Big deep breath, shaking out the shoulders and bringing your arms down by your side. You're walking with your dog. So walk naturally.
When you begin to deeply understand the power of the leash, you view this tool as a form of energetic communication, not just simply a means of control. It's an entire conversation with your dog, one that provides guidance and connection so your dog feels safe and secure in your leadership. And this is what every dog truly wants.
Why Is Technique So Important?
It's not only just in how you hold your leash, it's what you do with it in your hands. The pressure that you use in your cues on lead is an energetic open-book to your emotions. When you use your lead to guide, the amount of physical force needed should always be as light as possible. If you need to give a slightly firmer "shoulder tap" it should immediately stop the moment your dog gets the hint. It is the power of the verbal cue and your relationship doing the real training, your leash is your gateway to it.
Every cue of your lead should be an instant tap and release, focusing more so on your release than the actual pressure on the leash. When doing so, you put a higher emphasis on zero leash pressure versus the preemptive "please don't" constant tension we often have a habit of doing.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
This kind of information is just the tiniest fraction of what you'll learn in my Canine Coaching Packages. If you're ready to build confidence in yourself and your dog, and you are tired of being dragged around like you're racing the Iditarod, schedule your coaching consultation call with me today so you can begin deepening that beautiful relationship with canines we all desire.
Because this is more than just dog training. It's educating owners to learn and love their dogs through their language for a more organic and well-behaved lifestyle.
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