Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue

We adopted a pup a few weeks ago, she's working out great. One behavior that we're not sure how to correct is biting the leash. (there are lots of other interesting behaviors, but those show improvement!).

Yes, it's when she's in a feisty mood, or when we're trying to get her to come along and she doesn't want to, but it gets worse when we correct her, which makes me think we're not doing it right. We stop, correct ("NO!" "NO LEASH!" "BAD GIRL!" "STOP!") and move along when she stops - starts right up. If you tug she growls - probably figures you're playing. I've tried slapping her under the chin, but that didn't really do anything. The growling seems like more than playing to me, although she's not an agressive dog.

We could just "deal" as she is getting a little better now that we're not turning it into a battle, but it makes taking her on a walk difficult - and she needs to go on walks!

She's on a plain old flat collar/leash, and I did read a lot of the threads on different types of collars, although I'm not sure I understand what might be best. But tugging and leash biting are different problems - although the combination has led to the destruction of one leash already!

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

You are on the right track, leash biting is not ok…it turns into a real pita and can eventually lead to replacing lots of leads!

When I am walking a dog who wants to grab the leash, I tug the leash out of their mouth, growl NO! and keep walking. When I am being still with the dog and it is an issue, I still growl NO! but then I redirect by giving them something else to do, be it sit, down, paw….Another trick when you are still is to loop the leash under your foot so there is no slack in the leash.

I personally NEVER allow my dogs to mouth, pull on, or tug a leash as I feel strongly it leads to bad habits. There are some sport venues that allow it and encourage it, I think this is best done when it is taught on command, that way you are always in control and the dog must wait for permission to tug.

The key for you is correction and redirection. That, along with consistency and firmness on your part will fix the problem.

Hope that helps.

Sarah

Sarah Ruckelshaus
Executive Director
Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue