A leash is a dog's stable. It is great for training but also an important safety tool for you, your dog, and others around you. Chasing after a loose dog is my worst fear when taking my dog out.
But what if your golden retriever likes to chew their leash?
In this article I will be going over what to look for in a durable leash, the best leashes for chewers, and how to get your dog to stop chewing on their leash in the first place.
Let's get started...
A leash is usually a simple cord with a hook on one end and loop handle that attaches to your dog's harness or collar. Even though it is simple in function, leashes come in a wide variety.
They come in a variety of materials, colors, finishes, and lengths. With all the options that are out there, a quality dog leash is important for heavy chewers who like to chew on their leash.
Things to look for in a durable leash
Materials and Hardware
The best materials for the leash are metal cable, multilayered nylon, rope, and multi woven materials.
Thicker materials will be more sturdy than thinner materials. Nylon is a very strong standard material. Woven cables and metals are also hard to chew through and break.
Not only is the leash material important but so is the hardware. The leash is as strong as its weakest link which is how the leash is attached to the clips.
Is the clip also easy to use? Most owners find that claw clips are the easiest to put on and off in day-to-day use.
Seams and Joints
If your dog likes to pull and chew, you have to make sure to find a leash that is not only made of heavy duty materials but that also is attached together well.
Pay special attention to where the clip is connected to the leash. Is it sewn? Welded? Or glued? Is that material easy to chew apart?
Glued items are easy for heavy chewers to rip apart. A lot of dog owners have found that rope leashes that are glued together at the loops come apart quite easily. A lot of times the cover over handles are decorative and some owners have found that they come apart easily as well.
Reflective stitching or Neon
Most modern leashes have one of the two features or both. This helps improve visibility to passing cars on night outings or walks.
While it's nice to have the extra visibility, it does very little good if it falls off or is easily chewed apart. Be sure the material is connected well.
Comfortable Leash Handle
Leash handles should be comfortable, easy to wear, and sturdy. Most owners favor padding on the handles for easy wear and use.
This 6 feet long leash is a durable leash that has reflective stitching and padded comfort. The leash is 2x thicker than any other leash.
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This padded leash is great for running and walking and is great for medium to large dogs. Comes with a storage bag, the nylon rope
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A US company, Might Paw is comfortable and sturdy cable leash that also works as a tie out when needed.
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Made with braided nylon, the heavy duty rope leash has an additional elastic bungee to offset pulling.
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Made of strong webbing and has an heavy duty clip. It's made of Tubelok webbing and 6 feet in length. The Ruffwear Tubelok webbing is hard to chew and break.
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Argon and welded and chrome plated chain, this is a dog leash that will not break with a comfortable woven handle.
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Why do dogs chew their leashes?
Dogs are curious.
Dogs explore the world through their mouths and often will explore objects by chewing on them. Nylon leashes have a unique texture which feels good or interesting on their gums or teeth. If they are not offered an alternative item to chew on when they start chewing on their leash, then they may start treating their leash as a chew toy.
Dogs can get bored
A typical dog can spend a large part of their day home, alone waiting for their favorite people to come home. When bored or finding a way to play, a dog may consider mouthing or tugging at their leash when out for a walk. This can be challenging when trying to go for a walk. A good option is try to play tug-of-war with your dog, redirecting the tugging to an appropriate option and toy for play.
Some Dogs get Anxious
Destructive behavior can sometimes be caused by anxiety. Dogs may sometimes chew things around them as a coping method to release their frustration or energy. It's a way of soothing themselves. They may be triggered by their leash, loud sounds, or certain objects.
Prevent leash chewing
A good way to get your dog to stop chewing their leash is to train them starting indoors.
When training your dog you want to decide what you want your pup to do, prevent the reward of the behavior you want to stop, and then reward for the behavior you want
In this case, it's helpful to start practicing indoors. Also introduce a toy that is ok to tug and chew on. Get a long toy that is great for tug-of-war. The goal is to teach your dog that this dedicated object is ok to chew on and tug.
Start training indoors or in an enclose yard:
Work on encouraging good behavior. If your dog bites the leash, immediately drop the leash and gently hold them by their collar and harness.
Stay still, and wait for them to drop the leash. Once they drop the leash, go and praise and treat. This is removing the reward for your dog who likes to play tug-o-war with you.
Once your dog is able to go a bit without biting the leash, practice indoors with their leash on and reward them with treats when they don't bite, tug, or chew on their leash. Eventually transition and train in public and in the streets.
