February 16th, 2025

Leashes: A Line of Communication

I think leashes are one of the most important tools in dog training, so let’s talk about how I use them and what they mean to me.

Puppy Boston exhausted sleeping on a leash.

A leash is a communication tool and the only one I attach directly to my dog. It’s a "direct line" of communication between us.

My dogs can feel my emotions through the leash, and so can yours. Are you tense? How hard are you gripping the leash? What are you communicating?

With my leash, I create a structured circle of safety. Inside this circle, my dog is free within clear rules: no pulling, no eating bad things, no digging, no leash chewing. Within this space, I ensure my dog is safe.

Once my dog understands this structure, I gradually expand the circle, reinforcing the same exact rules.

This approach to leash training instills confidence and showing my dog they can navigate the world without making mistakes.

Happy Training!

Addi and her dogs