sandgrubber Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 Everybody talks about loose lead. Is that a figure of speech, indicating no pull, or is it really best for leads to be loose -- that is, to sag in the middle or drag on the ground? I walk my four together on 1.8 m leads. My preference, which they mostly observe, is for the leash to be taught without pulling. I guess I got into this with tracking, where a taught lead allows better communication with the dog. If the leads really go slack, I have a lot more trouble with feet getting tangled and I feel that I have less control. One, in particular, occasionally pulls for a meter or two when there's a smelly treat by the side of the road (eg kitty cruncher), but I correct her with the lead when this happens . . . she doesn't like correction and mostly resists the urge. Is there something wrong with taught leads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ness Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 SG I have to say I am a bit like you. I prefer my girls to walk at the ends of their lead. I don't like having them pull my arm off but tension on the lead is fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 As long as there is no pressure on the lead and I could hold it with 1 finger I don't care how loose the lead is. This is for normal walking. When the leads are loopy the dogs always seem to get their legs over it, which is annoying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lab lady Posted March 5, 2009 Share Posted March 5, 2009 i feel as long as the dog is not pulling then that's ok. i also walk more than one at a time and prefer longer leads so they are able to have a sniff along the way, rarely do they pull and they back off as soon as there is pressure on their collars, so for me i consider it loose lead walking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keshwar Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 (edited) I consider loose lead walking to be anytime my dogs aren't physically pulling on the lead. Being at the end of the lead is fine. Like JulesP said if I can hold them on one finger then they are loose lead walking. Bear. Edited to change are to aren't. Edited March 6, 2009 by FaxonandBear Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erny Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 Everybody talks about loose lead. Is that a figure of speech, indicating no pull, or is it really best for leads to be loose -- that is, to sag in the middle or drag on the ground? Not a figure of speech. I aim for just a soft loop in the lead without it also being in the way for either myself or the dog I'm handling to trip over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poochmad Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 For someone who has been dealing with a dog pulling so much it's painful for your arm socket and not enjoyable at all, having him walk on a loose lead is an absolute gem! :rolleyes: (At last it seems to be sinking in.) I like to have a little lag in the lead only because he 'tests' the tension and if I don't watch what he's doing he quickly ends up pulling before it's realised. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tilly Posted March 6, 2009 Share Posted March 6, 2009 When my boy is walking normally he is expected to be to my immediate left - basically touching my side. When he is "released" for a casual stroll and to sniff, toilet etc - he is allowed to the end of the leash but definately no pulling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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