How do I put a slip lead on my dog?
If youre going to place a slip lead on a dog, youll want to ensure youve put it on correctly. Start by adjusting the loop so its big enough to fit over your dogs head, and make your dog aware of whats about to happen so you dont startle them.
You should place the loop of the slip lead at the top of the dogs neck behind their ears and under their jaw. Placing a slip lead lower down on the neck increases the chance of injury.
Once the leash is positioned correctly, youll need to tighten the loop by adjusting the ring or slider. You should tighten the loop so youre still able to fit 2 fingers between the leash and your dogs neck.
By placing 2 fingers underneath the collar, youll know the leash is tight enough that it wont come off but loose enough so it wont choke your dog.
When used in the right setting, a slip lead isnt necessarily cruel. However, slip leads can be harmful if used on an untrained dog. As a slip lead wont stop tightening, you could hurt your fur-baby if theyre not trained to stop pulling on a leash.
If you place a slip collar on your dog and they continue to pull, a slip lead essentially becomes a choke chain that could damage your dogs neck, throat, and spine. There have been reports of dogs getting severe whiplash from trying to run off while wearing a slip lead.
Some people misuse slip leads as a training tool to stop pups from pulling. As they pull away, theyll be choked, creating negative reinforcement, which could make your dog fearful of future walkies.
Generally, a slip lead is primarily useful when trying to move or catch a dog quickly. Most shelters, daycares, and veterinary practices advise against using slip leads due to the high potential for injury if a dog lunges suddenly.
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Slip leads are a combination of a leash and a collar in one easy-to-use design, making it the most versatile of all leads. They can also be easily turned into a head harness or a body harness with just a few small adjustments.
Slip leads are unique in that they are designed to tighten under tension and release as soon as the tension is gone. Not only are they practical and simple to use, they are also one of the most important tools in a trainer’s arsenal.
But if you haven’t learned to use a slip lead properly, it can be dangerous for you and your dog. Here is how to use a slip lead in three easy steps.
When Is It Appropriate To Use A Slip Lead?
Many people only recommend using a slip lead on adult dogs who have already been trained to walk on a leash. Puppies have not yet acquired this skill and are much more likely to jump and pull. Ideally, you should use a flat collar and a traditional leash with a clip when training a puppy to walk on a leash.
Dog trainers sometimes recommend a Martingale collar as a safer alternative to a standard slip lead or flat collar. It consists of a small loop linked to a larger loop. The larger loop goes over the dog’s head, and the leash is attached to the smaller loop.
When the dog pulls, the loop around its neck tightens only enough to prevent it from slipping out of the collar but not enough to choke it. However, these collars must not be worn when the dog is unsupervised and are not recommended for training puppies. Martingale collars are sometimes used for sighthounds and other hunting dogs.
Slip leads are not intended for everyday use in dog walking or dog training. They are used in dog shows to parade the dog around the ring for the judges. In this context, their use is brief, and the dog is not really going for a good walk.
How To Train A Young Puppy To Walk To Heel Perfectly!
Technically, you can start using one when a puppy is 8 weeks old, but we really don’t recommend it. When your dog is very young their necks are much more fragile, and so it’s better to use a standard lead and a harness to avoid putting pressure on your puppy’s neck.
That said, some people who show their dogs at shows will use a slip lead as a ‘fast’ way of getting their dog trained so that they will be ready for showing by 6 months of age. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but as a slip lead works by constricting on your dog’s neck you need to be careful.
Younger dogs don’t think twice about bolting and there is always a danger of too much pressure on the trachea or even a resulting sprain if you and your dog are very unlucky with the slip collar before your dog adjusts to it!
For the remainder of this article, we’ve gathered some popular questions about slip collars so that you can make an informed decision whether or not you should use one with your dog. Let’s take a look at what owners just like you have been asking about this popular lead option for walking and training your dog!
