How to use dog leash correctly

When we embark on an outdoor journey with our dogs, that seemingly ordinary dog leash actually carries the safety of our dogs and our responsibilities. The dog leash is not just a tool to restrict a dog's movement; it is also a bond that connects the emotions between us and our dogs, and an important guarantee to ensure that dogs can coexist harmoniously with others in public environments. Using a dog leash correctly is a skill that every dog lover should master, and there are many key points that we need to deeply understand and practice.

Choosing the right dog leash is the first step in using it correctly. There is a wide variety of dog leashes on the market, with different materials, lengths, and styles. For small dogs, since they are small in size and relatively weak in strength, lightweight and soft materials can be chosen, such as cotton or nylon dog leashes. These materials will not cause excessive pressure on the small dog's slender neck and have good wear resistance. In terms of length, a leash of about 1.5 to 2 meters can be selected, which can give the dog a certain amount of room to move while allowing the owner to easily control it when necessary. In terms of style, a harness-style dog leash is more suitable for small dogs. It can evenly distribute the force generated when the dog pulls, avoiding damage to the neck. For medium and large dogs, considering their stronger strength and larger amount of activity, more sturdy and durable materials need to be selected, such as leather or high-strength nylon. The length of the dog leash can be appropriately extended to 2 to 3 meters to meet their needs for a larger activity range. In terms of style, both the collar-style and harness-style dog leashes have their own advantages and disadvantages. The collar-style dog leash has stronger control, but if used improperly, it may cause damage to the dog's neck when the dog pulls hard. The harness-style dog leash can better distribute the force and reduce the harm to the dog's body, but it may be relatively less flexible when controlling the dog's turning. The owner can choose the most suitable style according to the dog's specific situation and behavior habits.

In the daily walking scenario, using the dog leash correctly is particularly important. When we take our dog out of the house, we should first fasten the dog leash for the dog, ensuring that it is firmly fastened but not too tight. It is appropriate to be able to insert two fingers. A too-tight dog leash will make the dog feel uncomfortable and even affect its breathing; a too-loose one is likely to cause the dog to break free. After fastening the dog leash, the owner should maintain a relaxed posture, with the arm hanging naturally, and let the dog leash be in a slightly loose state. The purpose of this is to let the dog feel the owner's trust during the walking process and also be able to explore the surrounding environment freely. When the dog pulls the dog leash in front, do not pull it back forcefully, because this confrontational pulling may make the dog more excited and intensify the pulling behavior. Instead, stop walking and wait for the dog to come back to you on its own. When it relaxes the dog leash, give praise and rewards, such as softly complimenting it or stroking its head. In this way, let the dog understand that it can only get the owner's approval when walking with the dog leash in a relaxed state.

In some special occasions, such as parks, streets, and other places with a large flow of people, the use of the dog leash requires even more caution. At this time, the dog leash should be appropriately shortened to keep the dog within the owner's controllable range, preventing the dog from bumping into other people or animals due to excessive excitement. When encountering other pedestrians or pets, tighten the dog leash in advance to make the dog stay close to your body and prevent the dog from showing impolite behaviors such as pouncing on people or barking. If the dog shows curiosity or excitement, soothe it softly and tell it in a gentle tone to stay quiet and polite. For example, in the park, when encountering children, tighten the dog leash and say to the dog at the same time, "Baby, be good and don't scare the children." This timely guidance and control can not only ensure the safety of others but also cultivate good behavior habits in the dog.

When the dog is in some stimulating environments, such as encountering sudden noises, strange large animals, etc., the dog leash can also give the dog a sense of security. The dog may try to run away or show aggressive behavior due to fear. At this time, the owner should hold the dog leash tightly and give the dog stable support and comfort. Send a signal to the dog through the dog leash that "the owner is by your side, don't be afraid." For example, when encountering thunder and lightning outdoors, the dog may become panicked. The owner should quickly approach the dog, squat down, gently stroke it, and at the same time hold the dog leash tightly to let the dog feel the owner's company and protection.

During the process of using the dog leash, the emotional communication between us and the dog is also deepening continuously. Every time we gently fasten the dog leash and every time we give the dog guidance and response through the dog leash, they all contain our deep love for the dog. We know that the safety and happiness of our dogs are our greatest source of happiness, and using the dog leash correctly is a specific action for us to ensure the safe travel of our dogs. When we see the dog exploring the world safely and happily under the guidance of the dog leash and getting along harmoniously with the people and the environment around it, our hearts will be filled with a sense of satisfaction. The dog leash not only standardizes the dog's behavior but also makes the relationship between us and the dog closer. On the bustling streets and in the picturesque parks, that dog leash connecting us and the dog is like a flowing emotional bond, witnessing countless beautiful moments between us and the dog. We use the dog leash in the correct way, accompany the dog through every journey, and create more warm and beautiful memories. Because every dog is an irreplaceable precious partner in our lives, and their safety and happiness are our greatest pursuit.