Walking an unrestrained dog on a leash can be an effective way to respect your four-legged friend's freedom and need for exercise while you remain in control.
Why use the towline?
Not all dogs naturally have reliable recall ability, especially when they are distracted or reacting to stimuli in their environment. This is where the towline comes into play. It allows your dog to move and explore freely while you still have control over him.
Tips for training with a towline:
-
Choose the right leash: Make sure to use a high-quality towing leash that fits comfortably in the hand and is long enough to give your dog enough freedom of movement.
-
Attach the tow leash correctly: Attach the tow leash to a well-fitting harness instead of a collar to avoid pressure on your dog's neck.
-
Training in a safe environment: Begin training in a fenced area or a safe, gated area to minimize distractions.
-
Master basic obedience: Make sure your dog has mastered basic commands like “here,” “sit,” and “down” before using the leash.
-
Safety first: Always keep the leash loose and do not let it wrap around obstacles or trees to avoid injury.
-
Watch your dog: Pay attention to your dog's body language and be ready to intervene if necessary. If you see him reacting to something or getting into a dangerous situation, you can easily control him.
-
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog regularly for following commands and good behavior to reinforce training.
-
Patience and Practice: Training with a towline requires patience and practice. Practice regularly and gradually increase the distractions and challenges.
When is the towline not suitable?
It is important to note that the towline is not suitable in all situations. Avoid walking your dog on a leash in high-traffic areas or near traffic routes. In such environments, your dog should be kept on a short leash or harness.
Walking an unrestrained dog on a drag leash takes time and commitment, but it can be a rewarding way to provide your dog with freedom and exercise while maintaining control. With patience, positive reinforcement, and safety-conscious behavior, this method can result in a happy and well-behaved dog.
