The True Purpose of Slip Leads: What Every Australian Dog Owner Should Know
Understanding the Slip Lead
Did you know slip leads were originally designed to transport working dogs a short distance on shoot days?
Working dogs don’t wear collars while working because a collar can get snagged in fields and hedges.
Despite this, the slip lead has become popular and misunderstood for its intended use, particularly in dog training.
Misuse in Dog Training
Some dog trainers recommend slip leads to correct dogs and teach them how to walk on a lead.
We should keep in mind this is not their intended purpose and they should never be used this way.
Slip leads are often marketed as “comfortable” and “suitable for puppies,” but using one on a puppy with no lead training is inappropriate and often harsh.
Educating Dog Owners
I’m not here to dictate what you can and can’t use on your dog. Instead, I aim to provide accurate information so you can make an informed decision about your dog’s equipment and how you train them.
Science has shown our dogs learn better through positive reinforcement, and experience has taught me this is by far the path of least resistance.
Correcting a dog after it makes a mistake does not effectively teach them, and leaves us frustrated – you don’t want that, do you?
Negative Impact of Slip Leads
A slip lead tightens with the slightest movement, creating a negative experience for your dog, whether they’re lunging at another dog or just sniffing the ground.
This can damage the trust and relationship between you and your dog, making your dog anxious about every move they make.
Responsible Use of Slip Leads
If you’ve read this far you may be surprised to learn I do own slip leads, and they go everywhere with me for safety.
However, they are not used on my dogs unless absolutely necessary.
Here are some reasons why I use a slip lead:
- Emergency control in unforeseen situations.
- Temporary restraint if no other options are available.
That’s it.
In summary, while slip leads can be useful in specific scenarios, they should not be used as a primary training tool.
Understanding their true purpose helps ensure a better, more positive relationship with your dog.
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