How to Prevent a Puppy From Chewing on The Leash

There are many reasons for a puppy to chew on its leash, including youthful high spirits and playfulness, a need for attention and teething discomfort. Leash-biting can also be a sign that your adolescent dog is testing your boundaries and trying to assert its dominance--after all, the leash is an extension of your hand. Whether its motives are innocent high spirits or a challenge to your authority, your puppy needs to be taught not to chew its leash. Fortunately, there are things you can do to gently, but firmly, discourage your puppy from this behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Bite-sized treats
  • Puppy toy
  • Bitter apple spray (optional)
  • Chain-link leash (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Shorten up on the leash to avoid slack, and watch your puppy carefully as you walk. The minute it goes to bite the leash, say "Ah! Ah!" in a sharp tone of voice. If your puppy reconsiders grabbing the leash, give it a treat that you have concealed until now in your pocket.

    • 2

      Teach your puppy the "Drop it" command, also known as the "Release" or "Leave it" command, like this: give your puppy a toy to hold in its mouth, then offer it a favorite treat with the other hand, and say "Drop it" as the puppy relinquishes the toy for the treat. Praise your puppy lavishly.

    • 3

      Work with your puppy on "Drop it" for five minutes, three times a day. When your puppy has mastered this command, it should willingly drop the leash. Praise your puppy when it does so. Never tug back if your puppy should backslide briefly and gets the leash in its jaws, as this creates that pulling, tug-of-war sensation that dogs find so rewarding, and only serves to reinforce the undesirable behavior.

    • 4

      Stop the walk the instant your puppy grabs the leash in its jaws. Say "Drop it" and immediately make him "Sit" and "Stay." If he knows "Down," have him do that, too. Don't resume the walk until the puppy is sitting nicely for at least a few minutes. Grabbing the leash will lose its appeal once the puppy knows that not only will it be made to drop the leash the minute it starts mouthing it, but that the exciting forward momentum of the walk will come to a halt as well.

    • 5

      Spray the leash with bitter apple to make it less appealing to chew on. This harmless, non-toxic spray is usually extremely distasteful to dogs.

    • 6

      Switch your soft nylon or chewy leather leash for a chain-link type lead if your puppy is still reluctant to abandon its leash-biting. The metal will not feel as satisfying on its teeth.

    • 7

      Keep the leash in a place your puppy can't reach--preferably hanging on a hook behind a closed door--and return it there the minute you are finished your walk.

    • 8

      Make plenty of time to play with your puppy to help it burn off excess energy and to strengthen the bond between you. Avoid wrestling and tug-of-war; cooperative games--such as learning tricks or fetching a ball and bringing it back--are a better choice.