When should you use a slip lead?

Should I use a slip leash with my dog?

There are many ways to train and walk your dog. At the end of the day, a dog will be a loving companion that you will most likely want to spend lots and lots of time with!

We offer a range of slip leads and some people out there may not be familiar with this type of lead...we certainly weren't when we took Charlie to puppy school!

Slip leads can be quite a polarising topic in the dog training world and whether you are for or against slip leads we thought it might be helpful to put together some pros and cons for slip leads to help you make your own decision when it comes to the type of training you want to use with your dog.

Whether you hope to have a perfectly trained dog that can almost read your mind or if you're happy with an absolute wrecking ball of a dog who smashes their way into your heart, and everything in between, we hope the below points give you some idea of whether a slip lead may be the answer for you. Read on fellow dog lover!

When to use a slip lead

A slip lead can be a great tool to help train your dog to walk with you the way you find most enjoyable. Because the nylon rope on most slip leads easily tightens and loosens it is a great way to quickly give your dog a correction and then continue on with your walking.

Being a completely different lead to your standard lead or harness means that if you use the slip lead purely for training your dog will know when its time for a normal walk or if it's time for training

Putting the slip lead on literally means passing the loop over your pooch's head it means that it is really easy to slip it on while they are in the car! You can then get your dog out of your car with more confidence that they won't do a runner!

Many trainers advise that the slip lead should ride quite high on your dog's neck to limit hurting your pooch while training. A rope slip lead is light and won't catch or get stuck like a choker chain might.

When NOT to use a slip lead

By its nature a slip lead poses a strangulation risk so they should only ever be used under constant supervision. Your dog should NEVER be secured to anything while in a slip lead.

If your dog thrashes around and gets panicked with being on a lead in general then a slip wouldn't be ideal as there is a higher risk of injury if your dog struggles constantly against the slip lead. Slip leads are intended to offer short, fast corrections, not to be held in a constricted manner against your dog's neck, which will happen if they struggle against you for long periods.

If, after a short time, despite your best efforts with the slip lead, your furry friend just won't stop tugging and the slip lead is on constant tension, then it's time to find another method. If the loop is persistently tight around your dogs neck, it could cause an injury.

Whether or not you choose to use a slip lead with your dog, it should always be just one part of the training journey you embark on with your dog. We recommend only ever using one under the guidance of a qualified dog trainer to ensure you are using it in the safest and most effective way. It is important to include also positive reinforcement techniques in addition to any corrective techniques. We all want to have a happy and enjoyable life with our dogs and slip leads can offer one avenue to achieving this!

Happy walking!

P.S. Shameless plug...If you think a slip lead is for you, check out our collection of beautiful (we think!) slip leads here.