Before I posted this question, I did a search for "chewing on leash", etc. but didn't find anything. So, if this question has already been answered, forgive me. Please point me in the right direction
OK. I have an 18 week old GSD male puppy that has a habit of chewing on the leash whenever it's on him. He even carries the leash and almost walks himself when we go for walks. I'd like to stop this behavior but aren't really sure how to go about it. I try to correct him by snapping the leash and saying no, but honestly, he just plays tug of war with me then. Sometimes I'll grab his scruff and give him a stern NO, but that doesn't really phase him either...I don't think he's connecting the NO and the leash chewing together.
It doesn't matter what type of leash either. Leather, nylong, cotton, he loves them all! Is there anything I can do to break this habit?
No I haven't tried that My fear is that he's been doing this since I first got him at 8 weeks and now he gets so excited when he sees the leash because he knows it's chew time, that he won't care about having a ball in his mouth. I will definitely try that today and see how that works. Thank you.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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Like Carol said, give him something else for the time being. When he learns to out it won't be that big of a deal. Some may not agree but I let my dog play tug with the leash. I imagine it could lead to some kinda bad habits with different dogs but I havent had any problems. How is he with food? If he is focused on food/treats while walking it could make the leash less attractive.
When we're training together, he doesn't even seem to notice the leash. He's focused on me and what we're doing (and the treats help a lot too I'm sure). However, once I put that leash on and I don't have my treat bag with me, he know's it's open season on anything attached to his neck. I'd like to be able to walk him without having to trick him into not chewing his leash by offering him food, but at this point, I'll try anything to break the habit.
I should mention that he's now 18 weeks old and has been behaving like this since he was 8 weeks.
steve strom Webboard User Reg: 03-17-2006
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You could try a drag line while your working with him, maybe he'll forget about it when you arent holding it up. One mans trick is another's great technique.
Carol Boche Webboard User Reg: 10-30-2005
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He is still VERY much a pup at 18 weeks....I would carry a treat bag with you at all times when he is with you.
This way you can reinforce the behaviors you want and not reward the behaviors you do not want.
If you are walking or working with him and he spits the leash out, that is an instant "YES" and a treat...he will soon learn that not biting or chewing the lead is what you want from him......
Heck, my youngest dog is 11 months and I still have treats in my pockets.....don't use them near as much, but they are there.
Until The Tale of the Lioness is told, the Story will Always Glorfy the Hunter
I will start carrying treats at all times. I went home for lunch today and tried offering him a ball instead of the leash, and as I suspected, he was all about the leash instead He took the ball for a second, then spit it out and went right back at playing with the leash.
I'll try treats tonight. Thanks for the suggestion.
I used bitter apple to keep the leash out of my pups mouth..... but only after the 4th or 5th leash he had chewed in half.
Mine is 11 months as well and I still have treats in my pocket, and by both doors and in the living room LOL.
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Stopping My GSD Puppy From Chewing His Leash
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