Put the dog on the lead or not?

The lead is also there to caringly create a bond between human and dog. However, it should by no means be used to reprimand the dog or to yank it about uncontrollably. On the other hand, it is of course not a means to hold on to and to let yourself be dragged around by your dog either.

Does the dog accept the lead as part of its everyday life

Many owners believe that the dog might hold it against them if they want to put it on the lead. For example, when it is playing with other dogs. They think the animal experiences it as negative when it can no longer romp around freely. Experts in animal psychology, however, see this as an example of how much we unconsciously humanise dogs. In truth, we ourselves associate a lack of freedom with the lead. In a good relationship between human and dog, the animal does not mind at all walking beside its human on the lead. On the contrary, it often even enjoys it, since it is in its nature to follow us caringly.

Making the decision for or against the lead with care

This should actually not be an issue at all, since most dogs live in an environment where they at least have to walk on the lead some of the time anyway. That is why it is a sensible approach to make every four-legged friend caringly familiar with it from the very start. Then it represents something completely normal for the dog. Many people think a dog only feels good when it can walk beside them without a lead. However, being off the lead by no means automatically means freedom.

Well-trained dogs that can be called back at any time often need no lead at all in a safe environment. In rural areas many dogs feel especially at ease. On visits to the city, however, putting the dog on the lead is often a sensible, considerate approach towards other people, who do not always understand that a dog can also obey without a lead. This succeeds when you treat the animal as a dog and raise it with care. A dog is by nature not a runaway, not a yapper and not an aggressive animal. It is a loyal friend of humans, if you allow this friendship, treat it respectfully and by no means humanise it.

• Using the lead as a trusting, caring connection
• Avoiding humanisation when it comes to off-lead running in everyday life
• Early habituation to caringly walking along on the lead
• Mutual respect as the basis for obedience and bonding

This article serves as general information and as caring reinforcement of the bond between you and your dog.