Leash Hold Like the Pros
Get a Grip! Are you curious about how to hold your leash? Have you noticed your kids struggling with how to hold a leash? Most people don’t give holding a leash much thought but it can make a difference in terms of control, safety, and enjoyment when walking your dog. Jennifer Malawey from Jennifer Malawey Training and Behavior , shows how to hold the leash like a pro and also shows “weak” holds that can be less effective.
The best way to hold a leash is called a “lock” and there are two different methods.
Thumb lock – Using a thumb lock, the leash goes up from your dog across the palm of your hand, over your thumb, and then back down your palm. You close your hand around both parts of the leash to lock the leash in place.
Finger lock – It’s very similar to the thumb lock except that the leash goes up your palm, over your index finger, and then down your palm again. Close your hand around both parts of the leash and it is secure.
In both of these methods, you can easily adjust the length of the leash by opening and closing your hand and sliding the leash over your thumb or index finger. You can also use the loop at the end of the leash for both methods. Simply put your thumb or index finger through the loop and then close your hand to secure the leash in place. Use this same hand or the other hand to hold the slack. If you want to change leash hands, you can very quickly.
There are some less secure or more cumbersome holds.
The Wrist Wrap – Although it may seem secure to wrap the leash around your hand, it doesn’t provide much control, more difficult to adjust the length of the leash and, in an emergency, it’s more difficult to drop the leash or change hands. With the leash wrapped around your hand, it also limits your dexterity.
Holding the leash with just your fingers (Rock Climber) – This hold is the least secure and the dog can pull the leash right out of your hand because there is nothing locking the leash in place.
Wrist Hold – The loop of the leash is slipped over your hand and onto your wrist. If you hold the leash this way, the leash can slip over your hand or your hand can get trapped in the loop and cause a wrist injury.
Bonus Tips!!
- An easy way to think about holding the leash is that the leash should enter and leave your hand on the pinky side of your hand.
- Keep the leash hand close to your belly button / belt buckle so that it’s more stable and a more natural place to keep your hand and leash.
- Use the hand opposite the dog to hold the leash. Use the hand closest to the dog for handling treats and for finer leash movements.
When you start trying out new ways to hold a leash, be patient. Experiment with both hands to see which one feels most comfortable. It will take a little practice if you’re not used to holding the leash in a different way.
This information is intended solely as a general educational aid and is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice.
Thank you!
Thank you to Jennifer Malawey from Jennifer Malawey Training and Behavior (https://www.jennifermalawey.com/) for contributing excellent training resources to Wag Workshops (https://wagworkshops.org).
A special thank you goes out to Maddie’s Fund (https://www.maddiesfund.org). The Maddie’s Fund Foundation has awarded over $265 million in grants toward increased community collaborations and live outcomes, pioneering shelter medicine education and establishing foster care as a standard across the U.S.
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