By Macy Miller, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with 10+ years of experience. Reviewed by Dr. Lindsay McAuliffe, DVM, member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).
Tired of your dog treating walks like a chew toy tug-of-war? You’re not alone—leash biting ranks among the top frustrations for dog owners, with over 30% reporting this behavior in a 2022 PetMD survey.
Whether your pup gnaws the leash out of excitement, teething, or sheer boredom, this vet-approved guide turns chaos into calm in just weeks.
Backed by certified trainers and veterinary insights, you’ll uncover the why behind leash biting plus practical, science-driven solutions to stop it for good.
Say goodbye to shredded leashes and hello to peaceful strolls—here’s how.
Why Dogs Bite the Leash: Unpacking the Causes
Understanding why your dog bites the leash is the first step to fixing it. Let’s dive into the three main culprits: teething, emotions, and medical issues.
Teething in Puppies
Puppies chew everything—and leashes are no exception. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that teething lasts until around six months, with inflamed gums driving pups to gnaw on anything handy.
A 2023 study found 70% of puppies exhibit oral fixation behaviors during this phase—your leash just happens to be the closest target.
Case Study: Max’s Story
Emily R.’s four-month-old Golden Retriever, Max, turned leash biting into a daily struggle. Walks became exhausting until Emily tried a simple trick: freezing a wet washcloth for Max to chew before heading out. Paired with a KONG Puppy Teething Stick, this cut his biting by 80% in two weeks. The cold soothed his gums, proving teething relief doesn’t need to be complicated.
Excitement or Anxiety
For some dogs, leash biting screams overstimulation. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Huskies often can’t contain their excitement—or anxiety—when the leash comes out.
Dr. Robert J. Trimble, DVM and AVSAB member, explains, “Leash biting can be a release valve for pent-up energy or stress. Pre-walk exercise is key to dialing it down.”
Learn More Expert Tips on How to Leash Train an Adult Dog
Breed-Specific Exercise Needs:
| Breed | Energy Level | Pre-Walk Fix |
| Husky | High | 20 min fetch |
| Border Collie | Very High | 15 min agility drills |
| Labrador | Moderate | 10 min tug-of-war |
| Terrier | High | Scent game indoors |
Medical Triggers
Sometimes, leash biting signals something deeper. Dental pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, or even neurological quirks can spark unusual chewing.
Watch for red flags like sudden onset biting, excessive drooling, or lethargy—these warrant a vet visit pronto.
For example, a 2021 Veterinary Record case linked chronic leash biting in an older dog to an undiagnosed tooth abscess.
Action Step: If your dog’s behavior shifts abruptly, don’t wait—schedule a checkup to rule out pain-driven causes.
2. Prevention: Proactive Steps to Avoid Leash Biting
Stopping leash biting before it starts is easier than you think. Here’s how to set your dog up for success.
Gear Guide
Choosing the right leash can make all the difference. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Leash Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
| Chain | Durable, bite-proof | Heavy, noisy | Strong chewers |
| Nylon (sprayed) | Lightweight, affordable | Prone to chewing | Mild chewers |
| Rope | Sturdy, comfortable | Can fray | Active dogs |
| Leather | Long-lasting, stylish | Expensive | Well-trained dogs |
| Front-Clip Harness | Reduces pulling | Not bite-proof | Pullers |
Pro Tip: Spray nylon leashes with Bitter Apple to deter chewing (e.g., PetSafe Bitter Spray).
Pre-Walk Rituals
Burn off excess energy before the leash comes out. A 2021 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that 15 minutes of play reduced leash reactivity by 50%. Try these:
Scent Games: Hide treats around the house.
Fetch: Perfect for high-energy breeds like Labs.
Puzzle Toys: Engages their brain (e.g., Outward Hound Puzzle).
Environment Setup
Create a calm start to walks:
- Low-Distraction Zones: Begin in quiet areas.
- Calming Aids: Use Adaptil Spray (pheromone-based) to reduce anxiety.
3. Training Fixes: Step-by-Step Solutions
Ready to train? These vet-approved methods will have your dog walking politely in no time.
Step 1: Teach “Leave It” Indoors
This command is your secret weapon. Here’s how:
- Hold a treat in a closed fist.
- Say “Leave it” and wait for your dog to stop sniffing.
- Reward with a different treat when they back off.
- Practice with the leash on the floor—reward for ignoring it.
Variation for Stubborn Dogs: Use higher-value treats like chicken or cheese.
Step 2: Redirect with Toys
When your dog eyes the leash, redirect to a toy:
- Flirt Poles: Great for high-energy breeds.
- Squeaky Toys: Distract with sound.
- Chew Sticks: Satisfy the urge to bite.
Pro Tip: Match the toy to your dog’s energy level—terriers love squeakers, while Labs prefer tug toys.
Step 3: Desensitization Plan
Build leash tolerance over four weeks:
- Week 1: Let your dog wear the leash indoors—reward calm behavior.
- Week 2: Add short, low-distraction walks.
- Week 3: Increase walk length gradually.
- Week 4: Introduce mild distractions (e.g., quiet streets).
Troubleshooting: If biting resumes, shorten walks and increase indoor practice.
4. Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t Sabotage Your Progress
Even with the best intentions, these common errors can make leash biting worse.
Mistake 1: Using Retractable Leashes
Retraceable encourage pulling, giving your dog more leash to bite. Stick to fixed-length options.
Mistake 2: Jerking the Leash
Yanking increases excitement and stress. A 2020 AVSAB study linked leash corrections to heightened anxiety in dogs.
Mistake 3: Skipping Mental Stimulation
Bored dogs bite leashes. Add sniff walks or training games to tire their brains.
5. When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, leash biting signals deeper issues. Here’s when to seek help.
Warning Signs
- Lunging or snapping when the leash is touched.
- Growling or raised hackles during walks.
- Persistent biting despite training.
Choosing Help
Look for:
- Certifications: CPDT-KA or IAABC.
- Reviews: Check for success with similar cases.
- Methods: Ensure they use force-free techniques.
Resources: Use the AVSAB or Fear Free directories to find pros.
6. Long-Term Success: Management
Keep leash biting at bay with these tips and answers to common questions your dog chewing and biting on other things in your house or vehicle.
In addition, you should discourage leash biting in general to prevent your pet from biting strangers.
Product Picks
- Best Chew Toys: Nylabone DuraChew (for aggressive chewers), West Paw Zogoflex (eco-friendly).
- Calming Aids: Adaptil Spray (pheromone-based), ThunderShirt (anxiety wrap).
Conclusion
Leash biting doesn’t have to ruin your walks. With the right gear, pre-walk rituals, and consistent training, you’ll see progress in weeks.
Remember: patience is key—dogs learn at their own pace. Try these vet-approved tips today, and share your wins in the comments below.
For stubborn cases, book a consult with our CPDT-KA-certified trainers—your peaceful strolls are just around the corner.
FAQs
Q: Why does my dog bite the leash at night?
A: Low light can increase anxiety. Use a reflective leash and a headlamp for safety.
Q: Is leash biting a dominance behavior?
A: No! It’s usually boredom or teething, per AVSAB.
Q: Can older dogs learn to stop leash biting?
A: Absolutely. Use the same steps, but be patient—habits take time to break.
Q: What if my dog only bites the leash with certain people?
A: This could signal excitement or anxiety tied to that person. Use desensitization.
Q: Should I punish my dog for leash biting?
A: Never. Punishment increases stress and worsens behavior.
