11/11/2025
SLACK LEAD
No matter what size, breed, or type of dog... tension on the lead always tends to make things worse!
Especially during interactions.
Again and again, I see humans with... (honestly) very bad lead handling skills. From walks in the park to walks in the city. From walking to running. With pups and also adult dogs. It is just a skill that so many have not learned about, AND the result can be catastrophic in the dogs' behaviour.
Why?
Lack of freedom.
Nowadays, the pet dog world is full of behaviour problems for this exact reason. Lack of freedom. Lack of experience. Lack of socialisation.
Dogs on short leads from day one. Prevented from exploring, interacting, and engaging with the world around them. And also, preventing them from avoiding what feels scary. That's also a major problem. A puppy or adult dog who is forced to be in a situation they do not want, because they are attached to a lead and cannot simply move away. Repeat this again and again, and you have a dog who's growling or even biting, simply because escaping has never been an option, so fight becomes the way.
So much I could say about this, but I will keep it short.
If you have specific questions about this, write them below. And if you feel you would need support with this topic, please get in touch.
Thank you,
Dog Behaviourist Ricardo Ministro
* Photo by Stef Brennan Photography from my last session with Bow the Dachsund, practicing basic handling skills on interactions to improve positive and more social behaviour.
