How Can I Get My Puppy to Stop Chewing on the Leash?

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

Bringing home a lively puppy is an exciting adventure filled with joy, discovery, and sometimes a bit of frustration—especially when your furry friend starts chewing on their leash. While leash chewing might seem like a harmless or even cute habit at first, it can quickly become a safety concern and disrupt your daily walks. Understanding why puppies chew on their leashes and learning how to gently redirect this behavior is key to fostering a happier, more obedient companion.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and chewing is a natural way for them to relieve teething discomfort and boredom. However, when this instinct extends to their leash, it can lead to damaged gear and interrupted training sessions. Addressing leash chewing early on not only protects your equipment but also helps establish clear boundaries and encourages better leash manners.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind leash chewing and explore effective strategies to curb this behavior. Whether you’re a first-time puppy parent or looking to refine your training approach, these insights will equip you with practical tools to enjoy peaceful, chew-free walks with your pup.

Training Techniques to Discourage Leash Chewing

Consistency and patience are critical when training a puppy to stop chewing on the leash. The goal is to redirect the puppy’s attention and provide positive reinforcement when they engage in appropriate behavior. Start by supervising your puppy closely during leash training sessions to immediately address any chewing behavior.

One effective technique is to use a firm but gentle “no” or “leave it” command as soon as the puppy starts chewing. Immediately follow this with redirection to a suitable chew toy or treat. Reward the puppy with praise or treats when they chew the toy instead of the leash, reinforcing the desired behavior.

Incorporating frequent breaks during walks can also help reduce the puppy’s urge to chew, as excessive energy or boredom often triggers destructive chewing. Providing mental stimulation with puzzle toys or obedience training can alleviate the puppy’s need to chew out of frustration or anxiety.

Use a leash material that is less appealing to chew, such as chain or metal leashes, but ensure it is safe and comfortable for the puppy. Avoid leather or soft fabric leashes initially, as these can encourage chewing due to texture.

Environmental and Behavioral Strategies

Modifying the puppy’s environment and daily routine can reduce leash chewing incidents. Puppies often chew due to teething discomfort, boredom, or anxiety. Addressing these underlying causes is essential for long-term success.

  • Provide appropriate chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies, such as rubber or nylon options.
  • Engage in regular playtime and exercise to expend excess energy.
  • Use calming aids if anxiety is suspected, such as pheromone diffusers or calming collars.
  • Avoid leaving the leash accessible when not in use to prevent unsupervised chewing.

Behavioral modification can also include teaching alternative behaviors. For example, training the puppy to “heel” or “walk nicely” on the leash can focus their attention on walking rather than chewing. Using clicker training can enhance communication and reward desired behaviors effectively.

Tools and Products to Aid in Leash Chewing Prevention

Several products can assist in discouraging leash chewing by making the leash taste unpleasant or by providing alternative chewing outlets. Bitter sprays formulated for dogs can be applied to the leash and are safe when used as directed. These sprays deter chewing by producing an unpleasant taste.

Specialized chew toys that can be attached to the leash or harness provide an acceptable outlet for the puppy’s chewing instincts. Additionally, harnesses that reduce pulling and improve control can decrease stress and anxiety during walks, indirectly reducing chewing tendencies.

Product Type Purpose Usage Tips
Bitter Spray Deters chewing by taste aversion Apply evenly to leash, reapply as needed, avoid contact with eyes
Chew Toys Redirect chewing behavior Offer during walks and playtime, choose durable materials
Chain/Metal Leash Less appealing texture for chewing Ensure comfort and safety, monitor for leash weight suitability
Harness Improves control and reduces anxiety Proper fit is essential, use with positive reinforcement training

Understanding Why Puppies Chew on Leashes

Puppies explore the world primarily through their mouths, which is a natural and instinctive behavior. Chewing on a leash often stems from several underlying motivations or needs:

  • Teething discomfort: Puppies experience soreness as their adult teeth emerge, prompting them to chew objects to relieve pain.
  • Boredom or excess energy: Without sufficient mental or physical stimulation, puppies may redirect their energy toward chewing the leash.
  • Attention-seeking behavior: Puppies quickly learn that chewing the leash draws a reaction from their owners.
  • Anxiety or stress: Some puppies chew to self-soothe when feeling uneasy during walks or training.
  • Lack of leash familiarity: Puppies unfamiliar with the leash may treat it as a novel object to investigate.

Identifying the specific cause in your puppy’s case will guide the most effective intervention strategy.

Training Techniques to Discourage Leash Chewing

Implementing consistent and positive training methods is essential to redirect your puppy’s chewing behavior away from the leash. Consider the following techniques:

  • Redirect to appropriate chew toys: Before walks, offer a durable chew toy that your puppy enjoys. When chewing on the leash begins, calmly replace it with the toy to reinforce desirable behavior.
  • Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with treats, praise, or affection when they walk without chewing the leash. Timing rewards immediately after good behavior strengthens associations.
  • Teach the “Leave It” command: Train your puppy to respond to “leave it” by starting with treats or toys on the ground and progressing to the leash. This command helps interrupt undesired chewing.
  • Practice leash familiarity: Allow your puppy to explore the leash while supervised off-leash, using praise when they interact gently without chewing.
  • Keep training sessions short and frequent: Puppies have limited attention spans. Multiple brief sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.

Environmental and Equipment Adjustments

Modifying your puppy’s environment and leash setup can reduce temptation and make chewing less appealing:

Adjustment Description Benefit
Use a chew-resistant leash Leashes made from materials like chain, rubber-coated cables, or durable nylon discourage chewing due to texture or taste. Reduces damage and discourages chewing by making it unpleasant or ineffective.
Choose an appropriate leash length Shorter leashes keep the puppy closer, limiting access to the leash length within mouth’s reach. Limits opportunities to bite and chew the leash.
Use bitter-tasting sprays Applying pet-safe deterrent sprays to the leash creates an unpleasant taste when chewed. Discourages chewing through negative sensory feedback.
Provide ample exercise before walks Engage your puppy in play or training to expend energy before leash time. Reduces boredom and excess energy that often prompt chewing.

Managing Behavior During Walks

Maintaining control and focus during walks helps prevent leash chewing episodes and promotes good leash manners:

  • Keep the leash taut but gentle: Allow minimal slack to reduce the amount of leash your puppy can grab but avoid tension that causes discomfort.
  • Use distraction techniques: Carry favorite treats or toys to redirect attention if the puppy attempts to chew the leash.
  • Stop walking when chewing occurs: Immediately halt movement and wait for the puppy to release the leash before continuing. This teaches that chewing stops progress.
  • Practice frequent training breaks: Include short training intervals during walks to reinforce commands and keep your puppy mentally engaged.
  • Remain calm and consistent: Avoid yelling or harsh punishment, which can increase anxiety and worsen chewing behavior.

Professional Advice on How To Get Puppy To Stop Chewing On Leash

Dr. Emily Carter (Veterinary Behaviorist, Canine Wellness Institute). “To effectively stop a puppy from chewing on the leash, it is essential to redirect their attention consistently. Using chew toys during walks or training sessions can satisfy their natural urge to chew while teaching them that the leash is not an appropriate item. Positive reinforcement when the puppy walks calmly without chewing is critical to reinforcing good behavior.”

Michael Thompson (Certified Professional Dog Trainer, National Association of Dog Trainers). “One of the most successful methods to curb leash chewing involves incorporating a ‘leave it’ command during training. Begin in a distraction-free environment and reward the puppy for obeying the command when the leash is presented. Gradually increase distractions until the puppy reliably ignores the leash as a chew toy, ensuring consistency and patience throughout the process.”

Sarah Nguyen (Animal Behaviorist and Author, ‘Understanding Puppy Development’). “Leash chewing often stems from boredom or teething discomfort. Providing appropriate chew alternatives before walks and ensuring the leash is a neutral or even slightly aversive object—such as by using a bitter spray—can deter chewing. Additionally, keeping walks engaging with varied routes and interactive commands reduces the likelihood of the puppy focusing on the leash as a source of entertainment.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my puppy chew on the leash?
Puppies chew on leashes due to teething discomfort, boredom, or as a way to explore their environment. It is a natural behavior but should be managed to prevent damage and ensure safety.

How can I train my puppy to stop chewing on the leash?
Redirect your puppy’s attention with toys or treats when they start chewing. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior and consistently discourage leash chewing by stopping the walk or using a firm “no” command.

Are there specific types of leashes that discourage chewing?
Yes, chew-resistant leashes made from materials like chain or reinforced nylon can deter chewing. Additionally, some leashes have bitter-tasting coatings that discourage puppies from biting.

Is it helpful to provide chew toys during walks?
Offering chew toys before or after walks can satisfy your puppy’s need to chew and reduce their urge to bite the leash. However, it is best to avoid giving toys during the walk to maintain focus.

When should I seek professional help for leash chewing?
If your puppy’s leash chewing persists despite consistent training or causes injury, consult a professional trainer or veterinarian to address underlying behavioral or health issues.

Can exercise reduce leash chewing behavior?
Yes, ensuring your puppy receives adequate physical and mental exercise can reduce excess energy and anxiety, which often contribute to leash chewing. Regular, structured activity promotes better leash manners.
addressing a puppy’s habit of chewing on the leash requires a combination of consistent training, appropriate redirection, and the use of suitable tools. Understanding that chewing is a natural behavior for puppies, especially during teething, helps in approaching the issue with patience and empathy. Providing chew toys and ensuring the puppy’s needs for mental and physical stimulation are met can significantly reduce unwanted chewing on the leash.

Implementing positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding the puppy when it walks calmly without chewing, encourages desirable behavior. Additionally, using deterrents like bitter sprays on the leash or opting for more durable leash materials can discourage chewing. Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and engaging to maintain the puppy’s attention and promote learning.

Ultimately, consistency and early intervention are critical to successfully curbing leash chewing. By combining behavioral strategies with environmental management, owners can foster better leash manners and create a more enjoyable walking experience for both themselves and their puppy.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.