A Slip lead is a very basic, but efficient piece of equipment used in training dogs, and more specifically, leading them on a walk. Unlike other collars and leashes, slip lead is a collar and leash all in one. It is a type of harness that has control when your dog is pulling and will become loose when they are not. Slip leads are preferred among trainers because they provide fast control without the use of appliances.
In this article, I’m going to explain what a slip lead is, why it can be beneficial to use and how it can be done in the space of four simple stages. This way, you will be confident in using this useful tool to take a walk with you or to train your dog.
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What Is a Slip Lead?
A Slip lead is in fact a looped lead which does not require another collar, although it has been compared with collars. It features a loop at one end into which you pull your dog’s head, and the other end is used as the leash. When they pull, it causes a loop around the neck that generates some level of pressure to the dog. This pressure discourages pulling and helps correct the dog’s behavior during walks (Serest & Vela, 2012, p.109).
Slip leads are very popular with professional trainers; however, it is a useful option for any owner to use with their dog during walks or training. Due to their simplicity, these traps are preferred especially in the places where time is of essence, including animal shelters & veterinary.
Benefits of Using a Slip Lead
Although slip leads, in their use, can present a number of advantages, these are best harnessed when the appropriate measures are taken. Here’s why they can be a great addition to your dog's training routine:
1. Quick to Put on and Take Off
An important advantage of the slip lead is that anyone too can put it on the dog quickly and without much effort. As for a collar, you don’t even think about buckling it tight or adjusting it to get a proper fit for your dog’s neck. To use the collar, all you have to do is pass the loop around your dog’s neck, and then you are good to go. This makes it suitable for use by those individuals who wish to be free from hassles when walking.
2. Effective Training Tool
Slip leads are used to give a mild correction to a dog when it pulls. The use of a collar to tighten around the neck also shows your dog that pulling is not in order. It aids in correcting a child’s behavior through positive influence, making negative or uncomfortable corrections unnecessary. You can read about POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT in this article on Dog Training Methods.
3. Simplifies Dog Walking
Since the slip lead operates like both, the collar and the leash, then it makes your walk easier and you do not need other devices. Outdoor training is probably the most preferred flexibility since it can be done during an emergency, or short, improvised exercise.
4. Offers More Control
If and when the dog pulls, a slip lead affords more control than using quite sophisticated equipment’s. The adjustable loop gives enough pressure to halt pulling but can quickly be released when the pet is well-behaved.
The 4 Simple Steps on How to Use a Slip Lead
If you are a newbie to slip leads, then there is nothing complicated about utilizing one in the field. That is why it is so important, if you want to avoid possible difficulties, to follow these four steps:
Step 1. Choose the Right Slip Lead
However, when using a slip lead, it’s good to select the correct one for the dog you have. Slip leads are made in various sizes and materials, so you need to select the strong enough lead for your dog. For big dogs, you should use a thicker type of halter that can be made from materials such as nylon leather, among others. Slender and lighter leads having less thickness will be suitable enough for smaller dogs and will not be weighed much. To know more about choosing your pet’s equipment, do not hesitate to read some of our pet care guide.
Step 2. Wear the Slip Lead on Properly
The next procedure once you are having the right lead is how to wear it properly on the person. Here’s how:
Create a Loop: Unwind the loop on the end of the lead and create a circle that will slide over your dog’s head.
Slip It Over the Head: Put this loop around your dog’s head through the loop gently so that it should rest behind the neck comfortably.
Position the Lead: It is important that the lead remains placed as high up the dog’s neck as possible, ideally beneath the chin. This provides you more control, rather than letting the lead slip so much down that it becomes a poor method.
Pro Tip: Double check that the slip lead is on the right side. If your dog is walking on your left side, the lead should be in the ‘stick of rock’ or ‘letter P’ shape when look from the side. Specifically, ‘9’ shaped; establish a formation on your right side if your dog walks beside you. This makes it easy for the lead to relax when your dog is not pulling the line on any instance.
Step 3. Start Walking with Proper Tension
After you have the slip lead on, then you can now start taking your dog for a walk.
Walk with Confidence: Don’t actually grip the leash tightly but don’t tug as well. The aim here is ensuring your dog stays by your side and not in front or behind you.
Correct Pulling Gently: Self-limiting means that if for some reason your dog starts to pull, the slip lead will naturally tighten. Pull on the leash for a second, then let go of the pressure. This establishes into your dog‘s mind that pulling cause him or her pain but getting a free walk is eased when walking beside the person holding the leash.
Always bear in mind that the slip lead is to be used in situations where corrections have to be smooth and mild. Do not pull or jerk your dog around because this causes pain to him or her.
Step 4. Take off the Slip Lead After the Walk
It is also important that after the walk, you successfully take off the slip lead out of your dog. Here’s how:
Loosen the Lead: When your dog is calm, you should then begin to unscrew the collar slowly while unlatching the collar around the neck.
Slip It Off: Gradually fit the lead back over the head of your dog.
Store Properly: Slip leads are easy to use and to store – simply hang it or place it away for your next walk.
Getting a slip lead right takes time, however the long run always proves that it is a great aid during the walks and the training.
When not to Use a Slip Lead
All the same, slip leads can be very effective, there are some circumstances where it may be best not to use them. For example:
Dogs with respiratory issues: A slip lead is not a good idea if your dog has a sensitive throat or any breathing issues because the pressure applied may further hurt them.
Aggressive pullers: Before putting a slip lead on a dog, it can be best to ensure that such a dog is trained, otherwise it pulls a lot. Occasionally a harness may be more suitable for a dog until better walking manners can be expected of it.
Long-term use: Slip leads are very appropriate for short walks or while training but should not be worn for long time use. A good slip lead practice is to always take it off the dog after every walk. You select the best dog leashes for your furry friend.
Conclusion
A slip lead is easy to use, efficient and easily accessible for any dog owner seeking to gain improved control within a walk or a training session. It gives fast correction to its pulling behavior and can be effective when trying to teach its owner new tricks. If implemented properly, you can confidently use a slip lead in the following four ways: Choosing the right lead, placing the lead on the dog, walking alongside in the appropriate tension, and releasing it appropriately.
If used correctly, the slip lead will be a good addition to your dog walking set and you both will be able to enjoy a calm and pleasant time.