Learn the Dog Leash Handling Secrets of the Pros! How to handle a leash properly

Dog owners: Increase your confidence, ability, and STABILITY with these dog leash handling secrets used by industry professionals!
-----TIMECODES-----
Base Platform: 3:30
Slidelock: 3:52
Leash Anchors Chapter: 6:32
Thumblock: 6:44
Fingerlock: 8:27
Accordion: 9:25
Baseball Bat: 12:27
Center of Gravity: 12:51
Quickdraw Chapter: 15:27
Rising Fingerlock: 15:48
Sweeping Thumblock A: 16:28
Sweeping Thumblock B: 17:22
Switching Sides: 17:58
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For the demo sections I used the Tiger Tail Urban Nomad biothane leash
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For the walking demos I used the Dean and Tyler 3/4” x 6’ leather leash (my favorite ever)
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The long line I used was the Mendota 30’ check cord
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The demo dog was the Melissa & Doug Husky
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About this video: In this video, trainer Ian Stone takes teaches you some fundamental and advanced dog leash handling techniques. These templates are used by professionals to increase safety and stability and are adaptable to a wide range of situations. They are appropriate for all dogs at all training stages. Learn how to hold a leash properly today!
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Simpawtico Dog Training, LLC will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use personally, and that we believe will add value to our viewers. The price you pay is the same whether you use the affiliate link or not.

[@MelsonSamdela]

Just became a black belt in leashjitsu

[@o.s4061]

After 500hrs of watching training techniques is the first time I found something useful Thank you

[@laurenervin1404]

This is THE BEST and most comprehensive leash holding tutorial I've come across and has helped me TREMENDOUSLY in walking my very first dog. I really had no clue how to use a leash effectively before this. THANK YOU simpawtico!!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're very welcome! Fingers crossed we'll have Vol. 2 out this year!

[@ilovecheesecakee]

I've been helping to walk my neighbour's rottweiler and these are EXTREMELY useful tips and methods. I'm definitely going to practice and I see these tips helping me have more confidence in leading the walk too. I also really appreciated how you broke down the various types of leashes and how some are better suited for users with different mobility needs. It makes the video much more inclusive. Thank you! I really enjoyed watching it and look forward to more! (:

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you for the feedback! It's my pleasure!

[@carloscanosierra7022]

Good to see new videos again! Thank you, it really has helped me build a good relationship with my dogs.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're so welcome!

[@danielmaryakhin3057]

Wow! Hands down one of the best dog training videos I've ever seen! Thank you very much for always going above and beyond for us!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're very welcome!

[@ricardogalvez2644]

These videos are super useful. I would love to see more parts

[@notesfromleisa-land]

Such a well-done video. Building this essential muscle memory for both hands and body balance are essential for the dog's and human's comfort and safety.

[@tannerbrownell2380]

Great video!

[@truska3889]

Very useful video, as always Ian! Basic skills everyone should master... Keep the good content coming! 👍

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks, will do!

[@alicemeier7901]

This is so cool! Leash Handling like a Martial Art - step by step explained. Thank you so much! More such videos about mastering the leash would be very very much appreciated!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Glad you liked it! More to come!

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

I needed this tutorial. Thank you.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're welcome!

[@katyteichert7832]

Great job with handling the leash and explaining your moves. Love the graphics!!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks so much!

[@itsme-os1jb]

This is great, thank you! Also, thank you for being so concisious about all abilities!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're so welcome!

[@dylanjames4363]

Would love to see how you would handle multiple leashes? I’m a dog walker and can have up to 6 leads to manage. I love these techniques and they’re great for managing one dog/training.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Great suggestion! That's an avenue I would like to spend a little more time talking about.

[@analarson2920]

Thank you Ian!!!! Love the video a great workout and practical tips and yes its not overnight but its a lifesave. Keep sharing because I will. Thanks again, blessings!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You are so welcome. My pleasure!

[@ameliadediosromero8038]

Amazing! Great to have exercises to do so that what make look complicated becomes natural. Also thank you for taking into account people with reduce mobility. I’d love to see a video on potty training to go with your ebook.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thanks for the feedback! And I've been thinking about the potty vid….

[@Vro-]

Thank you Ian! Growing up my aunt had a large poodle and she made me use the square knot leash hold when I was old enough to walk him, lesson learned. Will be starting the leash work with mine shortly and I appreciate your training lessons.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're welcome!

[@DouglasSampaio89]

Excellent tips!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@yoadrian3814]

This is awesome, thank you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

My pleasure!

[@mrawsome193]

I’m with everyone else here just got a golden retriever pup last week and your videos have been an amazing help.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you! Happy to help!

[@darodes]

Saving. This. Video.

[@73Alea]

Yay new video!

[@Kuraimade]

Excellent!!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Many thanks!

[@WeissM89]

I use a couple of these moves intuitively and it's nice to see them in action so I can practice them and improve my posture. The quality of the video and the editing are insane.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

WOW thank you! Happy to help!

[@carolemuenzer5490]

Thanks I see the things I’ve been doing for years with dogs, glad for the reinforcement.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Right on!

[@Firewalkerbg]

So I’ve been following your tips from the day I got my lab and she just turned 2! I did learn to hold her leash the way you showed in the previous video, but I’ve also used your tips to teach her not to pull so nowadays I literally just put the end of her leash in my pocket and I know she’ll just follow me. Thanks a ton for your videos though! They’ve helped me a great deal in raising a happy, well behaved dog. I’m planning on getting her a buddy now - probably another lab - so I’ll be going through your videos again soon 🐶

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Awesome! I'm so glad things are going so well for you guys!

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

Ian, it's been quite awhile since I've seen one of your KZbin videos. Welcome back. 👋😊

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hey, thanks!

[@carey8498]

Just found you! Great instructions - thanks 👍

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@michelleborchardt199]

Fabulous video! I’ll be sharing your link liberally. Owners with larger dogs REALLY need these skills. I’m a 5’2” woman and due to these skills I can easily work with an English Mastiff who becomes reactive - not because of massive strength, but due to body stance, grip, and leverage.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You got it. Well said!

[@Go4ASoda]

Your videos are amazing, thank you. We've just recently got a puppy but he came a bit earlier than expected (winter time). The breeder recommended no outdoors until it's warmer to avoid risk of pneumonia. It's a small breed (Westie) and although I want to get him outside to play and for walks it seems to dangerous with -15c to -20c temps. Would love to see a video addressing winter training tips for dogs who are housebound or if that's even necessary.

[@Rezan-sul]

Thanks 😊

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You're welcome!

[@aikido9881]

Yes, please. Thanks.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Will do!

[@Angel__537]

Bruh! Good stuff

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you!

[@manolopapas]

Interesting. Please some more

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Thank you! Will do!

[@whitneynilan1257]

Love all of your videos! I'd love to see how you teach not to pull when walking. Thank you!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I probably won't do that on KZbin, but I do have a full online walking course if you're interested: geni.us/loose_leash_walking

[@LouisXIVStreet]

Thank you for addressing leash handling. I haven't seen another instruction regarding this, and I think it is something that every new dog owner should view. I had one dog trainer talk about looping the leach around the thumb for easy release but nothing else. I got really frustrated using the long leash (15 feet) for training because we weren't taught how to use it. I spent more time wrangling the leash than training my dog. Should I say, "Pawesome video?" Subscribed.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Glad it was helpful! Welcome aboard!

[@catfishrob1]

I instinctively figured these leash handling techniques out when I bought my first long leash (30ft). You have to figure out some way to manage all the slack. However, I had been walking dogs since I was a kid, so that probably helped. Still, I think I picked up a couple refinements, so thanks! I'm still a bit surprised you didn't mention using the offhand to manage slack. I keep a bundle of slidelocks basically in my main hand, and then I lift the leash off the ground with my offhand. This gives me a bit more dynamic control, as I can lift my offhand to take up a little bit of slack or let it go to get instant additional slack if needed, giving me time to remove the anchor and allow the slack bundles to slide from my main hand, for example. Though, I suppose if you're using same side, it doesn't make sense, I've just always done opposite side.

[@JeanWalters-lv3ic]

would love to see some videos about walking 2 dogs together please

[@callieshadow8130]

great video, I will practice your techniques. I do have arthritis in both hands and a 10 month old GSD when at times he will pull and run. I will try the body techniques also.. Would a leather leash be better then the nylon. I just got a slip lead, works sometimes but slippery in my hands. Thanks again I have some practicing to do 🐕

[@valperkins6621]

These are good to know. I have really bad thumbs, so I've been locking the leash around my index finger - not ideal, but it works and most of your other templatescan be modified to work with it. Thankfully, my little puller is only 8 pounds at the moment and not likelyto get much past 10! Some of the angles for that short of a dog can be challenging. So glad you acknowledged that! Pretty sure there's no way I could handle a big dog any more. I'd love to see a video on teaching these tiny ones to walk properly.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

This is great-you can absolutely modify these templates to use you finger as the base instead of your thumb and, in most cases, everything still works. Nice job!

[@aniakozak8298]

Vid on walking 2 dogs please 🙏

[@MARGARITA444]

I hope he’s alright, I am thinking about getting a dog and he has made it very easy. I wish he would do a sample or explaining for people with busy schedule. I’m a nurse and live by myself and would love to get a puppy but I’m so scared it will suffer

[@Nine28457]

What a great video. I just realized I had been doing the balance of gravity technique with our pit bull puppy that pulls (say that 3 times fast). Rather than trying to use my arm and hand to do all the work (and jerking her head around in the process) I’ve been stepping into the leash and using my core and my center of gravity. It reminded me of some Kung Fu basics I learned a while ago. That’s what this is, lol. Leash Kung Fu.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

You are absolutely right. I feel like the martial arts training I've done throughout my life has informed a lot of my handling techniques. Good catch and happy to help!

[@polluxtroy2010]

Hey I’ve recently found out about your channel and have been learning a lot since then thank you for that!. I do hace a question if I may: What are your thoughts or suggestions when handling a dog using a “free hands leash”, I bought one recently and wanted some advice, thanks!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hands-free leashes are best for dogs that are already moving well with you and are sufficiently engage in what you're doing. Sometimes it's useful for puppies when working on their household manners. Otherwise, using your hands with the leash will give you much better sensitive communication and support until you're at that point.

[@dadams239]

I have a lab that suddenly stops and pulls to the side to pee while we are walking at a good pace - puts me totally off balance, and torques my knee. Any advice? Love this video and have it saved for multiple viewing

[@christinesulymacsulyma8224]

Love this video would like to know how to handle my pit around other dogs she tends to get aggressive tends to bark and tightens up can't get her to not look away. Thank you so much for this really helpful👍

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

That's actually something we're working on as part of this series.

[@lousid33925]

Great technical video with excellent demonstration and explanation. Thanks for the graphics and pics. I have a 2 yr old Corgi who is problematic with other dogs while leashed. He is a naturally instinctive herder when other dogs are seen. He will lie flat and then lunge, or just bark at dogs for the sake of it. Moving away, changing directions, or vocally disciplining isn’t working so tips on how to handle this behaviour while leashed would be very useful.

[@lousid33925]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining I should have put my corgi comment elsewhere, but I am sure you’ll see it! Thanks for any tips!

[@chrissy580]

I've been looking and maybe I just missed it. However, I'm curious about night training. Do you crate train for an entire night, or what is the best way to get a puppy/dog through the night while you sleep without your house being destroyed? (Currently taking a Vet Assistant course, the more I can learn, the better).

[@rivertheservicedoodle1730]

I like traffic leads BY THEM SELVES for city walking. If you’re actually around a lot of traffic or walking down town.

[@MegandtheMutts]

Ian, I love your videos. Nobody teaches this stuff, but it's always lesson one for me. Also, I get big metalhead vibes form you.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Oh absolutely a metal head. Thank you for watching!

[@MrCshmn]

Do you have a video on how to get them to wear a leash in the first place? Really struggling to not have the dog freak out when leash is attached.

[@lundbreck001]

I have a 5 mth old Yorkie that I’m trying to teach basic dog manners. He seem intelligent enough but the heel task is really a challenge. His attention last seconds then he’s off. I have him on a body harness as I’m nervous about his tiny little neck. He is very fussy about what he wants for treats. So far steak is the thing I can bribe him with. I’m 6 ‘ and he’s 6” so getting the treat in his line of sight. Plan of attack is multiple 3-4 minute sessions multiple times daily mixed with playtime. Any suggestions beyond my plan.

[@claudiachang5486]

What are your thoughts on Gentle Leader? (Head halters)

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I know this is gonna go against the grain, but I typically don't recommend them. Head halters tend to be intrusive for a lot of dogs. Some dogs, of course, wear them with no trouble. But I've seen many dogs go into suppressive shut down states, thrash wildly against it, and exhibit signs of stress the same as they would with aversive training tools. Steps can be taken to habituate a dog to one, but this rarely happens, unfortunately. For many dog it's an unpleasant experience that inhibits the kind of rich, interactive learning we strive for. A head halter also doesn't teach a dog how to walk. It's a management tool and, like other training aids, it mainly just puts a lid on the parts that annoy the owner. Then it becomes a crutch-quick control isn't a substitute for training, but it's very often used this way and you get a dog that CANNOT walk politely without one. For a dog that lunges or struggles with reactivity, there's the possibility of cranking their spine and soft tissue repeatedly. Now we're dealing with possible long term effects. In the rare cases I have students using one, it's a temporary safety and management tool when they're being overpowered by their dog. Sometimes when things have really gone off the rails it's necessary to start here so we can repair the behavioral and interpersonal ruptures between the owner and the dog. Even then we work to get out of it quickly and onto less intrusive tools. That's my 2¢. As always, your mileage may vary.

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

I saw the thumbnail and hoped this was some sick dog-themed Heavy Metal concept album.

[@JesseAitken]

Love your videos! Can you please make a video on excitement? My rescue goes crazy when we get ready/leave the house. He whines a lot. Even if I put on shoes and sit back down on the couch for 10-15mins he shakes like a leaf. Help!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

We always try to meet the dog at the energy level they're at (in most cases) and introduce structure to that. Then we can bring the energy down with the structure. The first thing I always develop in that vein is Engagement. Check out this video on how we start that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIiTm6SDgd-Wi7M

[@clikadestramento]

If you can go into how you approach defensive handling, I'd love to see it. In Brazil where I'm from not only we are plagued with loose pet dogs, but there's a very alarming number of strays everywhere. Most times we need to be very defensive in our handling as there's a good chance no one is coming to pick up that dog! Amazing content as always! I have been doing very similar techniques for years because of the situations we need to face in our day-to-day, and seeing how you do and explain your methods is gold! Thank you.

[@heatherkemp1846]

I would love to see walking with multiple dogs. I have 2. A large and a small but often 2 small. Thanks

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

That's a good suggestion! I think I'll be making more in this series so I'll put that on the list. Thanks!

[@debbieschnitter5465]

I have definitely torn something in my elbow, thanks to my randomly lunging English Cocker. Although he is a smallish breed, the reactive lunging (mostly to birds, squirrels) is wreaking havoc on my body. When there's a trigger that I can anticipate (dogs, cars), I consciously use my larger muscle groups to protect my joints. I'm concerned about using my thumb as an anchor with the unexpected triggers, especially now that my elbow is jacked. What advice do you have for someone like me? I am 55F and above average fitness and strength.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Debbie. I'd say to try some of these out first in a "non-walking" scenario-perhaps even tied to a piece of furniture first-to get a feel for them so YOU feel confident and comfortable in them. Remember that your thumb isn't really doing much work, the rest of your body is. So, the key is teaching your body to work efficiently, to angle it correctly, and KNOW the positions well enough that you don't have to think about it…because if you have to think about it you're gonna end up on the ground. Concurrently, I would certainly recommend pairing with a local pro to help you with those reactivity pieces with your dog. Good leash handling is a safety and management layer, but you still need the training layer, too. GOOD LUCK!

[@debbieschnitter5465]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining will do! BTW Leave it,Take it, Drop it was life changing for us,and I have recommended it many times to others. Your method works for us, TY!

[@jonzaremba]

Where can I buy your new power metal album? Bandcamp link?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

LMAO! I wish…

[@rabbitholegirl1]

Are these ok to use with a new puppy? Thx

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Of course.

[@matchalatteverte7868]

Is it me or is the intro music getting more and more hardcore? Love the content as always

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

It might be…LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@AdamMusic944]

Is there a specific leash you recommend? My dog pulls a lot when walking

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

A good quality six-foot leather leash is our all-time go to. That said, pulling is a training problem not a hardware problem.

[@AdamMusic944]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining thanks, yes I'm trying to teach her to stop pulling but it's been challenging. Still, will continue to try! Thanks for all the good videos

[@shawnahaddan3674]

I have a question. I find the base platform difficult while pushing a wheelchair and walking my dog. Any advice?

[@shawnahaddan3674]

Holding the leash and pushing is difficult.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I'm actually working with a friend of mine who is a wheelchair user to develop modifications for this material. That's going to be an upcoming video.

[@shawnahaddan3674]

Sweet! Looking forward to it. Leash length is also a pain. Can you do a video on good shorter leashes?

[@redhatpat9387]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining I'm looking forward to that as I use a wheeled walker with mine.

[@laurashepherd9979]

Thanks! My lab. OY! I have MS. She pulled swung me around, pulling me down in the street when she was just 6 m.o. old. She saw someone she LOVED coming up behind us. It SHATTERED my right shoulder, which now hosts a titanium plate and 13 screws! I have NEVER been able to get a dog to NOT PULL. Even Border Collies I once had (smaller than my Labs). HOW DO I GET THEM TO CHILL?

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Laura! OMG I'm sorry to hear about your shoulder! Walking training is something you've got to break up into very thin slices. I touched on it a bit in the Progression video from a few years ago, and I also have a full online course on it: geni.us/loose_leash_walking

[@karenpenna7788]

I have a small dog - pug. Should I be using a normal leash or can I train her with a retractable leash? It’s not going so great as of right now ☹️

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I wouldn't recommend the retractable for your training stages. A static leash is a much more sensitive tool for you. Once both you and your little girl have built up the skills together you can use the retractable in certain situations. They definitely have their place, but a static leash is always better to learn with.

[@ifonly8294]

Can you recommend best way to hold leash if use a walking stick please 🙏

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

My initial thought is to use a same-side hold and the stick in the other hand. That dog will be on one side, and the stick on the other. The anchor you use is up to you, whichever is most comfortable, I'd think.

[@edwardyandoc2004]

Do you have videos where you actually handle the dogs?

[@TinuNelson]

Why no new videos?... Waiting...

[@ZacharyHS]

How do I get them to stop barking when they see someone they like and can’t get to them?

[@brandonrohrer7914]

Words and hand signs

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Hi Brandon. Do you mean you'd like to see a video on recommended verbal prompts and hand signals?

[@silviaancheta7227]

😱 😱😱degloving 🤣🤣🤣

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Right?!

[@marthahubbard9463]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TripleEightss]

did you lose weight or sum? lookin sharp my dude!

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I have! Thank you for noticing!

[@Pet-mu3hw]

I am so interested in your video,I wanna invite you to promote our dog brace.We send products for free.

[@erickanorris567]

these techniques are why little old ladies like me can handle big dogs at animal welfare departments that drag young guys LOL.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

True story!

[@Comedy.Transportation]

I wonder if anyone has ever told Ian, that he resembles and talks like Ryan Reynolds.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I get that a lot, actually.

[@stanleythestandard]

degloving... holy poop

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

Right?

[@pleaseletmein222]

This is ridiculous. The leash is for communication, not a weird tactical power fantasy.

[@SimpawticoDogTraining]

I think you greatly misunderstood what you were watching. You are quite right a leash is for communication. Even a casual dive into our other work would convey that attitude of cooperative, supportive work together with our dogs. However, you can't communicate effectively unless you have some foundational handling skills on your end that keep both you and your dog safe, keep you on your feet, and help you effectively manage the leash as a piece of equipment. Horse people know this, and any advanced positive reinforcement dog training programs teach this as well.

[@pleaseletmein222]

@@SimpawticoDogTraining Oh, I consume your work religiously. Bad dog training videos are my crack.