How To Use Double Ended Dog Lead? Is It a Good Idea?

Are you one of the owners who is using lead on dogs but, still facing trouble in having proper control over them? If your answer is yes, then this article is for you. To handle this situation, you will need a double ended dog lead. This lead not only helps in attaining control but, also helps you train your dog with ease. So, how to use a double ended dog lead?

Before we get into the specifics of the usage, let’s find out – what exactly is a double-ended dog lead?

Double ended dog lead: unlike normal lead, a double ended dog lead has two ends and each end attaches to your dog with a clip. It is linked with a nicely fitted harness and the dog’s collar.

Let’s see how to use one!

How To Use Double Ended Dog Lead?

While using the double-ended dog lead, you can use clips to connect with two attaching points. One clip will attach to the chest of the dog and the other to the loop on the dog’s back. Once you connect the lead, you will easily get to control the dog using one or both hands. Afterwards, you can decide the best position of the double lead which allows you to control your dog with ease.

Controlling the dog’s movement

Controlling the dog’s movement is the most prominent use of a double ended lead. Here you have to ensure that a dog doesn’t slip from the lead. So, you should clip the front end of the harness properly. Because it also helps in better steering movement while moving.

Here are some tips for using the double ended lead to get better control of the dog:

1. Front attachment: the steering end is attached to the front clip of the harness, so, you can pull it to prevent your dog from moving forward without your permission. You can also use the front clip to indicate your dog to slow down, or curve back towards you.
2. Back attachment: the back attachment is useful in managing the forward pulling from the dog. It acts as a brake lead. All you need to do is apply some pressure to change the position. Interestingly, the mechanism is identical to the single or standard lead.

You can also try extending the length of the lead for better control. The lengthy one will allow the dog to pull on the lead and you get better control over the dog’s movement. However, your dog doesn’t need to pull the lead.

If your dog is biting the leash while walking, it could be a sign they are excited or wanting to play. Understanding why dogs bite the leash when walking can help you address this behavior

Uses of double ended leads

The main use of double ended lead is to control dogs, especially the ones who are highly energetic or exhibit aggressive behaviour. In the previous section, we saw the basic method to control a dog using double lead, now, let’s see have a peek at some of the uses of such double ended leads.

• Walking two dogs at once

If you have multiple dogs at home, you can use double lead to walk them both. You need to attach a sprig clip or a trigger to each of the attachment of points on your dog’s back loop of the harness or their collars.

• Hands-free walking

Many owners buy a double lead solely for leveraging this quality. Once you attach the spring clip to the collar or harness, you can connect the other end of the lead around your waist or body. Thus, you can walk alongside your furry friend without having to use your hands. But, for hands-free walking with the dog, you must train your dog to walk on lead properly, otherwise, it may backfire.

Benefits of using double ended lead

Using double ended lead has ample benefits. From control to command you can train your dog at your convenience and gain a better grip on its movements while you go out. Here are some other noteworthy benefits of a double ended lead:

• Overcomes the limitation of the standard lead i.e. distribution of the pressure using the double clip concept to exert pressure on several spots.
• The scope of injury is less as you gain better control over the dog’s movement.
• Teaching polite behaviour to the dog gets easy, for instance, teaching them to obey different commands. In fact, if your dog’s behaviour does get under control, you can easily switch back to a single lead in future.
• More efficient training of the dog is possible.
• The risk of endangerment in public places is significantly reduced.

If you’re interested in learning more about other lead options, check out our guide on how a retractable dog lead works?

Preparing The Dog For Wearing Double Ended Lead

When introducing your dog to a new double ended lead, it is important to take it slow. Have them get used to wearing the best double ended dog lead in stages.

You can follow the same steps or method you used to train them to wear the single lead or a muzzle. Below are some of the basic steps you can consider,

1. Take your dog outside or to a place where they feel relaxed. Show them the lead, they will see the equipment and know it’s something important for you and hence, they’ll smell it.
2. Once they register the smell, try using the front clip to attach to the collar. If they resist you can stop there. However, if they are not avoiding, you can attach the clip to the collar and then offer them a small treat as a reward.
3. Now, do not put the second clip immediately. Instead, practice walking in the backyard with one clip-on. This will make them familiarise themselves with the equipment, your dog may associate this exercise the single-lead training. Regardless, it’s beneficiary for you.
4. After a couple of days, you can try putting the other link. Give them the treat and acknowledge their positive response verbally as well. Use phrases like – “good job”, “excellent work”, etc. This will help them realise that wearing the lead in this manner is good.
5. Now, if your dog is walking in the backyard with the double lead on, you can take them for a small walk. In addition, use normal steering movements techniques, and apply pressure to ensure they comply.

You can follow similar steps to get your dog comfortable with wearing the best retractable dog lead.

Now, when your dog is walking on a double lead on a regular basis, you also need to train them to walk on a loose lead. You are probably wondering why?

The reason is simple, your dog needs to know when they are getting away. If they are continuously walking on a tight double lead, they will not know when to stop, because every time they try to move forward or attempt to escape, you are pulling the lead to restrain them. In simple words, they get accustomed to your restraint. Also, continuous restraining can have a mental impact on their minds.

So, making them walk on a loose lead is crucial. When they do walk on a loose double lead, they will feel the lead tightening when they will get far from the normal range. This will develop a reflex or an instinct indicating them to stop. You won’t have to use force and pull the lead.

Suggestion for dog owners using double ended lead

As a responsible dog owner, you need to make sure that your furry friend is not having issues after putting on the double lead. Let alone, they should also not get stressed. So, how can you manage that? Here are some suggestions you need to consider:

• Don’t forcefully comply your dog to wear the lead. Let them get there at their own pace.
• Choose safe and durable double-ended lead, and avoid using low-quality material lead which can harm your dog.
• Use minimal force to restrain the dog while using the double lead. Because exerting extra pressure may make your dog feel uncomfortable.
• Reward your dog’s good behaviour after a long walk.
• Make sure the length of the lead is big enough to allow some space for the dog to roam around within your proximity.

If your dog is pulling on the double ended lead, refer to our guide on how to stop dog pulling on lead for training tips to curb this behavior.

FAQs

Conclusion

We hope the article was able to provide you with guidance on how to use double ended dog lead. As we keep mentioning throughout the article, the length of your double lead is crucial. So, make sure you choose the right lead for your furry friend. Also, the harness or collar you will connect the lead with must also have a rigid fitting. Otherwise, your furry friend may escape from the lead into the wild.

Lastly, if you and your dog have no prior experience with such lead, then play it safe. How? Stick the lead with the back harness. Playing safe is the best strategy to avoid any hazardous situation. Because if you use the lead incorrectly and the dog starts yanking, it can cause some issues. If you are unsure, consult a professional dog trainer and invest more time into training your dog.

While double ended leads offer great control, some owners may prefer using a dog slip lead in certain situations. Be sure to check out our tips on how to use a dog slip lead properly