A slip lead (also know as a slip leash) is a useful addition to your dog obedience training kit and with a bit of practice, you’ll find that it is a simple and effective way to train your dog.

Using a slip lead is a simple way to introduce your dog to some of the basic training commands. A slip lead is also a convenient way to control your dog on short excursions such as going outside for toileting or a rest stop during a journey. 

Slip leads are shaped like a lasso to easily fit over your dog’s head and to sit securely and comfortable behind their ears. They are much simpler and quicker to put on than a regular collar and their soft construction and unique design make them a handy tool for dog obedience training.

But what is the correct way to use a slip lead? In this article we’ll take a look at some easy ways to use a slip lead for training and managing your faithfull doggo.  

Big Dogs and Little Dogs.

Every dog is different. There are big dogs and little dogs, shy dogs and brazen dogs, clever dogs and…well, you know, mutts who might be a bit on the dull side but are still lovable!

But whatever the shape or size of your dog, one thing remains the same: training. Dogs are pack animals. They love to follow a leader and they love to please their boss. In this case, the boss - the leader of their pack - is you. 

So showing leadership to your dog is something that they are going to love, appreciate and respond to. And the key to good dog leadership is teaching them the skills that make them a good fit for the pack.

Start ‘em young

By the time a puppy is around three months old, they are well and truly able to learn new things and respond to training. You can start your puppy’s training off by playing games with them and this is a great time to introduce them to a puppy-sized slip lead. 

Let them chew on it (pups get a lot of their early knowledge from chewing on toys, the TV remote, pot plants, your slippers) and place it over their heads as part of a game. You can also begin to use the slip lead to take them outside for toilet breaks or short strolls.  

Consistency is the Key.

As your dog gets older, you can begin introducing a more rigorous and structured training regime. But you should bear in mind that something that works for service dog training or for a show dog, may not be suitable for training a farm dog or a family pet. It all comes down to choosing the right training methods and the correct training gear for your particular dog and your specific situation.

Dogs are ridiculously easy to train: all you have to do is give them food! A pocketful of cat biscuits are all you’ll need. Use these to reward good behavior; and if pooch doesn’t behave or fails to obey a certain command, just ignore them. They’ll soon figure out that the good work is what gets the treats!

You should also try to do your dog training at a certain time every day and always use the same routine, commands and rewards.  

Using Your Slip Lead.

Once you your dog is used to wearing a slip lead, you can begin training them to walk, sit and wait, and to obey various other simple commands that you choose for them. So let’s start off with the correct way to place your slip lead on your dog.

High up, loose and comfy

For a slip lead to be an efficient dog training collar, it needs to be worn high up on the dog’s neck. The correct position is just behind their ears and just behind the jaw. This ensures that the lead does not interfere with their windpipe and also makes it easy to apply small, direct movements to the lead during training.

Depending on whether you are left- or right-handed, the ring end of the lead will loop around your dog’s neck on the side you stand on, with the lead coming up to your hand from the dog’s off side. The slip lead’s stopper can be slid up or down to make the loop fit perfectly: not too tight, not too loose.

Walk and talk  

So now you have your slip lead fitted correctly, it’s time to start your training cycle. Communication with your dog is going to be administered through small movements with the slip lead and with whatever voice commands you have chosen to use. Once again, consistency is the the key so keep you commands short - one syllable words are best - and stick to the same command words for every training session.

It is also important that your communication with your dog is coming from above, not the sides, so hold the leash end of your slip lead quite close to the dog’s head and direct your commands directly to them with an authoritative voice.

Simple slip lead commands 

Here are some ideas for ways you can use your slip lead for teaching your dog simple commands:

• Walk at Heel. Keeping the leash short, walk off using a small series of upward pulls to encourage your dog to walk with you. The ideal place for them to walk is beside your knee or slightly behind it. Your dog shouldn't lag behind as this will tighten the loop and make them pull back. 

• Sit. When you stop, several short upwards pulls on the slip lead will make you dog sit down. This is an automatic reflex for them, as the upwards motion of the lead puts them slightly off balance and they will naturally sit. Praise them with a short pat and a treat.

• Wait. When you reach the edge of a street, or some place where you want them to stop and wait, use the same upwards motion to make them sit. Your dog will soon learn that when you are beside a kerb they have to sit and wait for you to walk on.

• Ignore Distractions. If something distracts your dog, use another series of short upwards pulls to take their attention away from the distraction. You should keep moving while you do this.

• Playtime. Every so often, let you dog have a long lead so they can sniff around and relax. This will keep them from getting bored and is a good chance for you to reward them with pats and praise. After a short period of sniffing the sniffs, you can carry on with your training.

Make it Fun!

The best dog training collar or slip lead for your dog will depend on the level of training that they have already received, their age and size, and what you want to achieve with your dog’s training regime. 

Ask an expert

If you are new to dog training, or you are unsure about the best methods to use for teaching your pup or your adult doggo new things, it’s a great idea to consult a dog-training expert or take your dog to obedience lessons. 

Puppies respond particularly to Puppy School lessons. By taking your youngster to learn obedience and how to socialise with other dogs, you’ll be establishing a foundation for learning that they will carry with them throughout their lives. 

Using a slip lead can also be a daunting experience for dog-training newbies, so make sure that you consult with an expert for tips, tuition and advice before you begin using you new slip lead.

Leader of the pack

Using a slip lead will certainly make training and controlling your mutt a lot simpler and easier, especially if you are using it for short walks, rest stops on a journey or a quick mooch out to the back lawn for your dog’s potty training.

By making your dog’s training sessions fun, they will soon come to look forward to them. When they see the slip lead come out, they will straight away know that its time for them to impress the pack leader. Happy training!