Slip Lead vs. Harness: Which is Better?
Building a connection with your dog is everything!
If you establish that, you’re on the right path…
Introduction
As a seasoned psychotherapist and canine behaviourist, I've discovered that clear communication is fundamental to building trust and respect—both with humans and dogs.
My extensive experience with diverse dog breeds and behavioural challenges has revealed a critical training insight: the ability to walk calmly on a loose lead is a foundational skill. During initial consultations, when I ask, "Can your dog walk nicely on a loose lead?" the response is almost invariably negative.
This basic skill deficit is telling. If a dog cannot master a simple walking technique, how can we realistically expect more complex behavioural control? What I frequently observe is dogs wearing harnesses—a sight that immediately signals potential training challenges. In my professional opinion, harnesses undermine effective leadership dynamics and provide inadequate communication feedback between handler and dog.
After exploring initial behavioural issues, I typically recommend switching to a slip lead—specifically a thick, soft-padded nylon lead with a safety stopper that prevents excessive tightening and allows precise adjustment. This seemingly minor equipment change can fundamentally transform the dog-owner relationship.
The core of successful dog training lies in connection. When you establish a genuine, trust-based bond with your dog, you create the essential foundation for effective communication and behavioural guidance. By focusing on building this connection, you set the stage for more advanced training and a deeper understanding between you and your canine companion.
Below is a link for my preferred slip lead.
My thoughts on using a harness
The majority of clients who come to me for obedience training and behavioural issues share a common trait: they're using dog harnesses. I understand the appeal – harnesses, particularly those marketed as "no-pull," are often presented as a quick solution, promising to safely distribute pressure around the dog's torso rather than concentrating it on the neck.
However, my extensive experience has shown that harnesses typically provide limited control and correction options. While they might seem like an easy fix for dogs that pull, the real solution lies in proper training. Instead of relying on equipment to manage pulling behavior, investing time in teaching your dog not to pull at all is a more effective long-term strategy.
Though there's considerable research available on both the benefits and drawbacks of harnesses, my professional experience consistently points to one conclusion: the slip lead creates a more meaningful connection between dog and handler. Time and again, I've witnessed the transformation in the dog-owner relationship when introducing a slip lead – a simple tool that fosters a more direct and natural form of communication. This isn't just theory; I've seen this positive change hundreds of times in my practice.
The Connection Factor
With a slip lead, you can feel every tiny movement your dog makes—and they can feel you, too! This immediate connection is invaluable for training and guidance and they can feel you are the one steering this ship which means they don’t have to!
Benefits of Slip Leads for Training
I’m frequently asked:
Do slip leads choke dogs?
Can my dog back out of a slip lead?
Do slip leads work for pulling?
Using a slip lead allows you to guide your dog with the gentlest of corrections. I call these 'boops' as you're simply giving a light cue on the lead to let your dog know what you need from them.
One of my clients recently experienced these positive results. Initially, they were convinced their dog would hate the slip lead, would pull and choke themselves, and wouldn’t tolerate it around their neck. But when I put on the slip lead, their dog walked perfectly by my side. The owner was stunned by the instant change. When the owner took control, the dog initially pulled again, as they knew they could get away with it.
After a couple of sessions, we worked together to help the owner develop a stronger relationship with their dog. Now, they’re both walking nicely together.
Conclusion
Through years of training experience, I've witnessed remarkable transformations in both dogs and their owners after just a few sessions with a slip lead. This simple tool creates a clear line of communication that helps dogs feel secure and confident, knowing their handler is capable of guiding them through any situation. The result is often profound – what was once a stressful experience becomes a harmonious journey where both dog and owner can fully enjoy their time together, whether navigating challenging environments or simply sharing a peaceful walk through the neighbourhood.
The beauty lies in how this enhanced connection promotes mutual trust and understanding. When dogs sense their owner's confident leadership through the slip lead, they're more likely to relax and engage with their surroundings in a balanced way, leading to more enjoyable experiences for both ends of the leash.
Please note, if your dog is a puller, you’ll need professional slip lead training to use this type of lead safely and effectively. If you’d like training on this, please contact me on WhatsApp.
