Why Do Dogs Like to Bite Their Leashes?

Bringing a leash whenever going out is a basic rule for dog owners. However, many dogs love to bite their leashes, no matter the material. During the pandemic lockdown, some dogs, with little to do at home, started chewing on their leashes as a form of play, leading to significant wear and tear on these items. So, why do dogs love to bite their leashes?

1. Discomfort from Collar Pressure To prevent their dogs from pulling too much, many owners opt for neck collars instead of chest harnesses. This type of collar, when used with a leash, applies pressure to the dog’s neck to guide them in the right direction. However, this setup may lack comfort for some dogs. They might bite the leash as a way to express discomfort, especially if they dislike wearing the collar or being controlled. This can lead to resistance and frustration. To avoid this, owners should introduce the neck collar gradually, allowing the dog to become familiar with it. When walking the dog with a leash, it’s important to start slow and adjust little by little so the dog can get used to the feeling. 2. Biting the Leash to Release Frustration Dogs are loyal to their owners, but they also have their own moods. If the owner uses the wrong training methods, is overly indulgent, or too harsh, the dog may become anxious or irritable. In such cases, the dog might direct its frustration at the leash, even tearing it apart. If a dog seems especially agitated while chewing on the leash, the owner should avoid getting too close to prevent injury. It's important to spend quality time with the dog to build its sense of security. If the dog becomes overly aggressive or starts biting people, it may be necessary to consult a professional trainer. 3. Biting the Leash to Express Fear Among dog breeds, small dogs are often more sensitive to changes in their environment and can be easily frightened. If the owner suddenly takes the dog to a noisy or chaotic area, it may cause the dog to react by biting the leash in fear. This behavior can be seen as an attempt to escape or a defensive response, similar to barking in an effort to scare off perceived threats. In such situations, the owner should offer comfort and reassurance to the dog, allowing them time to gradually adjust to different environments. 4. Biting the Leash as Play In addition to the reasons above, some dogs simply view the leash as a toy. Dogs that love to chew and play, especially after being cooped up for long periods during the pandemic, may start seeing everything they can reach as something to play with—leashes included. For example, breeds like the Poodle or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are known to exhibit such behaviors, chewing on the leash while walking as a form of play. To keep the dog entertained and active, owners can play games like "hide and seek" or "follow the sound," ensuring the dog gets enough exercise and isn’t bored. Leashes serve the essential function of helping owners guide and restrain their dogs, preventing them from injuring others, eating something harmful, or running off. Even though dogs may chew on their leashes at times, it’s important to always put the leash on them for safety. For instance, the CoolDog pet leash features an automatic retractable design, using a brake function to help both pets and owners enjoy their freedom while staying safe.