Company of Animals

How to use a double ended dog leash

Black lab looking majestic on mountain with harness and double-ended lead

A study conducted by the Halti team at Company of Animals found that a whopping 55% (Source: UK Shopper research 2019) of dog owners have, at one time or another, struggled with training a dog that pulls on the leash. This begs the question, what tools are there to help these millions of tired, achy dog owners?

Why choose a double ended dog leash

Gone are the days of choke chains and prong collars and good riddance! Now we have adopted a more modern, positive outlook on dog training we have innovated some excellent products and tools to help along the way. Not least, the double ended leash. We promise, you won’t look back!

The concept behind this simple but revolutionary piece of kit is the dual point of contact to your dog and the control it gives you as the walker, much like the reins on a horse. With one end of the leash attached to the back of your dog’s harness and the other to the clip located at the front on the chest pad you are able to ensure that any pressure from pulling is evenly distributed on your pet and minimizing the risk of any harm or injury. This design also means that should your dog begin to pull, the front attachment will turn your dog’s shoulders back towards you.

When to use a double ended leash

It is important to remember that training equipment such as the Halti Training Leash or Double Ended Leash are intended as tools for use to encourage and teach polite behaviours. They are also ideal for situations where you feel your dog may be distracted. As you will know, there is nothing quite like a squirrel or some dropped snacks to send your arm reeling away from its socket! Once your dog learns to walk safely at your side, you may be tempted to switch back to your usual leash, but your trusty double ended leash uses go way beyond just training….

Ways to use a double ended dog leash

Traditionally the double ended leash was designed to help train dogs to stop pulling, but this product may well be one of the most versatile and handy purchases you will make for you and your dog.

  1. Two points of connection

If you need extra control on your walkies, you can introduce two points of connection with your dog, attaching the smaller trigger clip to your dog’s collar and larger to the back of your dog’s harness. It is a great option, particularly if your dog is prone to slipping out of their harness or collar.

  1. Training with harness or headcollar

Attaching the leash to the harnesses’ front control ring is the perfect option for dogs prone to pulling. The main connection to the back of their harness provides control, whilst the additional connection at the front of their harness allows for easier redirection when actively pulling.

If you are using a headcollar, attach the smaller trigger clip to the ring under the dogs chin. The larger clip can then be attached either to the ring on their collar or the ring at the back of their harness. This will allow you to easily redirect their head when pulling with the simple idea that if you guide the head, the body will follow.

  1. Short, medium, and long length options

The Halti Training Leash & Double Ended Leash feature 3 rings along the length of the leash, allowing for 3 lengths and uses in one.

The shortest ring reduces the length to 1 meter, great for added control and heel training.

The middle ring sets the leash at 1.5 meters and is perfect for obedience training, providing slightly more distance between you and your dog.

The longest ring will stretch the length to 2 meter allowing that extra space between you and your dog to practice on leash recall training.

  1. Leash tethering

Whether you are stopping at a café or relaxing on a park bench, it’s handy to always have a connection with your dog when tethering to your chosen person or object rather than grappling around whilst holding your dog’s collar. Of course, we would never condone leaving your dog tethered unsupervised.

  1. Hands-free

Once your dog walks nicely on the leash beside you, your Halti Training Leash or Double Ended Leash can be looped and clipped around your waist with the other end attached to your dog for easy hands-free walking.

  1. Walking two dogs at once

If you have more than one dog and both are polite walkers, then your double ended leash will come into its own. You can simply attach one clip to each of your dog’s harnesses and enjoy simple and easy walks without the stress of multiple leash tangles!

When to start leash training a puppy

At our Company of Animals Pet Centre, we recommend leash training begins as soon as you bring your puppy home. Practice is key and often, through the “teenage” stages you will find that pulling habits come back with vengeance when the best thing to do is to go back to basics and deploy your double ended leash.

Other training tools to help stop pulling on the leash

Should you feel you need further support with leash pulling, the Halti No Pull Harness is designed to stop the dog from walking when forward pressure is applied by your pet. The padding around the tops of their front legs and the running straps at the top of the harness means you dog will be pulled upwards and not back. This will allow you to stop walking without injury and teach your dog that pulling will, quite literally, get them nowhere.

Another revolutionary product first launched by Company of Animals Dr Roger Mugford in 1979, is the Halti Headcollar. While you will need to put the time in to acclimatise your dog this tool (like you would have done will all collars and leashes as a puppy), the results are undeniable. Inspired by how horses are led safely by their headcollars, this design is innovated for comfort and control. Be sure to get the correct fit and attach the safety link to your dog’s collar and you will soon be enjoying calm and controlled walks with your four-legged best friend.

How to use a double ended dog leash ~