Things You'll Need:
- Chew toy or old sock
- Chain leash
- Retractable leash
- Puppy treats
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Step 1
Give your puppy a chew toy or an old sock with a knot tied in the middle to gnaw on during walks to discourage her from using the leash to relieve the pain in her gums, as puppies often bite because they're teething.
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Step 2
Avoid yanking the leash from the puppy's mouth, or she might think it's a game of tug-of-war and continue the biting behavior even after the teething stops. Distract her with a chew toy instead.
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Step 3
Be aware of when your puppy starts biting the leash. Is it while you're talking to a neighbor or otherwise ignoring her? Puppies, like small children, can't always differentiate positive and negative attention and will often misbehave to get a reaction out of you. Devote all your attention to the puppy for a few walks and see if the behavior stops.
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Step 4
Switch a cloth leash for one made of chain. The metal is less comfortable for chewing, and your dog won't be able to chew through it.
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Step 5
Try a retractable leash to let your puppy range further away from you and give her more freedom to explore. Some dogs chew and tug their leashes because they want more freedom.
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Step 6
Use positive reinforcement, the most effective training tool. Take a handful of puppy treats in your pocket for walks, and when you see your puppy resist or stop bad behavior, reward her with a treat.
