How to Make an Umbilical Leash

An umbilical leash allows a dog's handler to control the animal while keeping both hands free.

Umbilical leashes are leashes that fasten normally to a dog's collar but are secured around the handler's waist, leaving her hands free for other tasks. An umbilical leash establishes the handler as pack leader and forces the dog, through subtle cues, to anticipate changes in direction when moving about or in position when still. These instructions explain how to convert a regular leash into an umbilical leash that can be donned and removed easily. According to Mark Halasz, executive director of Midwest Assistance Dogs in South Bend, Indiana, umbilical leashes also enhance the emotional bond between handler and animal.

Things You'll Need

• 2 identical 6-foot flat nylon leads with swivel metal clasps
• Scissors
• Large key ring
• Tape measure
• Dressmaker's pencil
• Sewing machine
• Heavy duty sewing machine needle
• Heavy duty thread

Instructions

1. 

   Use scissors to cut through the nylon web.

   Remove the metal clasp from one leash.

2. Thread the nylon web of the other leash, handle first, through the eye of the metal clasp, sliding the clasp to the middle of the leash.

3. Attach the key ring to the leash handle, sliding the nylon web through the slit in the ring as you would attach a key.

4. 

   Plan on a secure but not tight fit.

   Measure the handler's waist.

5. 

   A dressmaker's pencil is useful because the mark can be sponged off later.

   Measure the desired distance from the tip of the leash handle to the spot on the leash where the metal clasp will be sewn and mark the spot with a dressmaker's pencil.

6. 

   Choose a sturdy needle and heavy-duty thread.

   Fold over the web at the point where the metal clasp is to be fastened. Use a wide, tight zigzag stitch to sew a sturdy seam to secure the clasp in place.

7. The leash is ready for use. The metal clasp fastens to the key ring when an umbilical leash is needed. You also can use the leash in the standard method when needed, holding on to the loop handle.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the discarded nylon web from the first leash to lengthen the umbilical leash, if needed, whether for a longer lead or a larger waist.

• The metal clasp does not have to be permanently secured if you desire an adjustable waist, but it is more likely to slide around and slip down if not sewn in place.

• If your sewing machine won't sew well through the thickness of the leash webbing, consider taking the leash to a professional seamstress or shoe repair shop. Both have industrial machines capable of sewing this material and the fee should be small for this job.

References

• Midwest Assistance Dogs: Mark Halasz

Resources

• Dog Tips Daily: Umbilical Training Gets Your Dog's Respect
• Dog Training Basics