There’s controversy about slip leads in the dog world. Some dog parents love them and recommend them for training while others argue that they do more harm than good. So, are slip leads cruel? To determine that, you’ll first need to understand what a slip lead is and how it’s used.
What is a Slip Lead?
A slip lead is a leash with an adjustable loop on the end instead of a clip. The loop acts as a collar, so it’s a leash and collar combo in one. When this leash is on your dog, the loop can tighten when your dog pulls. Thus, this tool can prevent them from slipping out of their leash while also teaching them good leash manners on walks.
How Does a Slip Lead Work?
To use a slip lead, you need to loosen the loop so it’s bigger than your dog’s head. Then, you’ll quickly slide it around your dog’s neck and tighten it slightly. It should be tight enough to prevent your dog from slipping out, but it should still have some room to tighten further. The part that tightens should rest on the back of the dog’s neck in between their ears.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Slip Lead?
Slip leads exist because many dog lovers find them beneficial. Here are some of the positives of slip leads.
1. Easy to Use
Slip leads are convenient to put on your dog. If you’re in a hurry or need an easy-to-use leash for the vet, a slip lead is a great product. It’s a good option for all dog owners to have in case there’s an emergency.
2. Provides Security
These leashes are safe for dogs because they make it harder for them to escape. Even if the dog squirms and pulls back, the leash will tighten as long as you’re holding onto it. If a dog is a flight risk, the handler will sometimes use a slip lead in addition to a regular leash for added security.
3. Can Be Used as a Training Tool
Trainers sometimes recommend slip leads to help with leash walking. You can teach your dog that when the leash tightens, they need to check in with you. That way, if they start to pull, they’ll be more likely to stop and look back at you. Of course, this only works if you spend lots of time training your dog in the comfort of your home instead of walking them on a slip lead right away.
What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Using a Slip Lead?
With any pet product, there will be both pros and cons. So, here are some downsides of slip leads, which are usually related to improper training and usage.
1. Can Cause Neck and Spinal Injuries
Even though many dogs have thick fur on their necks, slip leads can still cause damage if used too often or tightened too much for long periods. The outer layer of skin on a dog’s neck is actually thinner than a human’s (3 to 5 cells thick as opposed to 10 to 15 cells thick). So, if the idea of something tight around your neck for long periods frightens you, imagine how a dog with a more delicate neck might feel.
Under the neck, there are also lots of sensitive parts of your dog’s body, such as the larynx, thyroid glands, nerves, and arteries. Excessive pressure could cause harm to those areas or your dog’s spine.
This is why it’s important to keep slip lead sessions short. These leashes can be excellent tools for training and certain scenarios, but they shouldn’t be used as an everyday leash.
2. Can Cause Choking and Strangulation
Since these leashes can tighten indefinitely, they could also cause your dog to choke or strangle themselves in extreme situations. If your dog suddenly bolts forward while wearing a slip lead, that intense pressure can cause them to choke. Thus, slip leads aren’t recommended for dogs with aggression or anxiety.
Proper training can help reduce the risk of choking. You should always spend time teaching your dog how to walk on a slip lead in a comfortable environment before walking them in public with one. Doing so will reduce the risk of uncomfortable pressure on their necks.
3. Can Create Negative Associations with Leashes
If used incorrectly, dogs might fear slip leads or all leashes. Slip leads should be used to gently teach your dog not to pull or escape their leash. However, if the handler uses the leash without proper training first or tightens it as a form of punishment, the dog will probably learn to dislike leashes.
Slip leads can teach dogs to walk better on leashes, but if you use it in a way that scares your dog, they may want to avoid walking on leashes altogether. With slip lead training, focus on positive reinforcement instead of punishment to avoid negative associations.
Are Slip Leads Cruel?
No, slip leads aren’t inherently cruel. Yet, when they’re used incorrectly or too frequently, they can be. Before you get a slip lead, consider the following aspects to make sure you use it in a positive way.
1. It Depends on How It Is Used
If someone uses the tightening of the slip lead as a punishment, that’s cruel. Using it without proper training or using it for long periods could be unintentionally cruel.
Since a slip lead can tighten indefinitely, it can do more harm than good if it’s used incorrectly. To ensure you’re using it right, start by introducing it to your dog in a safe environment. Teach your dog to look at you when the leash tightens slightly around their neck and reward them when they’re successful.
2. Proper Use Can Make It Safe and Effective
By practicing in short sessions like mentioned above, slip leads can be beneficial. After frequent sessions in the comfort of your home, your dog should learn that a gentle tug on the slip lead means they should check in with you. So, this can help them turn to look at you instead of pulling on their leash and choking themselves.
3. Misuse Can Be Cruel and Harmful
Don’t rush the process or avoid training. If you jump into using a slip lead without any preparations, there’s a higher risk that your dog will pull too hard and damage their neck. Even if you’re not purposefully tugging on the leash, accidents can happen, which is cruel and unfair to your furry friend.
How Can You Ensure the Safety and Comfort of Your Dog While Using a Slip Lead?
Your dog’s comfort should always be a priority. So, to further ensure that they’re safe and content on their slip lead, keep the following aspects in mind.
1. Use a Properly Fitted Slip Lead
When putting a slip lead on your dog, make sure the lead rests up high on the back of their neck. It shouldn’t be as tight as possible because it needs some room to tighten if your dog pulls. Putting it on too tight initially could add unnecessary discomfort if your dog pulls.
Also, keep the leash’s length and material in mind. For example, a bulky rope leash will probably be too heavy for a small dog. An extremely short leash will be uncomfortable for a dog who needs some space from you while walking.
2. Use Gentle Tension on the Lead
Gently tugging on the leash should get your dog’s attention if you properly worked on training. You should never apply sudden pressure or pull the slip lead aggressively. If you’re not gentle with the tension, it could hurt your dog and make them reluctant to keep walking on a leash.
3. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior and Body Language
You should always keep an eye on your dog’s body language on walks, but it’s especially important for slip leads. If your dog is showing signs of aggression or discomfort, remove them from the situation right away. Otherwise, their behaviors could escalate, causing them to lunge forward and hurt themselves.
Signs of stress in dogs usually start small, such as yawning, licking lips, tensing body, avoiding eye contact, placing ears back, putting tail between legs, and growling. So, never overlook small indicators that your dog is upset.
Slip Leads Aren’t Cruel if You Use Them Right
Any pet product can be cruel if you use it incorrectly. Slip leads are a unique case because they require a lot of training and preparation from dog handlers. Yet, once your dog understands the expectations, slip leads can help them behave better on a leash. As long as you’re careful with when and how you use these leashes, your dog will be safe on a slip lead.