Leash Chewing

[Labwild]

I have started obedience training on my own with a 6 month old Golden Retriever. I started on the long line and he was doing really well for a week. Now that I have gone to the 6' leash all he wants to do is chew and grab the leash with his mouth which make it impossible for corrections. I thought it was a one time thing but he does it all the time now and just won't let go. I even tried going back to the long line but he does the same with it now. He will stay with me and pay attention but will not let go of the leash.
How can I get him to stop so we can move on with training
Linda

[Todd]

Hi there and thanks for the post

I have a few ideas to help.
Often the easiest way is to reprimand the second he puts the lead in his mouth. When he puts it in his mouth give him a firm tug on the line and also a loud GRRRR or AHHHH. If he lets go then praise him with attention.

If not go to him and remove it from his mouth. Don't make a game of it and if he struggles tell him off again.

You may also want to try putting some bitter tasting stuff on the lead like cayenne pepper, tabasco or sour apple. This will help him stop the chewing.

If all else fails you may have to go back to a short lead and slowly over a few weeks give him more and more lead. He can only have more lead when he has stopped chewing on the lead and is behaving

Good luck and please let me know how things are going.

Todd

[Labwild]

Thanks Todd
Sorry I didn't get back sooner. Things are going great! It took a few sessions but we have been able to move on with the rest of training at steady pace with great results.
Thanks again!
Linda labwild