Training to hold leash in mouth while walking?

I figured this might be a good idea for Appa because it would give her a job to do while we walk. I've been working with her walking without me holding the leash (letting it drag) and she's doing very well with that and hasn't attempted running off once, even with distractions. I can't really seem to find much on google about this "trick" but I know it's possible, I've seen dogs doing it. I'm just not exactly sure how to get her to carry it for an extended period of time. Any tips or experience with this?

Thanks! :)

--Leah

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on February 20, 2013 at 8:40am

I am glad it has worked for you so far but I would find a different trick. This one can be dangerous.

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Permalink Reply by Appa and Iroh on February 20, 2013 at 10:05am

Any suggestions? I'd like for her to have a job while we walk.

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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on February 20, 2013 at 10:32am

Most dogs consider a walk a chancet o sniff and explore but if you really want her to do something let her carry a toy or a stick. My Sparty used to love carrying a plastic bottle (we lived in a neighborhood under construction) on our walks but out grew it. Just know that you will eventually have to carry the object :)

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Permalink Reply by Cathie on February 21, 2013 at 12:18pm

Her first job is to watch you for cues, I would say.

But, I saw a dog the other day wearing one of those little doggie backpack/saddlebag thingies with pouches on each side. Maybe something like that? Something for the dog to carry, not too much weight, that wouldn't interfere with her stride. You could pack plastic bags to use for poop cleanup in it.

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Permalink Reply by Anna Morelli on February 20, 2013 at 10:51am

A dog holding the leash in it's mouth defies the purpose of a leash, unless you tie the leash to you and reverse the roles :-D, but good luck finding a dog that wants to be in charge of you in that way! If she likes carrying things, a toy or stick will do. There are some dogs that can't seem to function without carrying something around ( I've seen some Labs, Goldens and Border Collies like that ) but it is not something that appeals to me personally, so I would not encourage it as I would not encourage any compulsive behavior. . I prefer a dog who is focused on me and on its surroundings in a balanced way and my dogs stay ona leash while I hold it, unless in a fenced area.

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Permalink Reply by Ivy on February 20, 2013 at 4:01pm

Yes, be careful about a puppy holding the leash in their mouth. I had a long leash and Ein had part of it in her mouth on the walk while I held the end. So cute! Or so I thought until she took off running and the leash snapped! She had been more chewing than holding. Heh.