Biting the Leash

[Tait & Finn]

Any tips to get my Finn to stop biting his leash while we walk? He doesn't do it every time but when he gets excited or we turn and head for home he'll start biting and pulling on the leash. I'll stop walking and tell him to "drop it!" but he doesn't. I end up playing tug of war and I know that just encourages him. I've tried distracting him, telling him to find a stick, squirrel or bunny. Those are words he knows and will immediately start looking around. I hate to trick him but it's the only way to stop this behavior. Any ideas would be most appreciated. Oh, I've tried bitter apple & hot sauce but it didn't work. Thanks.

[Tait & Finn]

Thank you everyone for your input. I have used the step on the leash technique. He does not that at all! But it works. Plus I'm using a six foot leash instead of the retractable which was about to snap from him biting on it. Our 4th or 5th one. He's walking better and biting it less. Yay! Thanks again.

[Julie and Max]

Glad to hear that Tait, eventually he'll stop completely, Max hated it too :D

[Barbara Korber]

We have resorted to using a chain leash right now attached to his harness on the back.  This worked for our golden retriever when he was a leash-biting pup and it seems to be working for our Gusdoodle.