Can a dragging leash smile?

Sometimes, mostly without realising, we let the leash drag on the ground while the dog is moving. Could this be a problem? And why?

The same way we add tension by holding the leash too tightly, dragging the leash on the ground adds weight and can cause some discomfort. The smaller the dog, the more they will feel this dragging on the surface.

Dogs who are sensitive to touch, insecure, fearful or reactive, can be more affected by the leash being dragged. Imagine having to cope with a strange and scary world anyway and then having something tug on your body every once in a while. It is an additional little stressor a sensitive dog would do better without. Don't you agree?

It is easy to solve this little problem though, just by making sure the leash is loose, but also off the ground on our walks.

It is OK to lay the lead on the ground when the dog is not moving. For example when you are having a quiet moment during a calm session.

Barney sniffs on his walk on a smiling leash that is not touching the ground