Canine Behavior Adjustment Leash

Abstract

A leash for training canines to walk beside a handler. The leash includes a single webbing strap that is folded over to provide a hand loop. The hand loop and/or strap length may be sized via a cord lock. Each of the ends of the webbing strap are folded and affixed into leg loops. The leg loops may be variably sized, and placed over the animal's hock. The leash is mounted to the animal via a slidably engaging bolt snap to a collar or harness.

Claims

1. An apparatus to allow a user to training a canine via manipulation of a training leash and collar via control of canine's hind legs, said apparatus comprising: a. a dorsal coupling along the canine's dorsal side; b. a coupler mounted along said dorsal coupling, said coupler comprising a loop adapted to allow sliding passage of at least two webbing straps; c. a first left webbing strap comprising a left leg loop attached above the canine's left hock, and a first cord lock establishing the size of the left leg loop along the first left webbing strap; d. a second right webbing strap comprising a right leg loop attached above the canine's left hock, and a second cord lock establishing the size of the right leg loop along the second right webbing strap; e. whereby both of said first left webbing strap and said second right webbing strap pass through said coupler; f. a hand loop formed above the coupler whereupon said first left webbing strap and said second right webbing strap are joined.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third cord lock placed over said first left webbing strap and said second right webbing strap above the coupler, said third cord lock providing for variable sizing of said hand loop.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tubular pad surrounding the first left webbing strap left leg loop.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a second tubular pad surrounding the second right webbing strap right leg loop.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein pulling of said hand loop to slide both of said first left webbing strap and said second right webbing strap above the coupler causes a force applied to each of the canine's hind legs so as to decrease distance between the coupler and said right and left leg loops.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said coupler comprises a swivel bolt snap.

7. A method of assisting a person to train dogs to walk beside, the method comprising the steps of: a. applying a left leg loop over a first dog's left hind leg above the hock; b. applying a right leg loop over a first dog's right hind leg above the hock; c. drawing a first left webbing strap from the left leg loop along the first dog's left flank towards the first dog's dorsal side; d. drawing a second right webbing strap from the right leg loop along the first dog's right flank towards the first dog's dorsal side; e. coupling both of the first left and second right webbing straps to a mount at a point along the first dog's dorsal side; f. holding a hand loop formed at the juncture between said first and second webbing straps.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of adjusting the size of the hand loop by use of a cord lock along both the first left and second right webbing straps.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a left leg loop comprises adjusting a size of the left leg loop via a cord lock.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of applying a right leg loop comprises adjusting a size of the right leg loop via a cord lock.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein said step of coupling is accomplished with a swivel bolt snap.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein said step of coupling is accomplished by attaching the swivel bolt snap onto a ring.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the ring is mounted along a collar.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the ring is mounted along a harness.

15. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: a. removing the left and right leg loops from the first dog; b. uncoupling the first left and second right webbing straps from the mount; c. applying a left leg loop over a second dog's left hind leg above the hock; d. applying a right leg loop over a second dog's right hind leg above the hock; e. coupling both of the first left and second right webbing straps to a mount at a point along the second dog's dorsal side.

16. The method of claim 8 wherein said step of adjusting affixes a first length between the first left webbing strap and the left leg loop and a second length between the second right webbing strap and the right leg loop.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the adjustable leash of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the leash of FIG. 1 applied onto a canine;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the leash applied to a dog;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a user handling a dog via the leash;

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the leash held by a user as applied to a small dog; and

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the leash held by a user as applied to a large dog.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The present invention is directed to a training leash that may be used to ensure that a dog, or canine, can be properly handled and trained to walk alongside the owner/user. When applied to a dog, the owner may simply handle the leash and ensure that the dog does not run off away from the user in any direction. By securing the rear hind legs of the dog, the main power source, lunging, etc., is restricted. Given the short length of the leash, the user may maintain the physical relationship between the user and dog so as to cause the dog to walk beside the user, or to heel, as is known in the art of dog training.

[0027] The present invention provides various improvements over the prior art, as the system can be used with a leash, harness, muzzle, or mate with any equipment that allows for coupling on the dorsal, or top, side of the animal. A single webbing strap can be purposed to create the leash by simply forming small (permanent) loops along the ends (for leg loops) and fold the center to provide for a handheld (and cinched) hand loop. The leash can be used by a trainer, owner, or otherwise affixed to a fixed position above the dog's coupling point, such as to a pole to hold the dog in place, in such a way, a groomer may simply affix the dog and force the dog to remain stationary, or to adopt a sitting position, etc.

[0028] The present invention may be made from inelastic webbing (or slightly elastic as such webbing is known in the art of dog leashes), without the use of any shock cord or elastic cords. The use of webbing also expands the surface area interaction with the animal and thus lessen the impact of the leash against the animal's skin/body. The system preferably uses a bolt snap with a hook that is not prone to quick or inadvertent release. The lack of leash length ensures a less outward force when dog propels forward in anyway, leading to a reduced chance of animal injury. Conversely, prior art reflexing elastic and lead allow the dog to gain a larger momentum, that consequently is reinforced on the animal when demonstrating a lack of control in the animals actions. The present invention provides for simplified usability, using a singular unit with simplified application, as the leash attaches to a pre-existing collar or other gear already used on the animal. The leash of the present invention is preferably short sized for training and behavior betterment purposes, specifically to train walking beside a handler. By use of a single webbing strap, the system can be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

[0029] As can be shown in FIG. 1, leash 10 is made up of a single length of webbing (as is known in the art for dog leashes) that has been bent over itself and affixed along two pronged ends. At midway point 15, hand loop 14 is created via movement of a slideable adjustment nut (cord lock) to adjust the size of hand loop 14. Cord lock may be similar to locks known in the art, such as spring locks, which may be sized to fit over webbing. The leash may be attached to the animal via coupler 42 such as a swivel bolt snap as shown. A bolt snap is common in the art of leashes, and used for connecting one piece to another. The lower portion is preferably swiveled, and sized just larger than the size of double webbing strap. Hook 44 may be accessed through manipulation of button 43 to couple with the animal, or a harness, collar, or other gear applied to an animal. Preferably, coupler includes rotating body 45 that includes space to allow the doubled over webbing strap to slidably pass therebetween. Each end of the webbing strap is turned over to provide leg loops 16. Ends 20 are bound onto its respective portion of the webbing. Preferably, ends 20 are affixed to the webbing via glue, thermal melting, sewn, tape, or other affixing mechanisms as are known in the art. Above ends 20, leg loop adjustment nuts 26 (such as cord locks) may be used to adjust the size of leg loops 16.

[0030] As shown applied to a dog in FIGS. 2 and 3, leash 10 may be used in conjunction with collar 12. In many instances, collar 12 may include collar ring 40 as an accessory for mounting a leash. Coupler 42 may be attached along collar ring 40 or around collar itself. When a harness is used, coupler 42 may be applied directly to the harness or an accessory mount loop or ring as may be used. Leg loops 16 are attached just above hock of the dog's hind legs. Left leg loop 18 is applied just above left hock 66 on left leg 62, and right leg loop 19 is applied just above right hock 64 on right hind leg 60. In order to apply leg loops, the loop may be extended or opened via adjustment nuts 26 to allow for leg loop to slip over paw and hind leg. Once adjusted over the hock, the adjustment nut 26 may be adjusted to minimize the size of the leg loops so as to fit snugly along the dog's hind legs. In some embodiments, a tubular pad may be used affixed within the leg loops to provide for a cushion, further surface area contact, or comfort of the dog. Leash 10 includes leads, left lead 52 and right lead 50. Left lead 52 runs from left leg loop 18 across dog's left lateral body and forms a portion of left body strap 32. Similarly, from right leg loop 19, right lead 50 provides for right body strap running laterally across dog's body (here shown in dotted line behind animal). Both leads 50 and 52 join in slideable engagement with coupler 42 just above neck or collar. In alternative embodiments where a harness is used, coupler may be positioned above the shoulder or along the back. In most preferred embodiments, coupler will mount on the dog's dorsal top. Left lead 52 and right lead 50 continue above coupler 42 providing for left lead 36 and right lead 34. Left lead 36 and right lead 34 continue past hand loop adjustment nut 24 and end in a doubled over hand loop 14. As can be seen, a single strap of webbing may be used to create the entire leash. Adjustment nut 24 may be arranged forward near coupler 42 to adjust the length of the body straps 30 and 32 to avoid dragging.

[0031] As the leash is used, a user may hold the hand loop, and control and/or prevent any forward motion by the dog. Simply by pulling up the hand loop, the leads draw the leg loops forward and upwards, thus sapping lunge power from the dog. The lead is drawn further through coupler to shorten the length of body straps and increase the length of leads as the dog changes position and/or sits. By using the leash of the present invention, the user can continually tug at the leash and communicate with the dog as to the application of the leash and the owner's desire that the dog does not pull forward. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the leash is applied to a small dog in top view. The leash is affixed to the collar 12, and leads 34 and 36 are held by hand loop 14.

[0032] As can be seen in FIG. 4, user 2 may use hand 3 to hold hand, loop 14 and handle dog. By tugging at hand loop, user causes leash to slide through coupler, thus shortening body strap 30 and 32 and pulling up on leg loop 16 around dog's hind legs. In this manner, user saps mobility and prevents dog from lunging. Dog 1 may be fitted with collar 12 that may include collar ring 40 to allow for attachment of coupler. Hand loop 14 may be adjusted in size by hand loop adjustment nut 24. In the preferred embodiments, coupler is a swivel bolt snap as is known in the art, particularly with dog leash webbing straps. However, what is key with regard to coupler 42 is the ability of the webbing straps to slide past coupler in order to adjust the length of body straps 30 and 32 and allow the user to restrict movements by shortening body straps and providing a forward and upwards force along dog's rear hind legs. Leg loops are affixed above the hock as is known in the art based on the anatomy of the animal. Leg loops resist sliding up given the widening shape of the dog's rear legs towards hip joints. Furthermore, leg loops may be adjusted via leg loop adjustment nuts 26 to provide for a better fit.

[0033] As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, small dog 31 and large dog 11 may be trained with the same lead. As can be seen, leg loops 16 may be adjusted in size to fit large and small dogs. Body straps 30 and 32 comprise the section of the leash between leg loops and coupler 42. As the leash is pulled (thus limiting the length for body straps), right lead 34 and left lead 36 may be enlengthened. When leash is applied to large dog 11, the amount of leash provided for body straps 30 and 32 includes a majority portion of the leash length. Whereas a small dog as shown in FIG. 5 as dog 31, the length between the hock and collar is much shorter relative to the leash. This provides one advantage of the present invention whereby a single length leash may be used on both large and small dogs. Given that only a single strap of webbing is required to provide the entire leash, along with accessories, adjustment nuts, etc., the leash may be applied to both large and small dogs. When a user is holding a small dog, the distance between the dog's nape, neck, or dorsal side, is much greater due to the differences in height between the dog and the user. Therefore, the majority of the leash may be used as the right and left leads 34 and 36. However, when a large dog is affixed with this leash, such as shown in FIG. 6 with large dog 11, the distance between the nape of the dog's neck (as shown) or any dorsal side to the height of the user's hand is much lower. Therefore, a lead can be much shorter, particularly where the present apparatus is used to teach the dog to walk beside a handler. The vertical distance between the dog's collar and the handler's hand is typically determined by the size of the dog.

[0034] The leash provides use of a single webbing strap that is folded over to provide the hand held (or fixed) loop and provides for ease of use in multiple sized animals as the size of the leash lead end is inversely proportional to the length between hock and attachment point. The above examples and embodiments have been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the scope and ambit of this invention set forth herein.