Kittennekomeow

Leash training is a staple activity of pet play. It is also a misunderstood one; many find the concept of leash training confusing or awkward. With practice, leash training can become an intimate, bonding activity that reinforces the d/s power dynamic beautifully.

Protocol

While not mandatory, many dominants choose to incorporate the ‘two steps behind’ rule into their leash training. In this protocol, the submissive remains two steps’ length behind and one to the side of the dominant. This enables the submissive to keep up with the dominant while walking, but still remain visually ‘in their place’. When performed without a leash, this technique also becomes an effective way to maintain the d/s dynamic in public.

Leash commands

Unlike leash training a dog, tugging and jerking of the leash in human leash training are encouraged. Hand signals can also be incorporated into the training. These commands, taken from Idaho BDSM, are basic techniques:

Firm pressure applied downward on the leash indicates the command, “down” or “kneel”.

Firm pressure applied upward on the leash indicated the command “up”.

A quick commanding jerk towards the dominant on the leash indicates the command “come”.

Several slight jerks to the front indicate that the dominant wishes the submissive to take the lead or precede him or her, such as when going through a door.

Raising the hand with the leash in it, with the palm open and facing front, indicates the command “stop”.

Lowering the hand with the leash in it, palm aimed at the floor, indicates the command “stay”.

Lowering the hand with the leash in it, with two fingers pointing to the ground, indicates the command “heel”.

Public play considerations

Leash training in public is a popular activity; however, it is also very controversial.  Despite its legality, many BDSM practitioners are against public leash play, as it may reinforce negative stereotypes about BDSM practitioners being socially unadjusted.  Additionally, many feel that public play forces nonconsenting passerby into becoming part of a sexual scene.

There are several ways of subtly taking leash training into the public sphere. Two examples are the ‘invisileash’, in which the dominant enforces the ‘two steps behind’ rule or sets a predetermined ‘leash allowance’ (a length in which the sub is allowed to travel freely, such as three feet), and a ‘wrist leash’, which is a very short leash that extends from the dominant’s hand to the submissive’s wrist and attaches to a cuff. This alternative is best suited for walks in open areas with few people, such as in nature.