Leash Guide

A leash is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy for your dog. Whether you are taking your dog to see the vet, visit a friend, explore the dog park or take a walk around the neighborhood, a good leash is critical for the safety of your dog and those around you. There are a variety of different types of leashes and the best one for you depends on your preferences, your dog and what you plan to use it for.

Purpose of a Dog Leash

The primary purpose of a dog leash is to keep your dog under control when you are taking him out in public. Additionally, many places have a legal requirement to keep all dogs on a leash when not confined to their owner's property. Maintaining control of your dog at all times helps keep your dog, other people and other animals safe. Leashes are also useful training tools and can be used to restrict your dog from going places you do not want him to go.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Leash

There are lots of different dog leashes to choose from. The options may be a bit overwhelming for new dog owners, but you can help make your decision by keeping several factors in mind:

• What you will use the leash for

• Ideal length and width

• Material the leash is made of

• Style and type of fastener

The Standard Dog Leash

Standard dog leashes are usually made from nylon or leather and are the most common type. These leashes make good choices for everyday walking and basic obedience training. The standard leash usually measures between four and eight feet, with six feet being the most common length. A six-foot leash is short enough to allow you complete control of your dog but long enough to allow your pet some freedom of movement.

Retractable Dog Leashes

Retractable leashes are similar to standard leashes, except they are adjustable to lengths between four and 30 feet. These leashes have a locking mechanism contained within a plastic handle that allows you to lock the leash in at a specific length. When you release the mechanism, the leash automatically retracts into the handle. This can be useful for owners who need to give their dog more freedom to work on specific skills that require the dog to be farther away than a standard leash allows.

Because these leashes may extend when pulled on, they are best for dogs that have already been trained to walk on a loose leash. They are not a good choice for dogs who pull on the leash or for inexperienced handlers.

Adjustable Dog Leashes

Adjustable leashes allow you to change the length of the leash between three and six feet by adding or removing clips or loops. This makes it so you can use the same leash for training activities where you need your dog to be close to you and regular walks where you want to give your dog more freedom.

Multiple Dog Leash

A multiple dog leash lets you walk more than one dog on the same leash. The leash has one handle and a leash that attaches to one dog and also attaches to a second leash with a coupler . These leashes work best for multi-dog households where all of the dogs are already trained to walk on a loose leash.

Bungee Leash

The main draw of the bungee leash is that it absorbs shock. This can help prevent trachea injuries in dogs who pull or lunge while on the leash and may also be useful for runners or joggers.

Waist Leashes

Waist leashes are useful for owners who have very strong dogs or who want to do activities with their dogs, such as running, that the owner needs their hands free for. A waist leash can be a good choice for people who have issues with their dog pulling the handle of a standard leash out of their hand.

Training Leashes

Training leashes come in multiple varieties that are intended for use in training different skills. A long lead may be useful for training skills where the dog needs some freedom but needs to be kept under control, such as recall. Short leads can be useful for training some obedience skills because they can be attached to the dog as a safety backup, but allowed to dangle without getting tangled in the dog's legs.

Nylon Leashes

Nylon leashes are relatively inexpensive, while also being strong and durable. They are available in lots of different colors and patterns to suit your individual style. Nylon doesn't shrink when wet and dries quickly, which makes it a good material choice for owners who like to take their dogs hiking or swimming.

Leather Leashes

Leather leashes are usually a bit more expensive than nylon. However, they are often longer-lasting and may be more comfortable to grip. Additionally, leather is less abrasive on the skin than Nylon. Leather is a good choice for owners who prefer a more stylish-looking option.

Other Considerations

If your dog tends to chew on the leash, you may want to consider a chain leash. If you plan to do lots of nighttime activities, consider a reflective leash . Strong dogs may need wide leashes with heavy-duty clips, while puppies and small dogs may do better on thin leashes with less substantial clips.

There is no one perfect leash for every dog and every owner. Try a few out and find the one that works the best for you.