If you’ve got a dog, you’ll be taking him or her out for walks, to visit friends, to the beach or park or to the vet. You surely can’t let them make their own way though as they are easily distracted and can run off in a heartbeat! The solution is to use a good quality dog leash to give them freedom while still giving you full control. How do you know what type of leash to buy though? Don’t worry; we’ve put together this guide to get you started. You’ll have the perfect leash in no time!
Types of Dog Leashes
When it comes to dog leashes, you have two main choices, the standard leash or a retractable leash. Standard dog leashes are around six feet long and they’re perfect for daily walks and basic training. Retractable leashes can be as long as 30 feet when fully extended and they’re great for giving your pup room to run around while still keeping them under control, or for simple training.
Dog leashes are made from different materials but you’ll generally find them being made out of nylon or leather. Nylon is a great all around material as it is cheap and durable but you can find that they can rub on your hands over time. Leather does cost more but it is strong and gentle on your hands. Leather leashes will last longer if they have as few sewn parts as possible.
You may find that chain leashes are still available in stores but you should avoid these as much as possible as they can injure both you and your dog.
It is a good idea to think about what you’ll actually be using the leash for. If you’ll just be taking your dog for daily walks, a standard leash is absolutely fine. If you’ll be doing lots of training however, you may want a leash that suits that better. If you want to let your dog run around freely while still being able to call them back whenever you need, a retractable lead may be just the thing. Also think about whether your dog’s a water baby. If you’ll be spending lots of time in or near water, a nylon or water resistant leash is a much better choice than leather.
The ideal size and length for your leash is one that gives your dog enough slack while walking but that isn’t so long that they get themselves all tangled up. Also, it needs to be wide enough to comfortably take the strain of a dog! A cute thin leash is fine for puppies but if the adult dog strains on it at any time, you don’t want it to snap and your dog to get free! Where practical, try and buy the same leash for a puppy as you would for an adult. In many cases, this simply doesn’t work so be prepared to buy one for your dog when it is a puppy and then another when it is full grown.
The hook on the leash is what actually connects the leash to the dog’s collar. This is the true workhorse point of the leash so you want one that is strong, durable and that has a mechanism that stops it from opening accidentally. As well, you want the hook to be easily openable so you can detach and attach the leash quickly.
Types of Dog Leashes
When it comes to dog leashes, you have two main choices, the standard leash or a retractable leash. Standard dog leashes are around six feet long and they’re perfect for daily walks and basic training. Retractable leashes can be as long as 30 feet when fully extended and they’re great for giving your pup room to run around while still keeping them under control, or for simple training.
What is the Leash Made Of?
Dog leashes are made from different materials but you’ll generally find them being made out of nylon or leather. Nylon is a great all around material as it is cheap and durable but you can find that they can rub on your hands over time. Leather does cost more but it is strong and gentle on your hands. Leather leashes will last longer if they have as few sewn parts as possible.
You may find that chain leashes are still available in stores but you should avoid these as much as possible as they can injure both you and your dog.
What Will You Be Using the Leash For?
It is a good idea to think about what you’ll actually be using the leash for. If you’ll just be taking your dog for daily walks, a standard leash is absolutely fine. If you’ll be doing lots of training however, you may want a leash that suits that better. If you want to let your dog run around freely while still being able to call them back whenever you need, a retractable lead may be just the thing. Also think about whether your dog’s a water baby. If you’ll be spending lots of time in or near water, a nylon or water resistant leash is a much better choice than leather.
Look at the Size and Length of the Leash
The ideal size and length for your leash is one that gives your dog enough slack while walking but that isn’t so long that they get themselves all tangled up. Also, it needs to be wide enough to comfortably take the strain of a dog! A cute thin leash is fine for puppies but if the adult dog strains on it at any time, you don’t want it to snap and your dog to get free! Where practical, try and buy the same leash for a puppy as you would for an adult. In many cases, this simply doesn’t work so be prepared to buy one for your dog when it is a puppy and then another when it is full grown.
Check the Hook on the Leash
The hook on the leash is what actually connects the leash to the dog’s collar. This is the true workhorse point of the leash so you want one that is strong, durable and that has a mechanism that stops it from opening accidentally. As well, you want the hook to be easily openable so you can detach and attach the leash quickly.
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