Among dog accessories, there are many suggestions for dog leashes. The choice is enormous! How do you decide on the right one? Which leash should you choose for your dog? Read our tips.
You can also read this article in Dogo App.
A Short Leash
- restricts your dog’s space and movements,
- prevents free exploration of the area and collection of scents,
- increases the problem of pulling on the leash,
- impairs your dog’s social and communication skills,
- destroys your bond with your pet,
- can lead to behavioral and health problems for your pet.
A Long Leash
- allows your dog to make their own decisions,
- strengthens your bond, which is based on trust,
- allows your dog to move at their own pace and pick up scents freely,
- does not significantly impair communication between dogs.
The ideal leash is 9-15 feet (3-5 meters) long. It will allow your dog to feel comfortable and at ease while walking.
However, it’s important to remember that walking your dog on a long leash comes with some risks. For instance, if your dog is not well-trained, they may run off or get tangled in the leash, causing harm to themselves or others. Therefore, it’s crucial to teach your dog basic obedience commands like “come” or “stay” before using a long leash. Additionally, it’s important to supervise your dog at all times and choose a safe area for walking, such as a park or a quiet street.
How to Choose the Leash Material
Adjust the weight of the leash to the size of your dog. A leash that is too heavy may hinder your dog’s movements, limit freedom. Choose a strong leash and at the same time pleasant to wear for your pet.
When choosing the right leash material, it is also important to consider the weather conditions in your area. For example, if you live in a hot and humid climate, you may want to choose a material that does not absorb moisture, such as biothane. On the other hand, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to choose a material that provides better insulation, such as leather. Additionally, it is important to consider any allergies or sensitivities that your dog may have. For example, some dogs may be allergic to nylon or other synthetic materials, in which case a leather leash may be a better option.
Types of Leashes
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Nylon leash
This is the most popular and available type of leash. It is a fairly durable and inexpensive product. It is a material that can get dirty and wipe over time. It is important to keep it clean because it can get moldy. You can wash a dirty leash and still use it. Nylon straps are lightweight, so they don’t put a strain on your dog. They often have an interlocking function – they allow you to clip the leash in half and shorten its length. However, it is important to note that not all nylon leashes are created equal. Some may be of lower quality and prone to breaking or fraying over time. It is important to choose a reputable brand and inspect the leash regularly for signs of wear and tear. Additionally, some nylon leashes may have sharp edges that can cause discomfort or even injury to your dog’s skin. Therefore, it is essential to choose a leash with smooth edges and a comfortable handle.
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Leather leash
This is a more expensive product, but also more durable. If you take care of it and maintain it properly, it will serve you for many years. Leather does not soak up water and is not susceptible to staining. It is pleasant to touch and reduces the risk of burning your hands when jerking. They provide a good grip and prevent your hands from getting burned or injured. However, to maintain the quality of your leather leash, you need to take proper care of it. Clean it regularly with a damp cloth, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or heat, and store it in a dry and cool place. With proper care, your leather leash can last for many years and save you money in the long run.
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Bio -Thane leash
It is one of the most modern materials. It resembles leather to the touch but does not require special maintenance. It does not absorb water or dirt. Velcro, leaves, or sticks do not stick to it. It is enough to rinse any dirt in the water. Bio-Thane is made of light, flexible and solid material. It is unlikely to get tangled in knots, so you won’t waste time untangling it.
We Do Not Recommend
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A chain leash
It’s bulky, heats a lot on hot days, is cruelly cold during freezing weather, and causes discomfort when it touches your dog’s body.
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Flexi leash (automatically extending)
Why is a Flexi lead (NOT) ideal for every dog? Why do people use it so often? For their own convenience and the apparent convenience of their dog. The flexi lead is a rather tricky invention. Apparently, the dog is comfortable because it is not the same as one meter of the classic leash, limiting their movement. So, where is the trick? Every time the dog wants to walk away from us, they have to pull the leash out on their own. For this to happen, resistance is needed. So your pet is forced to pull the mechanism to extend the leash and lengthen the movement’s path. What happens then? Dogs are clever; they work schematically – if something has worked a few times, it will be eagerly repeated. This is how the nasty habit of pulling on walks is formed! And what if the length of the flexi is no longer enough? The dog will probably pull forward, hoping that the leash will extend more – a never-ending story.
With smaller dogs, the problem is less noticeable. The small size can’t knock us over or pull our arm out of the joint. This is why we underestimate the problem. Sometimes the dog will lunge forward; the flexi will run out; the pooch will do a flip in the air and hit the ground with their body. Your pet may, for example, break its neck or get a concussion! This is a serious matter!
The Importance of the Leash
This is why we recommend replacing the automatic leash with a classic longer one. You can also fully extend and lock the flexi you have at home. An automatic leash is more comfortable for people and easier to handle than, for example, a 5 meter lead. However, it only takes a little willpower to learn how to use it efficiently. And if your dog still pulls on a leash, introduce training of walking on a loose leash.
It’s impossible to force your pet to walk at your side. The trick is to make them want to walk near you. Not sure how to do this? Take a look in DOGO! In the Good manners tab, you will find a helpful exercise – WALKING ON A LEASH.
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