Picking the correct leash can be cumbersome – so many things to consider: what will you be using it for, what kind of places will you will be going, and how much control you have over your dog are just a few.
Leashes come in all kinds of materials and styles these days – leather, nylon, retractable, LED lighted, and chains are some examples. Understanding the best leash for you and your dog will lead to many safe and enjoyable walks. To make a selection, you need to first think about the age and breed of the dog. Then you need to be honest with yourself about how well you and your dog communicate. Does your dog listen to commands all the time, only when there are no distractions, or never?
If your dog is not well behaved or is young and rambunctious opt for a shorter leash (think 4 – 6 feet). This will help you maintain control of your dog as you teach good walking manners. They are also handy for obedience classes. Some of these have a second handle closer to the dog’s end of the leash that will allow you to shorten the leash if you need to.
Stay away from retractable leads. They do give your dog more freedom, but if you start walking with one your dog learns freedom, rather than how to walk nicely on a leash. If your dog is well trained, a long training line is safer than a retractable lead.
Safety tips to keep in mind no matter what leash you select:
– Leashes are made with different clips and buckles that should be matched to the dog’s weight. I’ve seen a Great Dane pull apart a 90lb leash because she was bigger and stronger than that equipment. Make sure your equipment (leash and collar) is weighted for your dog.
– Make sure you are walking with some type of light or reflective materials so you can be seen after dark.
– Keep in mind: glitter, rhinestones, or any other decorative additions can come off and choke your dog. So if you want a more “bedazzled” look, just make sure the décor is securely fastened. Or have separate equipment for walking.
While we don’t think much about it as we put it on each day to travel outside for yet another potty break, the leash is one of the most important training tools we have for our dogs.
