All dog owners sooner or later face the need to buy a leash for their dog. Especially if you live within the city, this item becomes the first and indispensable attribute for walking down the street. So how to choose a leash for your dog? Let's figure it out.
Today we have prepared the following information for you:
- Types of dog leashes - why each of them is needed and can be useful;
- How to choose the right leash - what to look for when buying.
Roulette leash
The leash is used for walking around the city. The tape measure allows the dog to run at different distances from the owner. A special clamp allows you to control the length of the leash. The ammunition is designed for a certain weight of the animal. Tape measures are not recommended for walking large dogs.
When purchasing ammunition, you should consider the product's reserve strength. If your dog weighs 12 kg, then you need to purchase a leash designed for 17-22 kg. The maximum weight that the leash can support is usually indicated on the casing of the tape measure. The weight reserve will prevent the product from breaking during sudden tension. The dog will definitely test the strength of the leash, trying to catch up with the cat or bark at a passing car.
The leash size can vary (from two to eight meters). The optimal length of a leash intended for city walks is about 5 meters . Roulette leashes come in cable and tape types. Cable gear is used for walking miniature animals. The leash does not twist, but is inferior to ribbon models in terms of reliability.
Tape leashes are highly durable and allow you to easily hold medium-sized dogs. The tape can twist, so it needs to be straightened periodically. You should not take the cheapest leashes that are produced by unknown Chinese companies. They break quickly and can injure the animal.
Ferplast (Italy), Roller (Holland) and Flexi (Germany) are considered reliable manufacturers of leashes. The models of these companies are more expensive than Chinese consumer goods, but they will not break at the most crucial moment. Leashes from Europe are made in bright colors and have an ergonomic design. A roulette leash is convenient because it does not spread along the ground. You don't have to clean the tape after every walk.
Conclusion
There are many varieties of leashes, if we classify them by type of structure, material of the main product, and purpose. Based on the statistics provided, tape-type nylon products are popular this year. They have excellent strength, are easy to wash, resistant to wear, physical and solar exposure. Less popular options include leashes made of metal (chain), canvas, and leather.
Note! The list does not include models made of biothane or polyurethane.
The choice of a leash for your pet should be made consciously, taking into account its activity and weight category. Well, which one is better is up to the buyer to decide.
Leash for walking and training
This model is suitable for walking and training large breed dogs. The product is a long ribbon made of polymer materials, treated leather or thick canvas. A wrist loop is sewn to one end of the leash, and on the other there is a steel carabiner that attaches to a harness or collar. A special adapter is attached to the carbine, allowing it to rotate around its axis. This technical solution prevents the tape from getting tangled.
Canvas
To walk large dogs, you need a long leash (at least 2 meters). If you are going to train a dog, then you need to purchase a ribbon at least 5 meters long. Canvas leashes are considered the most reliable. They cost much less than leather products.
The tarpaulin can be easily washed and folded in several layers. When selecting a leash, be sure to pay attention to the strength of the steel carabiner. Don't rely on metal rivets and other fittings. It is better to additionally stitch the junction with strong threads.
Leather
Leather ribbons look impressive, but have a number of significant disadvantages. Leather products are quite expensive and deteriorate from contact with moisture. A wet tape quickly swells, cracks and becomes deformed. The durability of leather products leaves much to be desired.
Nylon
Nylon ammunition is relatively inexpensive and can withstand high tension. The length of the nylon leash can reach up to 20 meters. Some models have comfortable handles that allow you to control the animal's behavior. Nylon leashes rub your hands a lot when the animal is actively moving. A dog can quickly chew through a polymer thread and run away from its owner.
Leash
It is a durable tape with carabiners at the ends. The product is equipped with durable metal rings that allow you to adjust the length of the leash. Re-stitching is used in the process of training and training an animal. You should not buy a leash with braided inserts. They injure your hands and fingers.
Equipment
Adjustable length – allows you to control the dog’s movement in any situation. A similar option is most often provided in roulettes and re-stitches.
Lining – provides the animal with the most comfortable and safe wearing of the harness. The lining in the leashes serves for additional convenience for the owner.
Reflective elements improve the visibility of the animal at night, which reduces the risk of a car hitting it. They will come in handy if your pet walks near highways.
A water-repellent coating is important when bathing a dog in a lake, pool, river or other body of water.
Jogging belt – worn by the dog owner. A leash is attached to the belt, which in turn is fastened to the collar (has two carabiners). Frees up your hands when jogging and walking with your dog. Often equipped with pockets for storing small items: pet treats, mobile phone, water bottle.
Shock-absorbing spring – protects the dog from accidental injuries due to sudden jerks. This leash is optimal for energetic and active pets, but is not used for training.
The leash can also be equipped with a wrist mount (useful when jogging), a bicycle mount (for cycling with a dog), or a car seat belt mount (useful when traveling with a dog in a car).
Chain leash
The ammunition consists of metal links that are fastened to each other. The chain leash is suitable for fighting dogs that need to be kept at a short distance. For small dogs, a steel chain is not suitable. A metal leash has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, it is quite weighty and heavy.
Secondly, the dog's hair can get tangled in the links of the chain. This may cause pain for your pet. With a powerful jerk, the chain links sometimes become disconnected from each other. Steel chains are often purchased by professional dog breeders. The chain leash attracts attention to the show animal and looks beautiful in the frame during photo sessions.
Manufacturer
Brands of dog leashes can be divided into three groups: little-known local leashes, high-quality products from well-known brands and elite ammunition from popular manufacturers.
The first group of products usually consists of the simplest canvas and leashes made of leatherette and nylon. For example, brands AnimAll, Kristel, My Wuf and so on. They are quite enough for the usual function of walking the dog. Disadvantages: simple appearance, uncomfortable handles, unreliable carabiners that can break suddenly. Cheap harnesses are extremely rarely designed correctly; they often rub dogs’ armpits, put pressure on the elbows, and distribute the load incorrectly.
A good combination of price and quality include products from Collar, Trixie, Coastal, Collar, Ferplast, Flexi, Karlie-Flamingo. A variety of materials (high-quality nylon, biotan, leather), reliable carabiners, attractive design and a wide selection of colors - these qualities are inherent in leashes and harnesses of these brands. It is worth noting that Flexi roulettes have long been leaders among roulette manufacturers: they are reliable, convenient, more expensive than no-name models, but their purchase is 100% justified. This is especially noticeable with large breeds. If almost any tape measure can withstand a small one, then with a strong tug from a heavy dog it can fail, which is unacceptable! Brands in this group also like to create unique new products and experiment with materials. This allows the buyer to choose a high-quality and comfortable leash of any length and width. Harnesses are usually well designed, but you still need to try them on and don't hesitate to return the product to the store if the model doesn't suit your dog. You cannot wear an uncomfortable or “wrong” harness, because this is harmful to the dog’s health.
The most expensive leashes are the famous brands Hunter and Hurrta. Their prices may differ several times. This is due to the popularity of the brand, their promotion and high-quality advertising campaign. Of course, the ammunition is very reliable and beautiful, but it works no better than the products of the second group.
Ring leash
Such leashes are often used during exhibitions. The ringovka is a thin cable with loops at the ends. The handler puts one of them on his hand, and the other loosely tightens it around the dog’s neck. The animal will not be able to make sudden movements, as the loop will begin to compress the neck. The tension force of the loop is adjusted using a special clamp. Strict control over the animal's behavior is necessary to show the show dog in a favorable light.
It is better to coordinate the choice and purchase of a show ring with an experienced handler.
Get used to it or make it natural
There are several answers to the question of how to train a dog to use a leash. It all depends on how the animal reacts to the collar and close proximity to its owner. Some puppies get scared, start to worry, whine, and break out. Others react to everything calmly and adequately. However, this is rare.
- In order to avoid problems, the baby should be gradually introduced to different types of leashes. Start with the simplest. For example, first you should make a leash for your dog with your own hands to make sure what type of controller he needs.
- There is no need to attach the leash and collar immediately. First, the puppy should be given a good sniff of the new object. At first, it is advisable to store this item next to the dog’s sleeping place. When the baby gets used to being in the neighborhood with an object that is already familiar to him and is not at all dangerous, you can try putting on a collar and attaching a leash.
- If the puppy protests against control over him, you should not follow his lead. Quickly given freedom will be assessed as a big victory, which means that next time the dog will behave just as aggressively.
If possible, it is recommended to leave the puppy alone with the new “friend”, just for a few minutes. By the way, experienced dog handlers advise not to hang up a collar and leash until the puppy is accustomed to wearing thin ribbons and bows around his neck. He will get used to the leash in an apartment and can go for walks.
Leash-spark (fold)
The product is suitable for walking with several animals. The design of various leash models makes it possible to fasten additional ribbons with carabiners to a common ring. The sections do not get confused and allow you to comfortably walk 2-3 animals. Sparka replaces several roulette leashes. This type of equipment is usually used for walking short distances.
Driver
How to choose a leash for a dog if your task is to restrain the animal? The best solution here would be to buy a driver. Such accessories are purchased for large breeds and used during training and at exhibitions.
Leather driver Collar
The product is made of high-quality leather, consists of a durable loop and a powerful carabiner that is attached to the collar.
Advantages:
- Genuine Leather;
- does not rub your hand;
- looks stylish and discreet;
- does not crack over time.
Flaws:
- Available in only two colors.
If you asked which leash is best for a puppy, we would not recommend a walker. But if we are talking about an adult animal that requires increased control while moving around the city or training, the best leashes for dogs are walkers.
Harness
The leash tape can be attached not only to the collar, but also to special equipment. A harness consists of several straps that go around the dog's body. This type of equipment allows the animal to breathe and move freely (the leash attachment point is not located in the neck area).
The following types of harnesses are distinguished:
- Walking.
- Riding.
- Freight.
- Guardhouse.
- Medical.
For small dogs, you can buy a harness-vest. It has a padding polyester or fur lining that will prevent the animal from freezing. The harness must be selected taking into account the size and breed of the dog. Equipment must be tightly fitted to the body. It is not recommended to use harnesses for walking puppies under 10 months of age.
A dog owner should buy several leashes with different functional purposes. Read our helpful tips on how to leash train your puppy. Selected ammunition will prevent injuries and also protect the dog from conflicts with animals and people. Some dogs are prone to running away. If you do not want to file a missing pet report, then you should purchase a reliable leash.
Chest circumference, neck circumference
These characteristics are taken into account when choosing a harness for animals. A correctly selected accessory fits snugly to the pet’s body. This product does not compress the body and does not sag.
Chest circumference and neck circumference are determined using a measuring tape. The most important parameter is the chest girth - the widest point behind the front legs. Add 0.5-2 cm to the result obtained, depending on the size of the dog. In addition to these values, the length of the back is measured from the withers to the beginning of the tail. The withers are the highest point of the back in dogs and cats.
The choice of harness will be greatly facilitated by a special table that shows the standard sizes and the corresponding dog breeds. Products in size XXS (chest girth 33-45 cm) are optimal for Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas and toy poodles, and models in size XL (chest girth 90-130 cm) are suitable for English mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and St. Bernards.
Important: chest circumference for harnesses is given in a certain range, for example, 75-100 cm. This information is indicated approximately. Therefore, such an accessory may not be suitable for four-legged friends with a chest circumference of 75 cm or 100 cm in the middle of the size range - this would be the optimal option (87-88 cm). So, if the dog’s chest circumference is 100 cm, it is better to take a model in size XL.
When choosing a harness for a cat, rabbit or guinea pig, proceed from the fact that a finger should fit freely between the body of the animal and the belt of the product.
Tarpaulin
When choosing a leash, you need to know how to choose a dog leash based on weight and size. It is also important to consider technical features. Everything is simple with a tarp - it is the most durable and inexpensive accessory for dogs.
HOMEPET
HOMEPET canvas equipment is an excellent choice for animals of all breeds and sizes. The accessory will be difficult to chew or damage. He is not afraid of rain, snow, severe frosts.
Advantages:
- comfortable loop for long walks;
- sufficient length - 3 meters;
- the loop does not slip out;
- reliable carabiner, protected from arbitrary unfastening;
- atraumatic edge;
- great price;
- You can leash your pet for a short time.
Flaws:
- no color choice;
- the accessory looks simple.
Manufacturing materials
Most often, standard leashes are made of leather, nylon or canvas. Of these, many owners prefer leather because of the aesthetic appearance of this material, but in practice this option turns out to be the most useless. Leather is a very heavy raw material, and therefore a product made from it turns out to be quite massive and uncomfortable. In addition, such leashes quickly become deformed, cracks and other damage form on them.
In this regard, nylon is more convenient, but also not particularly resistant. A nylon leash, even a rubberized one, can be used for small dogs and puppies, but for large breeds it is recommended to use canvas options. Tarpaulin is characterized by durability, it is difficult for a dog to gnaw it with its teeth, this material does not slip in the hand and is easily washed.
As already noted, it is better not to buy metal products. Yes, such a specimen looks very impressive and will harmoniously fit into the image of a graceful large dog, but it is better to use a chain only in places where beauty is more important than convenience, for example, at a dog show.
How to choose?
Before purchasing a leash, please read the following guidelines.
- Consider the size of the animal. The larger and more powerful the dog, the stronger the product will suit him.
- Before purchasing, make sure that the carbine and bolt are of sufficient strength and high quality.
- If you choose a leather leash, then buy a product whose edges are processed, otherwise the material will quickly get wet.
- If a leash is needed for a representative of a large breed, then you should choose a welded ring for a carabiner, and choose a cylindrical shape for the latch itself so that the dog does not unfasten it.
- For short educational measures, a noose leash is suitable. For small dogs, you can construct a noose in a couple of seconds yourself from a classic leash with a loop.
- To hold a medium and large dog, choose a leash 2-4 cm wide. Give preference to wicker or flat products, and flat ones should have a two-layer stitched structure. For miniature dogs, cute thin braided laces or rings are suitable, emphasizing the elegance and sophistication of representatives of elite breeds.
- For daily walks, a leash 2-3 m long is suitable; longer options are inconvenient, as the animal can get entangled in them. If the accessory is needed to practice commands, then give preference to products at least 6-8 m in length.
