Not all dog leashes are made alike – these are the things you need to pay attention to when choosing a leash for your pet.
Spending time outdoors is important – both for you and your dog. Whether it is a long walk or a quick jog – soaking up the sun and stretching out is quite the benefit. But when you take your doggo along with you, there are steps you need to take in order to make them safe and under your control. By far the most popular way to do so is a leash. A sturdy dog leash will give you ample control over your dog’s movements, while still allowing them ample freedom. And best of all – they can help you react in time when something goes wrong. But how to choose the best type of leash for your dog? Here are the things you need to look for!
The very first thing you want to pay attention to is the material. A leash needs to be strong, durable, and comfortable for the owner and the pet – which is not often easy to balance in a design. Consider your dog’s breed, age, size, and character. If your furry friend is still just a puppy, then something standard will do the trick. Nylon leashes are good for puppies, but not ideal for all adult dogs. If an adult dog tugs on the nylon leash a lot, some skin irritation and chafing may occur. Leather leashes, on the other hand, can feel more against the skin, and are equally durable. Besides, a leather leash always looks classy and elegant.
However, if you are the owner of a large and powerful breed – or your dog has a tendency to tug a lot – a more durable solution might be needed. That’s why chain leashes are ideal: they are super strong, and usually combined with a leather collar – keeping chafing at bay. Furthermore, you can opt for a harness instead of a collar. A harness supports the body and takes away the pressure from the neck area, which is a big issue with dogs that tug.
If you are confident in your dog’s habits and obedience, you can also try a retractable leash. These nifty adjustable leashes allow you to control the length of the leash and offer more distance between you and your pet. However, retractable leashes are most commonly designed for puppies and small dog breeds, as they lack the strength that is needed to control large breeds.
Besides material and type, you should also look at the size. For general leashes, the length of 6 feet is ideal – it offers ample freedom for your dog, while still keeping you in control. A leash that is too long takes away from that control, while a short one limits your dog too much.
In the end, it is important to know that a leash can be a valuable accessory for every dog owner. Even if you have plenty of trust in your dog, it is never wise to let them walk off-leash in populated areas. Things can get out of hand in a second, so it is always wise to retain some control at all moments.
