Besides the collar, leashes are the second most important accessory you can buy for your dog. It's an essential tool that lets you walk with your pet safely. Some of them are used on their own, but some have to be combined with collars or harnesses. If the leash is not right, the dog won't like it and won't connect it with happy things such as going for a walk. Different leads are made of different materials, and they all have a specific purpose, it's up to you to decide which one is the best for your dog.
Slip Leash
This is a unique piece of dog accessory that’s a combination of a leash and a collar in one design. This is a very practical item that lets you use it as a head or body harness with some simple adjustments. The safe and comfortable slip leash is made to tighten under tension and release the grip as the tension reduces. It's very simple to use and one of the most practical training items for your dog.
The important part is to slip it on your pet properly. First, you should create a loop big enough for the dog’s head to fit. Make sure the dog is familiar and comfortable around it, so it doesn’t run away or resist. Next, place the dog on your left side and create the letter “P” with your right hand. Place the right hand just above the leather stop and slip the lead on your dog with your left hand.
Hold the leather slide and pass the lead over the dog’s head, and slide it down until the stop is loose. Finally, adjust the loop on the leash according to your dog’s size. The leather slide should be at the dog’s neck, loose enough for you to slide 2 fingers in between. Never place the slip head in the middle of the throat or the neck. This can injure the pup if it pulls too strongly.
This leash is easy to release. You should just move the leader slide towards the handle. This is a great leash that’s suitable for training your dog how to walk beside you, getting it in and out of a car or moving it quickly from one place to another. Don't use it on dogs that have a tendency to pull all the time or on small breeds. This leash is not made for cats, so don’t dry to use it on them.
The best materials for this leash are leather or polypropylene rope. Either one works well, it all depends on your budget. They come in several designs that vary in size and loop diameters depending on the size of the dog you have. Don't try to enforce the leash on the dog. Make him feel safe around it first, and then proceed with using it as a walking leash.
Retractable Leash
The retractable leash is a great way to give your dog more freedom while going for a walk. But sometimes, dog owners use it the wrong way or when the dog isn’t trained and ready to use it. This leash has a handle with a long spool of tape inside that can be released or pulled towards you. When the dog pulls the tape unleashes.
There's a button on the handle that activates a lock, and it stops the dog from pulling further. The only way the leash will retract is if it’s loose, meaning the dog isn’t pulling forward. Be careful about how you use this leash. Letting your dog go too far can be dangerous. Also, make sure the dog isn’t running while pulling. Similar to the slip leash, the sudden stop of the leash can cause injuries to the neck.
The handle of the leash should be made of non-slip, sturdy materials. It should also fit comfortably in your arm and not cause blisters or cuts. Choose a length that you’re comfortable with. Don't let the tape be too long. Otherwise, it’ll be hard for you to control the dog. Shorter lengths will give your dog freedom, security and more control over you.
If you can, choose a thicker cord or tape in a bright colour. It'll be easier for you to see it. Stripes of reflective tape on it can be a great addition, making the dog visible during the night. This can warn people around you that the dog is released further from you. Don't use this leash when you need to keep the dog beside you, if there are a lot of dogs around you or when you’re walking on a sidewalk.
Martingale Leash
Martingale leashes were originally created for dogs with long slender necks and smaller heads. Their body shape was problematic, and people had to create a leash that won’t slip off the dog’s neck over the head. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular leashes that’s used for many dog breeds. Just like the slip dog leads, they’re a combination of a collar and a leash.
Instead of one, the martingale leash has two loops that form one single loop on the dog’s neck, making it safer. But the main difference is how they function. The martingale type won’t choke the dog because there’s a stopping point in the tightening. They come in many different designs, colours and lengths. Which one you choose depends on your dog’s size and your personal preference.
Harness
Dog harnesses typically give owners more control over the dog than collars. Although they can’t stop the dog completely from pulling forward, they make it easier to hold the dog back. If you have a dog that does this a lot, the harness is the right choice for you. Its design allows for the force to be spread across a larger section of the dog’s body.
This way the pup doesn't feel discomfort, and won’t get any injuries or damage to the neck and windpipe. This is especially important for smaller breeds, which tend to get hurt easily. The harness is also a good choice for older dogs that need some help with getting up and sitting down. You can give the dog a boost or provide support when needed.
Before buying, always measure the size of your dog. The main measurement is around the chest. Grab a soft measuring tape and wrap it around its chest, just behind the front legs. The weight is also important. The heavier the dog the stronger the harness. If it’s properly sized, you should be able to fit 2 fingers between the harness and the dog’s skin. This way there won’t be any skin irritations, wounds and cuts.
