How to Select the Perfect Leash

Tips on How to Select the Perfect Leash

When it comes to leashes, it’s not a one size fits all. It is important to select the type which best suits your needs. Always focus on safety and control. Fashionable is alright too, but safety and control are of the utmost importance.

When discussing leashes, it is also important to note: Please never leave your dog unattended with a choke or pinch collar on. I just recently had a friend who brought her dogs in from a walk and did not take their choke collars off. They started playing, needless to say, one dog accidentally was choked. This is one of the many reasons why I am so passionate about choosing the right collar and leash for your dog.

Leash Materials

Let’s start with materials. Leather is strong and flexible, and after a short time it becomes soft and supple in the hand. Leather does tend to be a little more expensive. Nylon is great because it is virtually impervious to water and comes in many great colors. Nylon has no give so it’s also a fine choice for training.

Leash Lengths

Always use a 6 foot lead, be it leather or nylon, because it gives one the most control. It is the trainers' first choice. Ask any trainer, he/she always stresses the importance of walking your animal on a 6 foot lead and on your left hand side. My trainer friend, Mary Disney, has a great story as to why this is preferable. If and when your dog pulls and you give correction, you're more apt to not choke or hurt using force because you are not using your strong arm (assuming 90% of the population is right handed).

While this is a good reason for your dog, the actual history behind the left side heal dates back to England in the late 1700’s when men hunted. Hunters needed the right hand and arm free to carry his musket or rifle, thus holding the lead on his left.

• Special Tip To keep your dog from chewing his or her leash, rub a little bit of clove oil into the leash or collar. Trust me, one taste of this and they won’t be back.

Small Dog Leashes

For smaller dogs, consider a halter or harness. These combine the leash with the collar. Small dogs tend to slip out of neck collars and because of their size they can be hurt if tugged too hard.

Bungee Leashes

Maybe some of you have seen the latest rage: hands-free or bungee cord leashes. They come in long sizes that will attach to your bike and even have an attachment for your belt. Be warned, your animal needs to be well trained before you attach yourself at the hip to a larger dog that will drag you mercilessly across the park in pursuit of a target whose scent they have picked up.

Retractable Leashes

Another option, although it’s not my personal favorite, is the retractable extended leashes. These consist of a long cord that unreels from a lightweight housing and have a thumb break. They can be tricky to use, but they are light and easy to carry. My main problem with this type of leash is the control issue. If your dog should see something he likes again, out comes the long leash and if you don’t know how to use the thumb break, you can either get a hand burn or worse it breaks and you've lost control of your dog.

Concluding Thoughts

With that being said, all these designs come in a variety of styles and embellishments from real jewels to colors that will even match your jogging outfit.

There you have it, all the information you need to arm yourself with one of the tools of travel for you and your favorite companion.

More Tips

You'll find more fun and useful tips from Wendy Nan Rees at Two Minute Dog Advice.