Dog Leashes

While most of the time the selection of the collar is primarily for your pet, dog leashes are primarily for the owner. You want the leash to be comfortable in your hand, you want it to help you control your dog during training, you want it to be durable, and you want it to be safe.

This more often than not depends on both you and your pet. And the first thing to consider is the size of both of you. For instance it makes sense that if you are tall with a small dog, you'll need to look at longer dog leashes. It's the only way you'll be able to give your pet a comfortable amount of freedom yet still maintain control. If you are small and your dog is large, the distance from your hand to his collar is less, and you'll need a shorter lead. Obviously some other things come into play as well. Like if your dog is heavier you'll need a stronger and wider lead.

So let's take a look at some choices.

Cotton is a common choice for dog handlers because it is durable and inexpensive. And it is also comfortable in your hand. When it becomes dirty, a cotton leash is easy to wash.

A leather leash is also comfortable in your hand, but dogs (especially young pups) will have a tendency to mouth at it. Until your dog is trained not to chew on the leash, you may want to look at another material. But when it comes to a comfortable hold for the owner, leather is probably the best choice.

A chain leash eliminates any mouthing on the leash, but most people find them uncomfortable in their hands. They also tend to be heavy, and some training techniques are more difficult because they cannot be comfortably be folded in your hands. However if it's strength you need, a chain fits the bill.

A nylon leash is also very strong, but a little less comfortable on your hand if your dog tends to forge ahead. They can certainly cut and burn your hands, and even slip through under some circumstances. But again, nylon is hard for your pet to chew.

Another common choice is a retractable lead. These will give your pet more freedom, but will cut down on the control you have. Let the lead get too long, and it's not only annoying to passersby but it can also be dangerous. Here's another problem with a retractable lead, if your dog does happen to get away from you and your drop the handle, the noise that it makes behind your pet will actually frighten him, especially if he's noise sensitive. The result is he'll run harder and faster to try and get away from the noise that is following him.

Whatever leash you get it is essential that you learn to use it properly in training. Dog leashes are not a tool for punishing, but for guiding and teaching while maintaining a level of control.

Recommended Merchants

Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies - Dog.com is a great place to shop for your pet supplies. And they have a huge selection of dog leashes for you to choose from.

Petco.com - Another large pet superstore with an absolutely gigantic selection. Everything from name brands to more generic brands are here, all at great prices.

Pet Street Mall - Whether you want a leash for training or fashion, you'll find a great selection of leashes you won't find anywhere else.

Jake's Dog House - They have an absolutely huge selection of leashes, many of them unique. It will take a while to view them all but you'll surely find exactly what you want. They also have officially licensed merchandise.