How To Pick The Right Dog Leash

Every dog owner finds that there are times that a dog leash or lead is a useful and important part of his dog supplies. After all, we love having our best friends with us as often as possible and many places now have leash laws. That means besides our own yard, there are few places that we can let our pets run free.

While dog leads are a simple concept, a strap or chain intended to restrain the animal, there is much more to choosing the one that is right for you and your dog than you may think. This becomes obvious as you begin shopping for a dog leash. Even the smallest pet shop will carry a variety of leads, in varying lengths and made of anything from plastic to metal.

To determine which one is right for you and your pet you should begin with determining your specific needs. If you plan to use your lead for walking your dog as you stroll through the neighborhood for example, a nylon leash (4 – 6 feet long) is ideal. These leads have a clip for attaching to a harness or collar at one end and a loop handle at the other.

The proper length needed is determined by the height of the dog and by how much freedom you want to allow him. As you can imagine, the shorter the leash, the less freedom the dog will have to stray. Short leads are used during dog shows because they can provide greater control of the animal during competitions.

Most dog trainers agree that a 4 ft. lead made of soft braided leather works best for dog training. These leads also have a clip at one end and a loop handle at the other. The trainer can have a tight grip on the leash, which is often needed during training, and at the same time, the lead can easily be folded into a shorter length if the need arises.

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where you can safely allow your dog a little more freedom during walks, you will probably want to use a retractable lead. These leads are 15 – 25 feet long. They have a plastic handle and a thin rope (sometimes made of wire) that retracts automatically. This allows your pet freedom while keeping you in control.

There are also extended length dog leads made of nylon rope. These can range in length from 12 to 30 feet and they can be ideal for training a puppy to fetch or for tracking sessions.

Some dogs are used for special purposes, such as Guide Dogs (Seeing Eye Dogs) and other special assistance needs. Many of these dogs use leads that are specifically designed for that unique purpose.

Leads range in price from about $5 up to about $50. Knowing what you will be using the leash for will make your shopping much easier. Once in the store you should look for a leash that is made of quality material and that has secured stitches. Whether the lead is made of leather or nylon, it’s a good idea to look for one that feels soft. You and your pet will appreciate the flexibility. And finally, the clip should be sturdy. Check it out and consider the fact that it will be used repeatedly. Therefore, the clip should be made of a durable metal that will hold up to many uses.