If you’ve got a dog in your life, you put a lot of thought into his care. You’ve researched the best foods, beds, veterinary care and even insurance plans. But there’s one aspect of a dog’s life that many owners don’t give too much thought to – the leash!
Your dog’s leash is just as essential to his well-being as, say, his dental care. Don’t believe us? Read on to learn about:
- Why choosing the right leash is so important
- Different types of dog leashes
- What the law has to say about leashing your pup
As you’ll learn, a good leash is an important decision, whether you’ve got a puppy or a senior dog. Are you ready to dive into the 2018 guide to the best dog leashes? Let’s get started!
The dog leash
Let’s talk for a moment about why it’s so important that you have a leash for your dog. Of course, a good leash makes those afternoon walks much easier, but there are certainly other factors you should consider when choosing to buy a leash.
While your dog is at home, he’s free to do as he wishes. He may run around chasing squirrels, or simply lounge under a shade tree. But when you’re out and about, there are other things you’ll need to think about.
The first is your dog’s safety. Things that seem like common sense to humans aren’t second nature to a dog. For instance, a busy street may appear dangerous to humans, while to a dog a trafficked road is tempting. So many cars to chase! Keeping your dog on a lead allows you to help your dog make good choices!
Secondly, you never know what to expect when you bring your dog out in public. You may have the best-behaved dog on the planet, but when faced with an uncertain situation he may react unexpectedly. An example of this is if a rowdy child approaches your pup. That child may startle Rover and cause him to snap.
Thirdly, a good leash will protect your dog from disease! Your dog will be less likely to be exposed to fleas, distemper or even parvovirus if you can keep him close to you as you’re out and about.
Finally, in some cases it’s just the law! All around the world, different communities establish leash laws, requiring you to keep your dog on a leash when in public and not in designated areas. It’s not cruel – in fact, its smart! Leash laws protect your dog and protect the public from dogs who aren’t so well-behaved.
Walk with style
Now, a good dog leash is practical. Sometimes it’s even required by law. But there’s something else that leashes offer you and your pet – style!
There are literally thousands of leash designs on the market for you to choose from. Whether you want a basic black leash or you and your dog would prefer a sassy pink or red one, there’s guaranteed to be a leash out there that you and your pup will adore.
Many leashes are sold alongside matching collars, so you can coordinate your set. Then, choose an identification tag to complete the look. You’ll find shapes ranging from hearts and dog bones to fire hydrants and skull and crossbones! There’s truly something to suit every taste!
Of course, you’ll want to be sure your dog tag is properly secured to his collar, and that it contains identifying information. At a minimum, your name, your dog’s name and your phone number should be on your dog’s tag.
A practical and functional dog leash
It may be fun to choose from different styles of dog leash. Should you buy the pink one or the black one? But what’s more important to choosing the color and pattern of your dog leash is the functionality of your leash.
We’ll talk about the different types of dog leashes in just a moment. First, it would be smart to consider what you’ll be using your leash for. Obviously you’ll be using the product to walk and contain your pup. But will you also be using it to train him? To transport him to the vet’s office?
You’ll also need to factor in the size of your dog. A Bichon Frise will be just fine with a thinner leash and lighter hardware. A Saint Bernard will obviously need something much sturdier.
Finally, when you’re choosing a dog leash, take your own needs into account. Are you comfortable holding your leash or would you prefer something hands-free? Are you a dog walker who will be carrying multiple leashes at once? Does your dog like to stray, and you’d prefer something retractable? Your dog and your lifestyle are both things you’ll need to consider when you choose a leash!
Are you ready to learn more about the different types of dog leashes? Let’s look at what’s available to you as you shop for a lead for your pup!
When to use a long or short dog leash
As you shop for your dog’s new leash, you’ll notice that there are a variety of leash lengths available. Some leashes are very long, while others are extremely short, just a couple feet in length.
You’ll use different lengths of lead in different situations. Long leashes can be used for training, for walks and even for tie-outs for your dog. Short leashes can also be used for training, but can also be used for walking busy streets, transport in a vehicle or even for cycling.
Again, you’ll have to consider what you’d like to do with your leash as you choose one. For everyday walks, a standard, mid-sized leash will probably be fine. If you’re going to be training or walking your pup in unusual circumstances, a different length might be necessary.
Alright, so are you ready to begin looking for your new leash? Let’s look at the different types of dog leashes available to you and your best friend.
Different kinds of dog leashes
As we mentioned, different types of leashes are suitable for different activities and lifestyles. Here are the most popular dog leash choices on the market today.
The leather leash
The leather leash is traditionally used to train dogs in law enforcement and military. It’s strong and sturdy, and it’s a little shorter than some other leashes. That means it’s great for training dogs, even if they’re big dogs!
Keep in mind that leather is a tasty snack for some dogs! Store your leather leash out of reach of your puppy to prevent him from chewing on it.
The retractable leash
The retractable leash is a great all-purpose tool. Typically, these leashes consist of a plastic handle with a small switch. When you push that switch, the leash will get shorter. You can then lock the leash to your desired length.
Retractable leashes are super practical! You can use them to take your dog out to relieve himself, keeping him in a designated “potty spot.” You can use a retractable leash for everyday walks, too. In an open space? Give your dog a little more room. Near traffic? Pull the leash in shorter.
The hands-free leash
The hands free leash is a very convenient option if … well … you need to keep your hands free! You may frequently bring your pup shopping downtown, or may want to push a stroller while you walk your dog. Hands free leashes are also a good option if you’re hiking with your dog, or just want your digits available to answer your phone or scroll through social media.
Hands free dog leashes attach to your waist. Some models feature an additional hand grip so that you can quickly manage your dog if he strays too far.
Leash couplers
Leash couplers are ideal for people who are walking more than one dog! They’re attachments which fit to your everyday leash to create a “Y” shape. That means you can keep control of two dogs at once, using only one hand.
Dog walkers also love the leash coupler. Couplers keep leads from becoming tangled as you walk multiple dogs.
Paracord leash
One type of leash you may not have considered is a paracord leash. Paracord leashes are made from a strong nylon material which is braided or woven into an attractive style. When unwound, these leashes can triple in length, creating a very convenient survival tool!
You’ll find paracord leashes in all sorts of colors and strengths. These leashes are ultra-durable and some can support as much as 600 pounds
Bike leash
If you’re a cyclist, you may be interested in a bike leash for your dog! These leashes are a straight arm that attaches to your bicycle, allowing your dog to run alongside you while keeping his distance from your bike.
Some people choose to use bike leashes with wheelchairs. Of course, service dogs will generally have a specific lead that they were trained with. But companion dogs can be “attached” to a wheelchair using a bike leash.
Traffic leash
A traffic leash is an extremely short leash that’s used, as you might expect, in high traffic areas. Use a traffic leash to cross the streets of London or New York. Attach a traffic leash as you ride the ferry, to keep your pup close to you. Or, if you’re at a crowded event, traffic leashes are very useful. They’ll keep your dog safe from harm, and will make him feel more secure in stressful situations.
Frequently asked questions about dog leashes
There are so many different styles, lengths and types of dog leashes that sometimes the choices can be overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by those who are shopping for a new leash.
1. Is a retractable dog leash the most common?
A retractable dog leash isn’t necessarily the most common type of leash. Generally, people who are unfamiliar with the different styles of leads opt for a standard nylon leash. Standard leashes are good for everyday use, whether you’re taking your pup out to do his business or going for a walk around the neighborhood.
Retractable leashes, though, are probably one of the best options for dog owners. They offer additional control you won’t get with a standard leash. They’re strong, they’re durable and because they do retract they’re easy to store. Just tuck the lead in and stash your leash in a kitchen drawer or hang it on your leash holder.
2. How do I know when to choose a paracord dog leash?
Paracord dog leashes are available in many styles. You’ll find them in the big ecommerce stores as well as within handcrafted shops like Etsy. In fact, there are many DIY guides available online that teach you to make your own paracord leash!
Because they’re so easy to come by, paracord leads are growing in popularity. But how do you know if you need them? Well, you can certainly use a paracord leash even if you don’t have a specific need for one. But paracord leashes are very useful survival tools. If you’re a hiker, a camper or are participating in other outdoors activities, a paracord leash is very useful to have.
Large dogs can also be easily handled using a paracord leash. These leads can withstand a lot of pressure. In some cases, they can support as much as 600 pounds of weight pulling against them!
3. What is the best dog leash?
Well, that’s for you to decide! As you now know, there are different types of leashes for different situations. Your particular situation may only require that you have a lightweight lead. Maybe you’ve got a small dog, or only use the leash to lead the dog from your home to your car. In that case, a lightweight standard leash will do just fine.
We do recommend that you consider a retractable leash. These are great for keeping your dog close in the case of unexpected danger, or to prevent him from chasing that squirrel or deer. If your dog is larger, you may opt for a paracord or leather leash which tend to be a bit stronger.
So, what’s the best dog leash? The best dog leash is a quality leash that fits your style, your circumstances and your needs!
4. Is there a benefit to a leather dog leash?
First things first. Many people choose not to use a leather dog leash because, obviously, they’re created from animal products. These leads can be made from the hide of cows, sheep or other animals. If that doesn’t bother you, though, there are a few reasons why you might choose a leather leash.
First, leather leashes aren’t as prone to holes, fraying and dirt as nylon and other leashes are. They stay looking sharp no matter the conditions in which you use them, whether you’re walking your dog in rain or sunshine.
Secondly, people who use leather leashes swear by how comfortable they are. They’re easy to hold and won’t slip in your hands like some other leashes will. That means happier walks for everyone.
Finally, leather leashes are often shorter than other leashes. That means they’re great not only to keep your pup close by, but also to assist with training.
5. Should I get a dog leash holder?
Yes! We certainly recommend it! There are some very simple, practical reasons for this. First, your dog loves to go on walks! By stashing your leashes out of reach with a dog leash holder, you’ll remove his temptation to grab his leash and cause damage to it.
Secondly, a dog leash holder keeps your leads, should you have more than one, tangle-free and in good condition. When your leads are on a holder, they won’t get lost or sucked up in the vacuum cleaner. (Hey! It happens!)
Finally, and most practically, it’s convenient! When your leads are all stored together, it’s easy to just grab the one you want. If there’s an emergency, or if your dog just needs an emergency bathroom break, you can quickly find and attach the leash you want.
Leash holders are like leashes – if you can imagine the style, someone probably sells it! Choose from modern designs, rustic styles or even cute and whimsical holders.
6. I’ve heard a hands-free dog leash is great. Is that true?
Yes! But as with any dog leash, a hands-free lead offers both pros and cons.
Hands-free leashes are wonderful if your dog goes everywhere with you. Taking the pup to the shops? Wear a hands-free lead so you can carry all those bags. Toting your baby around with you? A hands-free lead will allow you to have full control over both your dog and your baby.
There are setbacks to a hands-free lead, though. The biggest complaint people have is that the leads don’t offer the same level of distance control as retractable or other leads. With that said, many do have an “emergency” handle, a handle that you can grab if you need to pull your dog quickly to safety.
Another complaint is that those with larger waistlines may find the leashes uncomfortable. Not all hands-free leads are made to accommodate heavier individuals, so if you have any concerns, try the lead on before you buy it.
7. What about biking? Should I get a bike leash for safety?
Dog bike leashes are fairly new things. As more people around the world begin to commute via bicycle or even just ride for pleasure, the concept of a bike leash is becoming more popular. There are a few popular brands of bike leads, so although your options are more limited than with other leashes, they still exist.
So how do they work? Well, this leash is like an arm that connects to your bike. Usually this connection is made at a lower point, like by the back wheel, so as to maintain a low center of gravity. This low center of gravity allows your pup to run alongside your bike without causing you to tip.
There’s something you should keep in mind as you shop for a bike leash. That is this: what are the traffic rules in your country? The reason this is a consideration is because not all bike leads can be used on either side of your bike. So, for instance, in the United States you’d likely want to buy a leash that attaches to the right hand side of your bicycle. This will keep your dog out of the way of traffic.
8. What should I look for when buying a dog leash?
Of course, you now know about the different types of leashes, as well as the different materials they can be made from. You’ve got a lot to consider: do you want a leather leash or a nylon one? Prefer a paracord leash or one that’s bright pink? You choose!
However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you’re buying a leash:
- Don’t be cheap! A good leash is a good investment in your safety and your dog’s, so don’t be afraid to splurge a little.
- Keep your dog’s size in mind. If you’re shopping for a puppy, remember you may have to “upgrade” as your dog grows.
- Try to avoid rubber leashes. Rubber loses its integrity over time. These leashes can become brittle and can snap and break at a critical moment.
- Recognize your leash laws. This goes without saying – pay attention to the leash laws in your community as you shop for your dog’s lead.
- Always buy a backup lead! You never know when one will be lost, wet or otherwise unavailable.
9. How should I care for my dog’s leash?
Good question! That, of course, depends upon the type of leash you buy. Here are some tips to ensure that your leash lasts a long time:
- If you’ve chosen a leather leash, be sure to oil it. Oiling your leather will keep it looking great and will protect it from becoming dry and cracking.
- Never wash your leash in bleach! Bleach is very harsh and can damage the fibers of your leash, compromising its integrity.
- If you must wash your leash, simply use a damp cloth and some dish soap. Rinse clean, then hang to air dry.
- If your leash gets wet in the rain, it’s best to hang it to dry. This prevents mold and mildew as well as some pretty funky smells.
- Retractable leashes should always be stored fully retracted.
- Bike leads should be stored in a dry place to prevent rusting.
10. Do I need to use a harness with my leash?
That’s a great question! Dog harnesses can be used in some cases instead of collars. So why would you choose to do that? Well, there are a few reasons!
- Harnesses are great for puppies! Puppies are, naturally tiny little things that can easily slip free from their collars. A harness is more secure and can help prevent injury to your little one.
- Big dogs can benefit from harnesses, too. If your dog is strong, a harness may give you additional control as you are out and about.
- If your dog is energetic, a harness can help keep him safe. Harnesses are less likely to cause injury to the neck as your dog pulls against his lead.
- Harnesses are very useful when travelling. Rather than make your dog travel in a pet carrier, why not use a seatbelt harness to keep your pup safe?
You don’t necessarily need a harness with your dog leash, but they do offer benefits. Less instance of injury, more control and a better sense of security are just a few of these “pros.”
11. Do I need a leash for my indoor dog?
It’s a good idea to have a lead on hand, even if your dog stays indoors all the time. Travel with your dog will be easier with a lead, because dogs need potty breaks, too! A leash will also be necessary for trips to the veterinary office or the groomer.
12. What if I don’t have a dog? Can I still buy a leash?
We’re so glad you asked! We wanted to put a little “something for everyone” into this guide to leashes, so we’ve got to include non-dog owners, too. You can buy a leash for your cat, your bunny or your ferret. They make leashes for children, too!
But if you don’t have pets and are hesitant to put your kid on a leash, you can always buy a good invisible dog leash. Like the other leashes in this guide, invisible dog leashes carry some distinct benefits:
- Make that pesky neighbor think she’s going crazy.
- All the fun of leash shopping without the hassle of actually owning a dog.
- Great conversation starter.
- Won’t chase the mailman.
- You can bring your invisible dog into any restaurant or store without fear of being kicked out.
- Landlords love them.
In Summary
Sometimes it may seem like choosing a leash is more difficult than choosing an actual dog. Rest assured: it’s not as tricky as it may seem. Simply choose a few options that suit the size of your dog, your use for the leash and your individual lifestyle. Then, go shopping! And remember, there’s nothing wrong with owning more than one type of leash. It’s best to be prepared for any situation you and your pup may encounter.
