Jan 24, 2018

Guide to Buying a Dog Leash


Category: General
Posted by: Suresh

Dog owners have different reasons for buying a dog leash. For some, this is a simple and effective way of imposing control over their dogs during training or while taking a walk. For others, it is a means of preventing their dogs from wandering into areas where they’re not allowed or keep them from running into the streets where they may injure themselves. That being said, the primary purpose of having a dog leash basically boils down to keeping your dog safe and under control.
Contrary to popular belief, choosing and buying the perfect leash for your dog is not as straightforward as many believe it to be. Each dog is different—in terms of size and behaviour—and so are their needs. All these factors should be taken into consideration when looking for the right dog leash. If you’re in the market for one, the following paragraphs should help you make the right (or at least a more informed) decision.

Types of Dog Leash

There are many different types of dog leash available in the market nowadays. Here are the more common ones that you’ll see around.

Standard Dog Leash

This type of dog leash is the most basic of all the types available, and is likely what you’ll imagine a leash to be. This can be made of either a solid or braided material, and is typically used for everyday walking. The standard dog leash is usually made from leather or nylon, though there are now manufacturers who make them out of cotton or rubber.

Along that line, a dog leash made from cotton or rubber is not very common, and are often considered to be less durable compared to nylon or leather.

Retractable Dog Leash

Retractable dog leash looks somewhat like a measuring tape with a nylon cord that can extend anywhere between four to thirty feet. The plastic handle where the cord is housed also contains a locking mechanism which allows you to lock the length of the leash to your desired length. Releasing the locking mechanism automatically retracts the leash back inside the handle.

Although quite popular among many dog owners, these type of dog leash is not for everyone—or every dog. There are several reasons why this is so.

First, they provide you with limited control over your dog as they tend to take advantage of the varying lengths provided by this type of dog leash. Second, your dog may get rope burn when you suddenly press on the “braking” mechanism as they run. Lastly, dogs who tend to just get up and sprint without notice (as is the case when they see a squirrel or something they want to chase down) may damage the locking mechanism.

All that being said, a retractable dog leash is recommended for smaller dogs since they don’t require much effort to control. It can also be used for larger dogs that are trained and well-behaved.

Adjustable Dog Leash

In a manner of speaking, this type of dog leash falls somewhere between a standard and a retractable dog leash. That is, it can allows you to maintain control over the dog as a standard dog leash would, but at the same time it gives you the flexibility of a retractable dog leash since you can vary it’s length. This of leash can go between three feet to six feet. The length is adjusted by adding or removing loops and clips along the leash.

Because of this, adjustable dog leash gives you the best of both worlds: it provides you with a short enough leash for basic training, as well as a longer leash to give your dog more freedom and lead room during your outdoor walks.