A dog leash is one of the main elements of an animal’s equipment. Currently, there is a huge variety of leashes to suit every taste and budget. But not all of them are intended for walking.
Often, many novice dog breeders make the mistake of purchasing a leash for a dog that they simply like in appearance. But during use, you may find that such a leash begins to cause discomfort to both the owner and the pet.
To avoid such a mistake, let's talk today about what leashes exist and what tasks they perform. The choice of leash depends on the size and breed of your pet and what you want to do with it on a walk.
Type
Classic - a ribbon equipped with a handle and a carabiner. Relatively cheap and reliable leash. Made from canvas, leather, parachute line, nylon. Suitable for daily walks and training.
A tape measure is a compact product with a handle and a reel, which automatically adjusts the length of the cable/tape. Provides the dog with maximum freedom of movement, while the owner retains the ability to limit it. The tape measure cable/tape does not sag and does not get dirty from contact with the ground.
Disadvantages of a tape measure: high price, the dog gets used to pulling on the leash, which weakens discipline, the likelihood of the mechanism jamming, provoking a conflict between a pet on a leash and another dog (“tight leash aggression”), unpredictable consequences if the owner accidentally drops the tape measure. In the latter case, the frightened animal runs with all its might, “escaping” from the catching handle.
Many dog owners consider the tape measure a good choice for city walks. However, this leash is not suitable for training an animal and is not suitable for aggressive large breed dogs. There are roulettes for cats and rabbits.
Re-fastening - a tape with carabiners and rings for adjusting the length of the product. Area of application: training. The fastening is also used as a harness. But this accessory is not suitable for walking.
A ringovka is a cable with two loops, one of which is held by the dog owner, and the second is put on the tailed friend’s neck. With a sharp tug, the loop contracts, forcing the pet to release the tension. As a result, the dog takes the necessary pose, which is important at exhibitions.
Important: select the ring based on the color of the coat and the size of the animal in such a way as not to distort the length and proportions of the neck and not to distract the experts.
Driver – equipped with a loop or handle and a reliable carabiner. The optimal solution for large dogs, if you need to keep the dog at a short distance (public places, traveling on public transport). Not intended for full walking and training.
Svorka (sparka) - consists of 2 or 3 short leashes, each of which is equipped with a carabiner. The fold has a ring for attaching to the main leash. Allows you to walk 2 or 3 dogs. A good choice for exhibitions too. This accessory is not designed for training and long walks, as it hinders the movement of pets.
Chain – consists of a metal chain and a handle. The chain leash is characterized by an attractive appearance and high strength. The dog will not chew this leash. Disadvantages of the chain: heavy weight, the likelihood of links becoming detached when a large and strong animal jerks.
The chain is chosen for exhibitions, photo shoots and short walks. The product is not suitable for long-haired dogs - their hair often gets caught in the links, which leads to tangling. The chain is not suitable for puppies due to its massive size.
How to choose a harness
Harnesses are used for different purposes and are selected individually for each pet, taking into account not only the size of the dog itself, but also the characteristics of the accessory. The main requirements that you need to pay attention to when purchasing include:
- Materials used in the manufacture of harnesses. This issue should be taken seriously, since not all manufacturers treat it responsibly, and this can lead to the accessory breaking at the most inopportune moment. It is preferable to buy from durable, soft and friction-resistant materials. For example, nylon, neoprene or leather. It is important that the harness is easily washed off from all kinds of dirt that will appear on it during walks. Before purchasing, it is worth studying the information available on this issue so that you come to the store prepared. It is important to take into account the size of your pet when choosing ammunition from one material or another. So for dwarf breeds it is better to go with light fabric, and for large breeds - with leather.
- Clasps. They should be durable, but at the same time easy to fasten and unfasten. The most convenient options are those with multiple fastenings. This will not only keep the dog from jumping out of the equipment, but will also be as comfortable as possible for the pet, since you can adjust the sizes in several places.
- Fit to the body of the animal. The harness should sit on the pet in such a way that it does not move to the sides when moving, but there is no need to tighten the straps too much. This will lead to discomfort and can also damage the joints, and in places of friction, hair will begin to fall out and abrasions and calluses will form.
It is worth remembering that the harness is only used for walking and training your pet. They take it off at home.
Under no circumstances should an animal be left unattended with the accessory on. This can lead to tragic consequences: the dog may try to remove it on its own and get injured or even suffocate.
Roulette type
Cable - does not twist, but is not reliable enough. Suitable for small and calm animals.
Tape - withstands serious loads, but twists. This leash is used for medium breeds and active dogs.
Important: the cable version of the roulette leash requires careful handling. If the product is jammed, do not try to pull the dog with your hands: the animal’s jerk will result in a burn to your hand. In this regard, a tape leash is safer.
Harnesses for medium breed dogs
There is also a wide range of harnesses available for smaller dog breeds. These animals include the following breeds: American Bulldog, Australian Shepherd, American Pit Bull Terrier, Basset Hound, etc.
The most popular:
- Walking. Their structure is similar to harnesses for small breeds. Only the width and length of the belts will be greater, and the materials will be stronger. The option with a handle on the back is suitable for older and injured dogs of medium-sized breeds.
- For transportation in a car.
Leash length
This parameter determines how far the dog can move away from the owner. The longer the leash, the more comfortable the pet is on a walk. At the same time, control over the dog’s movement becomes more difficult, and the owner will be forced to carry the extra length of the leash in his hand (roulettes do not have this disadvantage). But a leash that is too short is also inconvenient for a four-legged dog. Therefore, the size of most products varies between 1-5 m.
The length of the leash depends on the breed and temperament of the animal, as well as the purpose of use:
- small rocks – 2-3 m;
- medium and large breeds – 3 m or more;
- active dogs – 4-5 m;
- walks without a leash - 1.5 m (equipment is needed only to bring the dog to a closed area);
- training – 1-2 m (working out basic commands), from 5 m (working out the commands “Apport”, “Place”, “Come to me”).
Approximate length of leashes based on type:
- classic – 1-10 m;
- tape measures – 2-8 m;
- re-stitches – 2 m;
- ringovki – 1.2-1.8 m;
- carriers – 0.4 m;
- chains – 1-1.5 m.
Harness for transporting dogs in the car
All pets behave differently when traveling: some sleep, while others fight the seats and try to escape. It will be optimal for restless dogs, as it has a special fastening that helps to fasten the pet and limit its movements around the car. Such ammunition is attached to special belts (included in the kit), which are passed through the upper handles in the car.
Thanks to the wide range, you can choose for any pet. Currently, 10 variants of such accessories have been developed, thanks to which you can choose it for a dog of any size.
Chest circumference, neck circumference
These characteristics are taken into account when choosing a harness for animals. A correctly selected accessory fits snugly to the pet’s body. This product does not compress the body and does not sag.
Chest circumference and neck circumference are determined using a measuring tape. The most important parameter is the chest girth - the widest point behind the front legs. Add 0.5-2 cm to the result obtained, depending on the size of the dog. In addition to these values, the length of the back is measured from the withers to the beginning of the tail. The withers are the highest point of the back in dogs and cats.
The choice of harness will be greatly facilitated by a special table that shows the standard sizes and the corresponding dog breeds. Products in size XXS (chest girth 33-45 cm) are optimal for Yorkshire terriers, Chihuahuas and toy poodles, and models in size XL (chest girth 90-130 cm) are suitable for English mastiffs, Newfoundlands, and St. Bernards.
Important: chest circumference for harnesses is given in a certain range, for example, 75-100 cm. This information is indicated approximately. Therefore, such an accessory may not be suitable for four-legged friends with a chest circumference of 75 cm or 100 cm in the middle of the size range - this would be the optimal option (87-88 cm). So, if the dog’s chest circumference is 100 cm, it is better to take a model in size XL.
When choosing a harness for a cat, rabbit or guinea pig, proceed from the fact that a finger should fit freely between the body of the animal and the belt of the product.
Harnesses for small breed dogs
Most miniature dogs are extremely mobile and have sharp small teeth. This is worth considering when choosing a harness. It should be made of light, but at the same time durable material. For example, from modern or artificial materials. Accessories made of tarpaulin are practically weightless, they can be washed without much effort, but they are also easily torn by a dog’s teeth. The clasp (carabiner) should also be strong, but not heavy.
For dwarf breeds, the following accessory options are best suited:
- Walking. It consists of several connected belts made of light and durable fabric with several fasteners that regulate volumes. There is a version of this harness with a handle. It is convenient in situations where you urgently need to pick up your pet, carry it through a puddle or other obstacle that is insurmountable for it.
- Soft. It is made from velor or any similar soft material. Suitable for Toy Terriers, Pekingese, Spitz, etc.
- Leather. Lightweight from thin strips, it is presented in stores in various versions and bright colors, decorated with decorative elements and even rhinestones.
- Vest. It is not only comfortable for babies to wear, but will also provide extra warmth. It consists of sheets of fabric covering the back and chest of the pet, and some have a layer of fur and other insulating materials. This model is suitable for breeds: Chinese Crested, Chihuahua, English Bulldog, Pug, Yorkshire Terrier, etc.
For dwarf pets, many manufacturers produce harnesses of various colors with all kinds of decorations.
Material
Tarpaulin is a durable and cheap material, resistant to environmental influences, easy to clean from dirt and does not slip in the hand. Classic leashes are made from tarpaulin. This product does not tear, but is chewed by a large and aggressive dog. Disadvantages: modest appearance; when wet, the ammunition becomes hard and unpleasant to the touch.
Nylon - similar in characteristics to tarpaulin. Used in the production of roulettes and classic models. The downside is the likelihood of injury to the hand when the dog jerks strongly when using a leash that is too narrow. Nylon models are good for medium and small breeds.
Important: It is not recommended to choose leather or canvas harnesses for cats because these materials are too hard and heavy. The optimal solution is a product made of nylon.
Leather is a pleasant to the touch and beautiful material. Disadvantages: high cost, the need to periodically treat the product with leather impregnation, deterioration in performance due to constant contact with water (cracking, loss of elasticity, deformation). Leashes made from several layers of leather delaminate over time. This equipment is purchased for small and medium-sized dogs.
Important: when choosing a leather leash, evaluate the quality of the material, including workmanship and density. A good leash should be stitched with thread, since the use of rivets in the product reduces its reliability. You should not buy a leather accessory for training: the ability of the material to soften the jerk does not allow you to achieve obedience from the dog.
Leatherette – artificial leather. This material is similar to genuine leather, but is cheaper and does not require special care. A leash/harness made of leatherette is inferior in strength, wear resistance and decorative qualities to leather accessories.
Metal is a very durable and impressive-looking material. Metal models are designed for fighting dogs that can easily chew through nylon, leather and leatherette. Cons: heavy weight, short length.
Important: choose a metal leash with welded links, since bent links will most likely not withstand a strong tug from the animal and will unbend.
Tips and tricks
To be on the safe side, some dog handlers recommend making leashes yourself. To do this, you need to baste cotton braid (3 cm) and decorative tape (1.5 cm), wrap the tape at the edge to secure the carabiner, stitch the joint, and on the other side measure the required distance and sew the tip in the form of a loop for the hand.
A few more tips for teaching your puppy to walk on a leash:
- teach the dog the command “Near” - this position must be to the left of the owner;
- If the exercise is successfully completed, use treats and praise;
- gradually wean the puppy off the treat so that the dog develops a reflex and does not resist control through the leash.
See below for an overview of all dog leashes.
Equipment
Adjustable length – allows you to control the dog’s movement in any situation. A similar option is most often provided in roulettes and re-stitches.
Lining – provides the animal with the most comfortable and safe wearing of the harness. The lining in the leashes serves for additional convenience for the owner.
Reflective elements improve the visibility of the animal at night, which reduces the risk of a car hitting it. They will come in handy if your pet walks near highways.
A water-repellent coating is important when bathing a dog in a lake, pool, river or other body of water.
Jogging belt – worn by the dog owner. A leash is attached to the belt, which in turn is fastened to the collar (has two carabiners). Frees up your hands when jogging and walking with your dog. Often equipped with pockets for storing small items: pet treats, mobile phone, water bottle.
Shock-absorbing spring – protects the dog from accidental injuries due to sudden jerks. This leash is optimal for energetic and active pets, but is not used for training.
The leash can also be equipped with a wrist mount (useful when jogging), a bicycle mount (for cycling with a dog), or a car seat belt mount (useful when traveling with a dog in a car).
Features of choice for a puppy
The ideal leash for a puppy is a harness. This specimen is suitable for individuals aged 6-10 months. The fact is that at this age, puppies are often susceptible to injury due to excessive activity, and a harness is a product designed for walking injured dogs. It reduces the stress on the hind legs and spine, thereby preventing the puppy from suffering injuries such as twisted elbows.
According to most users, a roulette leash is not suitable for a puppy. Usually dogs make their first trip outside at the age of 2-3 months. This period is very important in the life of a puppy, and from this age the pet needs to be educated and taught the rules of walking. Roulette gives too much freedom to the puppy and it becomes very difficult to control his actions.
Under such conditions, it is problematic to teach a dog child to behave correctly during a walk. Therefore, give preference to regular canvas leashes.
Manufacturer
Brands of dog leashes can be divided into three groups: little-known local leashes, high-quality products from well-known brands and elite ammunition from popular manufacturers.
The first group of products usually consists of the simplest canvas and leashes made of leatherette and nylon. For example, brands AnimAll, Kristel, My Wuf and so on. They are quite enough for the usual function of walking the dog. Disadvantages: simple appearance, uncomfortable handles, unreliable carabiners that can break suddenly. Cheap harnesses are extremely rarely designed correctly; they often rub dogs’ armpits, put pressure on the elbows, and distribute the load incorrectly.
A good combination of price and quality include products from Collar, Trixie, Coastal, Collar, Ferplast, Flexi, Karlie-Flamingo. A variety of materials (high-quality nylon, biotan, leather), reliable carabiners, attractive design and a wide selection of colors - these qualities are inherent in leashes and harnesses of these brands. It is worth noting that Flexi roulettes have long been leaders among roulette manufacturers: they are reliable, convenient, more expensive than no-name models, but their purchase is 100% justified. This is especially noticeable with large breeds. If almost any tape measure can withstand a small one, then with a strong tug from a heavy dog it can fail, which is unacceptable! Brands in this group also like to create unique new products and experiment with materials. This allows the buyer to choose a high-quality and comfortable leash of any length and width. Harnesses are usually well designed, but you still need to try them on and don't hesitate to return the product to the store if the model doesn't suit your dog. You cannot wear an uncomfortable or “wrong” harness, because this is harmful to the dog’s health.
The most expensive leashes are the famous brands Hunter and Hurrta. Their prices may differ several times. This is due to the popularity of the brand, their promotion and high-quality advertising campaign. Of course, the ammunition is very reliable and beautiful, but it works no better than the products of the second group.
Conclusion
There are many varieties of leashes, if we classify them by type of structure, material of the main product, and purpose. Based on the statistics provided, tape-type nylon products are popular this year. They have excellent strength, are easy to wash, resistant to wear, physical and solar exposure. Less popular options include leashes made of metal (chain), canvas, and leather.
Note! The list does not include models made of biothane or polyurethane.
The choice of a leash for your pet should be made consciously, taking into account its activity and weight category. Well, which one is better is up to the buyer to decide.
