What’s in a leash? These days, there are all kinds of leashes on the market. How do you choose the right leash for you?
It's important to choose the right leash that's comfortable for you and safe for your dog.
Standard leashes
A standard leash can be made of nylon, rope, leather, or certain types of flexible plastic material.
Nylon leashes are relatively popular these days, and they are an easy and inexpensive option for most dog guardians. If you have a strong puller or a leash-reactive dog, this type of fabric might hurt your hands and can make it difficult to manage an out-of-control dog. (In these cases, Victoria recommends a non-aversive no-pull harness.)
Leather leashes may be easier to grip if you have a large, strong dog who pulls on a leash or is reactive on a walk. Leather leashes will be easier to hold onto and will not cause the burning on your hands that other types of leashes can.
Some people prefer the strength and look of a rope leash, and for some dogs who are chewers, tough rope leashes might work well. Sometimes these leashes are thick, so hold the leash and be sure it’s comfortable for your hands before you buy it.
Some flexible, plastic leashes are made from polyester webbing with a TPU or PVC coating. This material is waterproof, easy to grip, and lightweight.
Leashes with traffic handles
Some leashes have a second looped handle built into the leash, close to the clip. This is called a traffic handle and is designed to allow you to hold your dog close to you in crowded situations. This can be useful for tall, large, and strong dogs who must be walked in urban or busy environments. These might also be useful for dogs who react to specific situations or for dogs and people navigating narrow apartment building doorways, stairways, or elevators.
Double-connection leashes
The Positively Double-Connection Leash is intended for use with the Positively No-Pull Harness, although it can be used with any no-pull harness that clips in multiple places. Double connection leashes are great for training a dog that pulls or lunges on a leash, as you do not have to worry about getting multiple leashes tangled up.
Waist leashes
Some leashes are designed to be worn around your waist, or across your chest like a sash, allowing both of your hands to be free when walking with your dog. While this sounds like a great idea, these leashes should be chosen and used with care and only for certain dog and human combinations.
Being pulled over and falling is one of the main risks with these leashes. Even small dogs can pull strongly toward something and cause you to lose your balance. Also, if a dog were to lunge and keep moving, you run the risk of being dragged.
For dogs with more advanced training, especially small dogs who don’t pull or lunge, this can be an option. But do consider if this is the right option for you.
Ideal leash length and width
For most walking situations for most dogs, regardless of their size, a six-foot leash will work well. You may need a longer or shorter leash, depending on the dog and the environment in which you are walking. Six feet allows enough room for the dog to sniff and walk comfortably but isn’t so long that the dog can get too far from you. You can also easily and temporarily shorten a six-foot leash in a close or crowded situation simply by looping some length of the leash in your hand. Shorter leashes might have their place for some training situations, but usually, they don’t allow the dog enough freedom of movement.
The width of the leash will depend on your dog’s size and strength. Small breeds and breed mixes will be fine with a lightweight, narrow leash, and a thicker leash might weigh them down.
For medium or large dogs, use a wider or thicker leash so the leash won’t break.
Retractable leashes
If there is one type of leash to be avoided, it's a retractable leash.
- These leashes give guardians minimal control over their dogs, and are responsible for injuries to both guardians and dogs, even contributing to a number of fatal accidents in dogs.
- Retractable leashes allow dogs to get dangerously far away from their person, without a way of getting the dog back quickly.
- Dogs can easily run out into the street and get hit by a car, while the handler can do little but stand by and watch.
- The cord on retractable leashes can cause severe burns to bare skin and can get easily twisted around a dog’s neck or legs.
- The locking mechanisms on these leashes are prone to breaking, which could mean your dog could suddenly dart further from you than planned.
- The handle of a retractable leash is large and can be difficult to handle.
- If you accidentally drop the retractable leash, the plastic handle would then drag along the ground or possibly whip back into a shorter position, which could scare or even injure your dog.
Retractable leashes should only be used in open spaces and great care should be taken to avoid injury to you and your dog. They should never be used in crowded areas or while walking next to busy roads.
