So Many Dogs, So Many Dog Leashes

While there are a number of different dog leashes on the market, they essentially all provide the same benefits, so with little research you can decide which dog leash best suits the needs of you and your pet. Whether being used for walking or training, it is essential that you maintain control over the animal at all times, mostly for the safety of your pet, but also out of courtesy and respect for others. There are basically three different types of dog leashes to choose from; nylon or cotton webbing, leather, and retractable leads. We will look at the pro and cons of each.

Most of the one-piece, nylon or webbed-cotton dog leashes are ideal for most pet owners. Not only are they are extremely strong, they are easy to wash, quick drying, and come in many colors to match other dog collars. While leather is another option, which is strong and durable, they are more expensive and do not dry out well, so if your dog likes the water, or is walked in a rainy climate, this is not a wise choice. A retractable leash is yet another option. This type of lead is extendable, allows your dog the freedom to roam, within reason, while still maintaining a fair bit of control over your pet.

Most of the one-piece dog leashes are 4-6 feet long, that conveniently snap onto a dog collar or dog harness, and keeps the animal close enough to you that you always have complete control over your pet’s movements. With the retractable leads, a spring action controls the amount of space your dog has to walk away from you, while a braking system allows you to stop the dog, or lock the leash at a certain length. As you near the dog, the lead automatically rewinds inside the holder. Retractable leads are great in open spaces, such as a park, but not as viable on city streets, where unexpected situations arise, unless you keep it locked with a short lead.