Dogs require regular outdoor exercise and training to stay healthy and happy, but doing so without securing your dog can be a recipe for disaster. That’s why most dog owners will opt for a leash and collar or harness when taking their dog outside. This basic equipment is the easiest way to keep your dog under control when they encounter new situations or feel threatened. This is especially useful for people who are learning how to become registered dog breeders and taking care of more than one dog.
Leashes are an important tool when exercising and training your dog, and there are many different types of dog leashes available on the market today. Each type offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand what’s available before deciding which leash is right for you and your pup.
The Different Types of Dog Leashes
Standard Leash
The standard leash is a simple length of nylon or leather with a handle at one end and a clip at the other that attaches to your pup’s collar or harness. These leashes come in various lengths, from short four-foot leads to long thirty-foot leads. Standard leashes are incredibly versatile and can be used for training purposes or everyday walks.
They also come in various colours and designs, allowing you to match them with your pup’s personality. The only downside is that these leashes can be difficult to control in certain situations, such as when your dog pulls hard on them during a walk or when there’s a lot of distraction around them.
Retractable Leash
A retractable leash consists of a plastic handle with a cord that extends up to twenty-five feet in length. These leashes are great for giving your pup more freedom while still being able to maintain control when needed.
Retractable leashes can also be used as training tools since you can easily adjust how much freedom your pup has depending on their level of obedience. However, they should not be used with strong pullers as they may cause injury due to the jerking motion they require when reeled back in quickly. Additionally, these leashes require more maintenance than standard ones since the cord can become tangled easily if not stored properly after each use.
Hands-Free Leash
Hands-free leashes allow you to keep both hands free while walking your pup; most have an adjustable waist belt that allows you to move freely without having to hold onto anything at all! This makes them great for running and biking with your pup or if you need both hands free for other tasks such as carrying grocery bags home from the store.
Unfortunately, hands-free leashes don’t give you much control over your pup if they decide that they want to go somewhere else suddenly. However, this can be mitigated somewhat by holding onto the handle portion of the leash while walking your dog so that you have some degree of control over them if necessary.
Bungee Leash
Bungee leashes are designed to absorb shock if your pup suddenly pulls hard on the leash, preventing injuries from occurring due to sudden jerks or tugs on the leash itself. These types of leashes are typically made from a combination of nylon webbing and bungee cord material with either metal clips or plastic buckles at each end for attaching them securely around your pup’s collar or harness.
These function similarly to standard leashes, but typically end up being more expensive since the construction is more complicated. Bungee leashes can be a good option for lighter or less experienced dog owners.
Recall Training Leash
One of the most important things to teach your dog is the ability to recall, or return to you in case of an emergency. Because this type of training requires the dog to be farther away from their owner, recall training leashes will be longer, around 30 to 60 feet long. This would be impractical to use as a walking leash, so these types of leashes are often made to be easy to tie around some type of anchor.
Conclusion
No matter what type of leash you choose for your furry friend, make sure it’s well made and isn’t prone to fraying or breaking. Dogs can pull very hard (just ask any Husky or Samoyed owner) and a weak leash can often be worse than no leash at all. Whenever you take your dog, give their leash a once over to ensure that they haven’t chewed through the material. If necessary, order a spare leash since most are relatively inexpensive.
With proper care and attention given towards choosing the right type of leash and using it properly, both you and your pup will have plenty of enjoyable outdoor adventures together.
